APRICOTS. 



169 



by M. Hervy, late director of that establishment, in a commu- 

 nication to the editors of the New Duhamel. 



This variety was obtained from the seed ; the fruit is of less 

 size than the Peach apricot, and generally of oval form ; the 

 stem is inserted within around, broad, and rather deep cavity; 

 the groove at the side of the fruit, which extends its whole 

 length, is very apparent, and continues so even at the period 

 of perfect maturity ; the skin is a yellowish green, slightly co- 

 loured, and covered with very fine down ; the flesh is light red, 

 melting, and of a rich and agreeable flavour ; the stone is of 

 medium size, swollen at its sides, and its two edges are very 

 projecting ; the kernel, which it encloses like most others of its 

 class, is of a bitter taste. This variety is deemed excellent for 

 its flavour, and its period of maturity renders it still more in- 

 teresting, as at Paris it scarcely attains to maturity until about 

 the middle of September. It succeeds equally well both as a 

 standard and as an espalier. 



HEMSKIRKE. POM. MAG. PR. CAT. LOND. HORT. CAT. 



In the Pomological Magazine the following details are 

 given in regard to this fruit. 



" The origin of this variety is not known. It was sold by 

 the late Mr. Lee under the present name, but has hitherto es- 

 caped public notice, of which its great good qualities render 

 it far more deserving than many of those more commonly 

 known. 



" It bears freely on an east wall, where it ripens thoroughly 

 by the end of July, acquiring a high luscious flavour, superior 

 even to that of the Moorpark. From the Royal apricot it 

 differs in having a more tender flesh and richer flavour, and 

 also in the greater sweetness of its kernel. 



" Wood short-jointed, like that of the Moorpark, with en- 

 larged projections under the buds ; leaves broad, deep green, 

 very like those of the Moorpark ; flowers of the ordinary cha- 

 racter. It may be here remarked, that apricots do not vary 

 in their flowers, except the Masculines, in which they are 



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