290 GARDENING FOB PLEASURE. 



The culture is very similar to that for the Orange, ex- 

 cept that the Japan Persimmon, like its American rela- 

 tive, is deciduous ; that is, it drops its leaves in the 

 winter months. The fruit in taste is somewhat be- 

 tween a Fig and an Apricot, and when fully ripe is de- 

 licious. It has been long grown in Japan, where the 

 varieties are quite as numerous as Plums are with us. In 

 size and coloring some kinds resemble a red tomato, 



Fig. 103. JAPAN PEBSIMMON (From a Photograph). 



though there is a great difference in the various kinds, 

 both in shape and color. Figure 103 shows a variety of 

 medium size. 



PEACH. 



The Peach prefers the light, dry, and warm soils 

 known as sandy loams. The tree is short-lived in most 

 sections, and attains its best fruiting condition usually 

 when from five to nine years old. The tree is greatly 

 benefited by pruning. The growth of the previous sea- 



