DOWNER'S LATE RED CHERRY. 



SYNONYMS. 



CHARACTERS. 



Form. — Round, heart shape, rather flat on the under side where the dividing line is 

 visible, full round on the other. 



Color. — Light pale translucent amber red on the sunny side, light amber on the other. 



Flavor. — Fine sprightly sweetish acid. 



Size. — 3/ths to %ths of an inch diameter each way. 



Stone. — Full size rather under jo an inch long by ,5^ths wide. 



Leaf. — Narrow, oblong ovate, in the proportion of about two inches wide to four inches 

 long ; deeply, unequally and doubly serrate, generally two ovate dark 

 red glands on the petiole, just below the leaf; sometimes, however, only 

 one, and sometimes three glands are present. 



Wood. — Rather light color, lively reddish brown. 



Buds. — Being a late cherry the buds are more oval than those of earlier kinds. 



HISTORY AND CULTIVATION. 



This valuable variety was originated by Samuel Downer, Esq., of Dor- 

 chester, Avho was one of the earhest and most zealous members of this 

 Society, and we give his OAvn description as published in the New England 

 Farmer, Feb. 19, 1830. 



•'S. DOWNER'S NATIVE MAZZARD CHERRY." 



" Fruit is as large as the Black Heart, but more the shape of the Honey 

 Heart ; color light red ; flesh middling hard ; flavor very pleasant and 

 sprightly ; semi transparent ; can ascertain the size of the stone, which is 

 not large, by holding a cherry before a candle. A constant and great 

 bearer, and has not failed to yield abundantly each season for the last ten 

 years ; tree does not run up like the Mazzard, but is formed more like the 

 May Duke ; ripens late, same time as the little common Mazzard ; on this 

 account it is more valuable. Stands high Avith the marketmen, and com- 

 mands a good price. I planted the stone of the above mentioned tree 

 lAventytwo years since. It has never been moved from the place where it 

 originally sprang up." 



The above cherry is now called " Downer's Late Red." 



The late maturity of this luscious cherry renders it particularly desirable, 

 and it is accordingly very generally cultivated in this vicinity. It obtained 

 one of the special premiums in 1847. The tree is hardy, of a vigorous, 

 upright growth, round and symmetrical, a profuse and certain bearer. 

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