CHAPTER XII. 



THE CHERRY. 



j^trtHE species from which the commonly cultivated cherry is 

 (^3 derived was probably the Prnnus cerams, of Europe and 

 Asia. It is not indigenous to this country. There are two 

 distinct groups of this fruit. The first comprises those kinds of a 

 strong, upward, straight growth, pyramidal form, and sweet or 

 bitter but not sour fruit. The second group has sour fruit, and 

 either a spreading or upright habit, and the young branches are 

 crooked. This group is divided into two classes, which were for- 

 merly termed Morrellos and Dukes, although the reason for this 

 distinction has been largely done away with by their becoming 

 intermingled by crossing. To this latter group belong all the vari- 

 eties that can be successfully grown north of what might be called 

 the "peach belt", and therefore those that are of interest to grow- 

 ers in such latitude. 



Historical.— Until the importation of East European varieties 

 of cherries there was little encouragement for any one to plant this 

 fruit in the colder sections of the West. The hardiest West Euro- 

 pean varieties, such as the Early Richmond and English Morello, 

 are not reliable in the North, though after lasting well for a few 

 years. The East European kinds, which are often referred to as 

 the Russian cherries, while as yet tried for but a short time, give 

 promise of being an important addition to the list of cultivated 

 fruits for all northern regions. At present they can be bought of 

 but few nurserymen, but as they are easy to propagate it wiU not 

 be long before they can be readily and cheaply obtained. 



Soil and Loeation.— The best soil for the cherry is one that 

 is drier than is desirable for most other fruits ; a sandy or gravelly 

 loam, with porous subsoil, is best. In wet places, or ou water- 

 soaked subsoils, it soon perishes. The best locat)ons are on high 

 land, but a rise of even a few feet above the surrounding country 

 is of great advantage 



Propagation. — The cherry does not come true from seed, 

 though seedlings are often of very good quality. Seedlings are 

 ]04 



