TIIE PERSI^MMONS 175 



and shuttles. It is a peculiarity of the persimmon tree 

 that ahnost one hundred layers of pale sap-wood, the 

 growth of as many years, lie outside of the black heart- 

 wood, upon which the reputation of ebony rests. 



The Japanese Persimmon 

 Kaki 



The native persimmon of Japan has been developed into 

 an important horticultural fruit. China also has species 

 that are fruit trees of merit. In the fruit stalls of all 

 American cities, the Japanese persimmon is found in its 

 season, the smooth, orange-red skin, easily mistaken for 

 that of a tomato as the fruits lie in their boxes. The 

 pointed cones differ in form, however, and the soft mellow 

 flesh, with its melon-like seeds and leathery calyx at 

 base, mark this fruit as still a novelty in the East. 



In southern California no garden is complete without a 

 Japanese persimmon tree to give beauty by its cheerful, 

 leathery, green leaves and its rich-colored fruits. But the 

 beginner will establish a grave personal prejudice against 

 this fruit unless he wait until it is dead ripe, for it has the 

 astringent qualities of its genus. No fruit is more delicate 

 in flavor than a thoroughly ripe kaki, so soft that it must be 

 eaten with a spoon. 



The Department of Agriculture at Washington has 

 established a nunilier of varieties of these oriental fruit 

 trees in the warmer parts of the United States. Our 

 native persimmons are being used as stock upon which to 

 graft the exotics. A distinct addition to the fruits of this 

 country has thus been made and the public is fast learning 

 to enjoy the luscious, wholesome Japanese persimmons. 



