274 Pomological Gossip. 



injurious properties ascribed to the species by ancient au- 

 thors ; and, when well ripened, they can be generally eaten 

 with impunity, notwithstanding the slight prussic acid flavor 

 which pervades even their luscious sugary juice ; but some 

 constitutions are liable to be affected by this trace. It was 

 indeed considered unlikely that amelioration would be car- 

 ried much further. For at least a century little improvement 

 has been effected, and in every variety the kernels have 

 proved intensely bitter. But at last this is overcome ; in the 

 specimen above described the deleterious quality, considered 

 inherent in the species, has disappeared ; and Mr. Barker 

 himself informed me, that his fruits with sweet kernels may 

 be eaten as a full meal, in quantities, at any time of the day, 

 and repeatedly, with perfect safety.' 



To this we have nothing to object, except that it scarcely 

 gives the Stanwick nectarine so high a character as it de- 

 serves. In fact, at the time when the description was 

 written, its full value was imperfectly understood, the fruit 

 which reached London having been damaged in the carriage. 

 We have lately, however, been favored by his grace the 

 Duke of Northumberland with a liberal supply, which ar- 

 rived in the most perfect condition, and we can now appeal 

 to various persons near London, who had the opportunity of 

 tasting it, as witnesses to its unrivalled excellence. ' The 

 most delicious nectarine I ever ate.' ' The flavor is very 

 delicious, and it is altogether most exquisite ; I do not won- 

 der at your speaking in such high terms of it.' ' It is a superb 

 fruit.' 'Most delicious.' Such is the language in which 

 great judges of fruit, accustomed to the finest known varie- 

 ties, have spoken of the specimens they have received. 



This evidence is conclusive as to the grand importance of 

 the Stanwick nectarine to our country, and we confidently 

 believe that the time is not distant when it will be found in 

 every fruit-garden of the United Kingdom." 



We have only to add, that we hope this nectarine will soon 

 find its way into our collections of fruit. 



