222 



ORCHARD CROPS 



States, and especially in New York, and are largely used for 

 canning purposes. The sweet-fruited varieties are grown chiefly 

 on the Pacific Coast. The morellos, or sour-fruited varieties, 

 seem to be best adapted to the Southern States. 



In China, and especially in Japan, there are some varieties of 

 cherries that are cultivated only for their flowers. The Japanese 

 hold picnics and outdoor parties under the cherry trees, and 

 their young people treasure up many pleasant memories and asso- 

 ciations in connection with these beautiful and attractive trees. 

 The quince was known to the early Greeks and Romans and 

 was highly esteemed by them as an article of food. The tree 

 is small, hardy, and of medium height, with ovate leaves, and 

 white or pale pink flowers. Its fruit resembles the apple or pear, 

 and when ripe it is of a rich golden yellow color. It cannot be 

 eaten raw, but is usually served either baked or stewed. Its 

 chief commercial value is for making preserves and marmalade. 



Quince trees are propagated from the seed, by layers, and 

 by slips or cuttings, made in the spring, at the time the buds 



pass from their dormant state 

 and begin swelling. A few scat- 

 tering trees are found in various 

 parts of the United States, but 

 the most important quince 

 orchards are found in western 

 New York. 



The olive is one of the oldest 

 fruits known to man, for the 

 Bible records state that the dove 

 which Noah sent forth from the 

 ark after the floods began to 

 subside came back with an olive 

 leaf in its mouth. Among the 

 ancient nations, the olive branch 

 was regarded as the symbol of 

 peace and friendship. 



The olive is a low-branching 

 evergreen tree, fifteen to thirty feet high, with dark green leaves 

 and yellowish green fruit, which turns black when ripe. The tree 



Olives. 



