The Kentish or Early Richnond Cherry. 267 



market-fruit, being largely planted for this purpose in New Jersey. This 

 kind is remarkable for the tenacity with which the stone adheres to the 

 stalk. Advantage is taken of this to draw out the stones. The fruit is 

 then exposed to the sun, and becomes one of the most excellent of all 

 dried fruits. 



" Fruit, when it first reddens, rather small, but, when fully ripe, of medium 

 size, round, or a little flattened, borne in pairs ; skin of a fine bright-red, 

 growing somewhat dark when fully ripe ; stalk an inch and a quarter long, 

 rather stout, set in a pretty deep hollow ; flesh melting, juicy, and, at ma- 

 turity, of a sprightly, rather rich acid flavor." 



Prince, in his " Pomological Manual," part ii., 1832, describes the Early 

 Richmond : " This variety was brought by the father of the author from 

 Richmond, Va. The tree is thrifty, and attains to the usual size of its 

 class ; being generally about fifteen to eighteen feet in height, with a round 

 and well-formed head, rather more spreading than elevated. A part of the 

 branches take a somewhat drooping inclination ; but whether this is natural, 

 or is caused by its great crops of fruit, I cannot decide. The fruit is of large 

 size, nearly round, and of a beautiful red color ; the flesh exceedingly ten- 

 der, rich, juicy, of a fine flavor, and pleasant, sprightly acid taste. When 

 fully ripe, if the fingers in plucking the fruit press only upon the flesh, it 

 will strip ofl", leaving the stone and peduncle attached to the tree : the latter 

 is quite short, and adheres to the branch rather more strongly than is usually 

 the case. The tree is exceedingly productive, and the fruit becomes red 

 nearly or quite as soon as the May Duke ; and being in veiy great estima- 

 tion for tarts, ct catcra, it commands a high price at market ; and it is said 

 by those who cultivate the trees for that purpose, that they yield a greater 

 profit than any other variety." 



Lindley, in his "Guide to the Orchard," 183 1, describes the Kentish as 

 follows : — 



'■'■Fruit middle-sized, round, flattened at both ends ; stalk one inch and 

 a half long, slender, and sunk in a rather deep hollow ; skin of a dingy 

 red, slightly marbled with dull brown, and having occasionally a few both 

 opaque and transparent spots ; flesh rather firm, but succulent, with some- 

 what astringent but saccharine juice. Ripe about the middle of August. 



" This is one of the most common and most hardy cherries cultivated in 



