THE FRUIT. 3? 



berries, etc., that have no calyx, and consequently no 

 eye. 

 The Length is the distance from stem to point or eyCj 



A to B, fig. 41. 

 The Widths the line D j5— cutting the fruit across, or at 



right angles with the length. 

 The Biwin^ the depression aroimd the eye or calyx in 



kernel fruit, B^ fig. 41. 

 Tlie Cavity^ the depression aroimd the stem. 

 The Suture^ in stone fruits the furrow-like depression run- 

 ning from the base to the point. 

 4th. Different Properties of Fruits : 

 Besides the principal divisions which have been alluded 

 to, fruits are considered in regard to their size., color., 

 form., texture., flavor., and season of riiyening. 



1st. The Size. — Besides the natural diiference in size 

 that exists among different varieties of the same species, 

 as, for instance, between the Bartlett and Seclcel Pears, or 

 the Fall Pijjjnn and Lady A^)les, there are great dif- 

 ferences between the same varieties owing chiefly to the 

 following circumstances : Soil — We find that in new 

 and fresh soils, the nutritive properties of which have not 

 been impaired by cultivation, as in the virgin soils of the 

 West, fruit of the same variety attains nearly dotd)le the 

 size that it does in older parts of the country, where the 

 soil has long been under cultivation ; and that in the same 

 orchard, the tree growing in a deep, alluvial soil, will give 

 fruit much larger than the one on a hard gravelly knoll. 

 Culture — This has an important influence on the size of 

 fruits. If an orchard has been for several years neglected, 

 and the ground about the trees become covered with grass 

 and weeds, the fruit is small ; and if the same orchard be 

 ploughed up, some manure tm-ned in around the roots, 

 and the ground be kept loose and clean by tillage, the 

 fruit will double in size in a single season. Seasons — In 



