610 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



in the degree of excellency. The astringency in this fruit 

 disappears as it begins to soften; it is a large fruit, round 

 conical pointed, skin salmon red and flesh deep red. The 

 tree is vigorous and productive. 



Zengi. — One of the earliest to ripen, and is edible from 

 the middle of September until the latter part of October. 

 The flesh is dark brown and the quality is good. This is 

 one of the seedy varieties. 



Fig. 259 — Zengi Persimmon. 



Marketing. — The persimmon should not be marketed 

 until the astringency has been destroyed by the fruit be- 

 ing fully ripe. Many of the varieties can be picked be- 

 fore entirely ripened and housed in a well-ventilated 

 place until the ripening is completed, when they may be 

 packed in baskets used for strawberries. When the fruit 

 is left on the trees until after frost strikes it the keeping- 

 qualities are greatly reduced, but if it is gathered before 

 frost and just before fully ripe the fruit will generally 

 keep for a month. A little experience will determine this 

 point with accuracy. 



