FLORA OF THE MOUNTAIN. 277 



FRUIT-TREES AND ESCULENT VEGETABLES. 



FRUIT-TREES. 



THAT the Alleghany could supply itself with fine fruit of almost 

 every kind there is not the slightest doubt. The indifference of the 

 mountain counties to this department of earth cultivation, as well as 

 many other " cultures," is to be much regretted by all the friends of 

 progress of that region. This indifference or carelessness is not con- 

 fined, however, to the mountain districts of the State. The follow- 

 ing observations of the venerable Dr. Darlington, the justly celebrated 

 botanist of Chester County, are, it would seem, as applicable to his 

 district as to the one here alluded to. Looking, as the inhabitants 

 of the wilderness counties do, to the East for evidences of civili- 

 zation and light, it was to be hoped that the cultivated county 

 of Chester had passed the "thoughtlessness" at least, not to speak of 

 the rudeness and barbarism deplored by the Doctor in one part of 

 his observations on this subject. He says : " Indeed, it is melancholy 

 to reflect how thoughtless and negligent mankind generally are with 

 respect to providing fruit for themselves. There are few persons 

 who do not own or occupy sufficient ground to admit of three or four 

 choice fruit-trees and a grapevine ; such, for instance, as an apricot, 

 a peach, a May-duke cherry, a Catharine pear, and a Catawba 

 grape; yet the great majority seem never to think of planting such 

 trees, while they are ready enough to invade the premises, and revel 

 on the fruits of some more provident neighbor ! It is due to the 

 minor morals of the community that such disreputable negligence 

 and such marauding practices should cease to be tolerated." flora 

 Cestrica, p. 72. 



PYRUS COMMUNIS, common Pyrus, or Pear-tree. This tree is a 

 native of Europe. There are many varieties of this delightful fruit, 

 which should be cultivated wherever it will grow. The mountain 

 counties have not given the care they should to the cultivation 

 of this tree. The seedling plant grows well on the Alleghany, and 

 the improved varieties would of course flourish equally well. Some 

 fine pears have been produced on the range, and it is to be hoped 

 the subject will receive more attention. 



PYRUS MALUS, Apple Pyrus, common apple-tree. This species is 

 also a native of Europe. Pomologists have produced and described 

 almost innumerable varieties of this wholesome fruit. It will grow 

 every place in Pennsylvania, both mountain-tops and valleys ; but 



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