668 THE LOQUAT. 



While generally hardy as far north as Charleston or farther, 

 where it is a favorite for ornamental purposes, it cannot be 

 depended upon to bear fruit except in the middle of the 

 orange-growing districts, on account of the habit of ripening 

 in winter. 



Propagation 



is generally effected by seeds, but cuttings are easily rooted. 

 The best method is to bud or graft upon seedling stocks scions 

 taken from trees producing the largest and best-flavored fruit. 

 As it belongs to the Rosacea, stocks appertaining to that 

 genus, or any of the closely allied Pomacem, may be used. 



Soils. — Although growing well almost anywhere, some 

 soils are unfavorable for the production of its fruit. Perhaps 

 the best is a moist and well-drained sandy loam with clay 

 foundation. In such a situation, trees at the age of ten years 

 have borne over a barrel of fruit. Full crops every year are 

 the rule. For culinary purposes the fruit need not be quite 

 ripe, but for eating fresh it is unpleasantly acid unless fully 

 matured. Some are much more acid than others. No atten- 

 tion has been paid to varieties beyond the importation from 

 Japan of an improved sort called the Giant, which is said to 

 have fewer seeds, but otherwise is no better than our selected 

 seedlings. It improves very fast by selection, from due at- 

 tention to which great possibilities are probable. 



The same distance apart in orchard as for the peach will 

 answer for the loquat, which does not appear to live to a great 

 age, and forms a dense and compact head of a rounded and 

 symmetrical shape. 



Beyond a few specimens, the loquat has only come into 

 prominence in this country during the past twenty-five years. 

 From being indigenous to Japan and China it is often called 

 Japan plum, although not a plum at all. • 



Varieties. 



Advance. Fruit yellow, pear-shaped, very sweet ; clusters large, 

 Victor. Largest, pink to red, desirable for canning. 



