PEACH 



205 



The apple (Pyrus mains) (Fig. 129) shows the same gen- 

 eral characters, but the ovary becomes fleshy and shows a division 

 into five well-developed parts. It probably originated in south- 

 western Asia and adjacent Europe and was used by the human 

 race in prehistoric times. 



The pear (P. communis) and the quince (P. cydonia) are 

 very similar in character to the apple. 



Fia. 129. Apple, with section showing structure of seed cases. 



The peach (Prunus persica,) (Fig. 130) shows the same 

 general character of sepals, petals and stamens as the preceding, 

 but the ovary is superior and develops into a fleshy fruit with 

 a single hard-shelled seed. It is undoubtedly of Asiatic origin, 

 but was carried into Europe by the Greeks and Romans at a 

 very early date. It was introduced into Great Britain during 

 the sixteenth century and thence into America about 1680. It 



