THE PEACH. 335 



THE PEACH. 



The history, propagation, orchard culture, pruning, laying down 

 in colder climates, and other facts in regard to this important com- 

 mercial and home fruit are given in Part I (see index). 



The varieties of the Peach are very numerous and they all belong 

 to one species (Prunus Persica). Nearly all the varieties grown 

 in the Middle States and on the west coast are of the Persian type. 

 But in the extreme South it has been found that the Chinese varieties 

 succeed best, as they are less troubled with root-knot, and are not as 

 liable to start the fruit-buds and foliage to be caught by early spring 

 frosts. Another type of peach grown in the extreme South is the 

 native race, usually referred to as the Indian peaches. These are 

 supposed to have been introduced by the early Spanish settlers. 

 The varieties of this race are hardy and not as liable to be injured 

 by frost in the blossoming period. An attempt has been made by 

 Prof. Price, of Texas, to divide the cultivated varieties of the United 

 States into five groups. But any attempt of this character is attended 

 with difficulties as with the plums, and the adaptation of varieties 

 to the various peach belts of the Union must be by actual test of 

 relative hardiness, fruitfulness, and quality. 



LEADING VARIETIES OF THE PEACH. 



Admiral (Admiral Dewey). Large, roundish; color yellow, with 

 red and crimson cheek. Flesh yellow to the pit, quality very good; 

 pit free. Regarded superior to the Triumph as a shipping variety in 

 Maryland. Season of Triumph in Georgia. 



Albright. Medium to large, roundish, somewhat pointed; color 

 creamy white, sometimes blushed; cavity narrow and deep; suture 

 slight, extending beyond apex. Flesh creamy white, sometimes with 

 slight red at pit, tender, vinous, good; pit free. Grown in the South- 

 east, but does well farther North. North Carolina. 



Allen. Medium to large, roundish ovate; color yellow, with 

 brownish-red cheek and quite heavy pubescence; cavity deep and 

 narrow; suture slight and two-thirds around. Flesh light yellow, 

 juicy, tender; pit free. Season, early September. Missouri. 



Alexander. Medium in size; skin light-colored with shading and 



