PEUNES. 113 



shrub, whether covered with rich crimson flowers or with 

 fruit. It growH iu all warm countries, especially in the 

 southern portion of the United States. It is used un- 

 cooked, most -varieties showiug an innumerable quantity of 

 small seeds when broken open. 



" From splintered cups the ripe pomegranate spilled 

 A shower of rubies." 



Though indigenous to the Old World the pomegTanate 

 is now popular tbrpugh all the Southern States. The rich 

 deep crimson of its lovely blossoms and fruit makes it a con- 

 spicuous object when planted either singly or in groups. 

 When fully ripe the pomegranate is used uncooked or 

 made into a preserve. 



THE PEUKE. 



The prune is the dried fruit of a certain kind of plum, the 

 finer sorts of which aie called prunelles. France has here- 

 tofore produced the finest varieties but Turkey, Spain and 

 Germany also export the fruit. Now, however, California 

 is a competitor for the favor of the housekeeper. 



Asa mildly laxative fruit requiring but little sweetening 

 the prune bids fair to become a universal favorite. 



The fruit is sometimes dried by artificial heat, but in 

 our favored western climate the sun is all sufficient. As 

 the plum averages ten tons to the acre when the trees 

 have attained their full growth, which they do the seventh 

 year after setting out, it is expected that large orchards of 

 them will soon <3ome into bearing. 



