CHAPTER XXVII. 



NECTARINES. 



THE Nectarine being nothing more than the peach with a 

 glossy skin, the same rules for cultivation will apply equally 

 to both (see Chapter XXIX.), with the exception that, as its 

 smooth surface renders it eminently liable to the attack of the 

 curculio, special attention must be given to the destruction of 

 this insect. Not much grown in the East. 



The nectarine is usually inferior, and has more of the noyau 

 flavor than the peach, and the shoots are of smoother and more 

 compact growth. 



DIVISION I.-FREESTONES. 



CLASS I. FLESH PALE. 

 Section L Leaves with reniform glands. 



Downton.* Medium in size, roundish oval, pale green, with a 

 deep violet-red cheek ; flesh pale green, slightly red at the stone, 

 melting, rich, excellent. Ripens early. Flowers small. English. 



Early Violet.* (Violet Hative, Aromatic, New Scarlet, Large 

 Scarlet, Early Brugnon, Violet Musk, Violette Musquee.) Size 

 medium, roundish ; apex slightly narrowed ; suture shallow ; 

 skin with a dark purple-red cheek and brown dots, on pale yellow- 

 ish-green ; flesh whitish, much reddened at the stone ; stone 

 roundish, moderately rough, reddish or reddish-brown ; flesh 

 melting, rich, high-flavored, and aromatic ; of the finest quality. 

 Season very early. Flowers small. Distinguished from Elruge 

 by its redder flesh and stone, and darker skin. France. 

 The Large Early Violet, or Violette Grosse, differs in its larger 

 size and rather inferior flavor. 



Elruge.* Medium in size, roundish oval, suture slight, distinct at 

 apex ; skin a dark red or deep violet on a greenish-yellow ground, 

 with minute brownish dots; flesh greenish -white, slightly, some- 

 times scarcely, stained with pale red at the stone; juicy, rich, 

 high-flavored ; stone rough, pale. Flowers small. Season about 

 medium, or first of autumn. This is one of the best and most cele- 

 brated of nectarines. England. 



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