CHERRIES. 119 



The Cherry Tree (Primus Cerasus) is said to have 

 been introduced into Italy from Pontus, in Asia, by the 

 Roman general, Lucullus. From the " London cries 1 ' of 

 Lydgate, it appears that " cherries in the ryse," or in 

 twiggs, were hawked in London at the beginning of the 

 fifteenth century. Excellent sorts have at various times 

 been introduced from the Continent, and, of late years, 

 several first-rate new varieties have been raised in England. 

 Geans included, the Horticultural Society's Catalogue enu- 

 merates no fewer than 219 varieties; the following may be 

 accounted some of the best. 



The Early Purple Griotte may be first mentioned, as 

 being the earliest of all cherries, sometimes ripening in the 

 end of May, and generally early in June. It is not yet 

 generally known in England, but deserves cultivation, the 

 fruit being large, of a fine purple color, and of rich flavor. 



Knight's Early Black is a large, dark colored cherry, 

 of excellent quality, ripening in the end of June. 



The May Duke is one of the most common, and, at the 

 same time, one of the most valuable cherries. In fine 

 seasons, and on a good aspect of wall, it begins to color in 

 May ; and in such situations it is generally ripe from the 

 middle to the end of June. The tree also bears well as a 

 dwarf standard, but against a wall the fruit gets larger, and 

 does not fall off in flavor. 



The Royal Duke is a rich, sweet cherry, with most of 

 the qualities of a May Duke. On a standard it ripens in 

 August. 



Bigarreau, or Graffion. — This is an excellent fruit, 

 especially when it -gets the protection of a wall. In the 

 cherry orchards of England this sort is now pretty exten- 

 sively cultivated, the fruit meeting with a ready sale, and 

 vast quantities being required for the London market. 



