SPORT AND SCIENCE ON THE 



davidiana) grows, often in great profusion. In 

 Sliensi I have seen it growing so thickly that when 

 in bloom it gave the impression of snow on the 

 distant hillside. 



As already stated, this is believed by some to 

 be the original Wild Peach, from which all our 

 numerous varieties have been developed. As Wild 

 Peaches also occur in India and Persia, it cannot 

 be taken for granted that the Chinese form is the 

 original stock. 



It is a very hardy plant, and makes a good stock, 

 upon which to graft the cultivated varieties. The 

 fruit is small and sour, w^ith hard leathery flesh. 

 The blossom, which varies from pink to white, is 

 verv fine, so that as an ornamental shrub this 

 plant is greatly valued. ^Mien cultivated there 

 is an even greater variation in the colouring of 

 the blossom, while the plant will attain a consider- 

 able growth, developing into a tree. The kernels, 

 as well as the fmit, form one of the staple diets of 

 the squirrels and chipmunks in the districts where 

 the Wild Peach grows. The stones, being round 

 and ornamental, are often used by priests as rosary 

 beads or by children in a game resembling our 

 " knuckle bones." 



There are several varieties of the Cultivated 

 Peach (Ainygdalus persica), in the development 

 of which the Chinese have been most successful. 

 The fruit of some varieties attain an enormous 

 size, being said to weigh as much as one catty 



230 



