PLANTS. 261 



all the stone fruits the peach occupies the first place, on 

 account of its delicious flavor and healthful influence 

 of its juicy pulp. About two hundred varieties of 

 this much esteemed fruit are now named and described 

 in the catalogues of American nurserymen. Trees rather 

 short-lived. The double flowering peach is a highly or- 

 namental variety, fy- 



The Nectarine (Persica laevis), De Cand. This small 

 tree is scarcely to be distinguished from the preceding, 

 except by its smooth fruit, which presents the same vari- 

 ety of clingstone and freestone. It is more rare than 

 the peach, and generally smaller, h. 



The Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a middle-sized tree, 

 with broad, smooth, ovate, serrate leaves; stout, spread- 

 ing branches ; flowers, solitary, or in pairs, petals pinkish- 

 Avhite, preceding the leaves. The yellow fruit is clothed 

 with a soft, velvety pubescence ; one side slightly reddish. 

 Came originally from Epiru's, and was known to the an- 

 cients as the Mains Epiroticus. The drupe of the common 

 apricot contains a bitter kernel, although there are some 

 kinds of which the kernel is sweet, like that of the 

 almond, and yields a rich oil. Cultivated in gardens as 

 rare fruit. T ?. 



The Common Plum Tree, or Damascene (Prunus 

 domestica), originally from the East, was brought to 

 Italy in Cato's time. Has oval, lanceolate leaves ; white, 

 myrtle-like flowers; fruit oblong, pulpy, and juicy. 

 There are many varieties. The round or globe-shaped 

 plum is considered the true plum ; the oblong, the Dam- 

 ascene, or Plum of Damascus. Both are covered with a 

 beautiful purple bloom, which is easily removed. Gages, 

 green and yellow. The Red Plum (Prunus americana), 

 and Chickasaw Plum (Prunus chicasa), are among the 



