CHAPTER XXV. 



THE CHERRY. 



The cherry, which came originally from Asia, is es- 

 teemed both for its fruit and its shade. In some coun- 

 tries large numbers of the trees are planted along the 

 road-side, from which the traveler gathers the fruit at 

 pleasure. The wood is susceptible of a high degree of 

 polish, and is considered very valuable. The cherry is 

 divided into two distinct classes. The trees of the first 

 class, which comprises the Hearts and Bigarreaus, are of 

 very vigorous growth, with luxuriant foliage, spreading 

 branches and drooping leaves, while the fruit is of heart- 

 shape, sweet and tender. Of the second class, which 

 comprises the Dukes, Morelloes and common Pie cherries, 

 the trees are smaller and of more compact growth, and 

 the fruit decidedly acid. The cherry is propagated by 

 budding and grafting on seedling stocks. For standard 

 trees, stocks are obtained from the seeds of the Mazzard, 

 a very free growing sort ; but as standards do not succeed 

 in the warmer portions of the Southern States, seed- 

 lings of the Mahaleb or Perfmued cherry are used, as 

 they dwarf the growth, thus inducing fruitfulness, and 

 they succeed on a greater variety of soils than the standard 

 stocks. Plant the seeds in fall; they can be kept till 

 spring, but if sprouting begins before they are planted, 

 there is danger of their being lost. The seeds should be 



