CHERRIES. 121 



in yards and places where fowls and pigs commonly 

 range. 



The list of plums adopted as of the first quality, at 

 the National Convention of Fruit-growers, at the meet- 

 ing in New York City, October, 1849, is as follows :— 



Jefferson, Green-Gage, Washington, Purple Favorite, 

 Bleeker's Gage, Coe's Golden Drop, Frost Gage ; and^ 

 for particular localities, the Imperial Gage. To this 

 list of fruit of well-established reputation, the same 

 body subsequently added as giving promise of being 

 worthy a place in the catalogue, the McLaughlin, 

 River's Favorite, and St. Martin's Quetsche. 



The Cherry-Tree [Primus Cerasus) is said to have 

 been introduced into Italy from Pontus, in Asia, by the 

 Roman general, Lucullus. From the ^' London cries" 

 of Lydgate, it appears that ''cherries in the ryse," or 

 in twiggs, were hawked in London at the beginning of 

 the fifteenth century. Excellent sorts have at various 

 times been introduced from the Continent, and, of late 

 years, several first-rate new varieties have been raised 

 in England. Geans included, the Horticultural Socie- 

 ty's Catalogue enumerates no fewer than 219 varie- 

 ties ; the following may be accounted some of the best. 



The Early Purple Grriotte nrny be first mentioned, 

 as being the earliest of all cherries, sometimes ripen- 

 ing in the end of May, and generally early in June. 

 It is not yet generally known in England, but de- 

 serves cultivation, the fruit being large, of a fine purple 

 color, and of rich- flavor. 



KnighVs Early Black is a large, dark-colored cherry, 

 of excellent quality, ripening in the end of June. 

 ■ The May Duke is one of the most common, and, at 



11* 



