PEACHES AND NECTARINES 201 



ing for a single quality and the overlooking of 

 other qualities. 



But whatever the explanation, the fact remains 

 that this species of the Chinese peach is not to be 

 looked to as introducing the elements of hardi- 

 ness and virility. 



Nevertheless in the Southern States the 

 Chinese peach, which seems to be of tropical 

 origin, thrives and is even quite as popular as 

 the Persian strains. 



Fortunately some of the varieties of the Eu- 

 ropean stock are vigorous and hardy growers. 

 But the development of new varieties that will be 

 absolutely resistant to the diseases to which the 1 

 peach is peculiarly subject is a task that invites 

 the plant experimenter. I have already referred 

 to the success in this regard that attended some 

 of my hybridizing experiments. 



My new peaches, named respectively the 

 Leader and the National, both of them crosses of 

 the Muir and Crawford stock, have been entirely 

 free from any suspicion of mildew or curl leaf. 



But there is demand for a great variety of 

 peaches, and it is highly desirable that the aver- 

 age stock of this important fruit should be greatly 

 improved in regard to virility. 



That the peach may under favorable conditions 

 live to an old age and continue in bearing is dem- 



