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GERMAN MEDLAR. 



This tree, the peculiar flavour of whose fruit, when fully 

 matured, has many admirers, will flourish in any soil but one 

 that is wet or marshy, and in any exposition whatever; it 

 exacts no particular care in its culture. The principal va- 

 rieties are the Common Dutch or German, the Royal 

 Dutch, the Nottingham, and the Seedless. The fruit is of a 

 brownish colour and harsh flavour before it is ripe, but if 

 collected the beginning of October, and placed on shelves, 

 it changes to reddish, and the pulp becomes softened and 

 acquires a sweetish taste, which is pleasing to many persons, 

 but not admired by every one. 



DATE PLUM, OR PERSIMMON. 



The European Date Plum, or Diospyros Lotus, called 

 also the European Persimmon, will thrive in almost any soil 

 or situation. It is of indifferent quality, and inferior to the 

 American, and, like the latter, needs the aid of frost before 

 it becomes mellow for eating. The American Persimmon 

 is so universally known it needs no description. The Dios- 

 pyros Kaki, or Japan Date Plum, is said to produce fruit of 

 a cherry colour, and fine flavour it supports, without pro- 

 tection, the winters of Long-Island. 



FILBERTS. 



This shrub, or, in some cases, tree, accommodates itself 

 to every exposition, and to every variety of soil, but prefers 

 a moist loam on a sandy bottom, with a northern exposition. 

 It is easily multiplied by seeds, layers, or inoculation. In 

 fact, these nuts, which are vended in large quantities in our 

 markets, grow as well in our climate as the common hazel- 

 nut, and produce very abundantly. Such being the case, it 

 is hoped, ere long, sufficient will be produced from our own 

 soil to supersede the necessity of importation^ as plantations 

 of this tree would amply remunerate the possessor, or, if 

 planted as a hedge, would be found to be very productive. 

 A single bush of the Spanish filbert in my garden has pro- 

 duced a half bushel annually. 



The varieties most valued are the English White Skin, 

 and Red Skin, the Spanish, and the Cobnut ; these two last 



