130 FRUIT CULTURE. 



thin, green sward of grass under the tree is 

 recommended. 



The varieties of this fruit are usually divided 

 into four classes, indicating the habit of growth 

 and character of the fruit. 



First Class. — Hearts. These are vigorous 

 and upright in growth ; fruit heart-shaped, sweet, 

 and tender-fleshed. Black Tartarean is one of 

 the largest, most productive and best in this best 

 class. Black Eagle is similar, a little later, and 

 not so large. Early Purple Guigne ripens two to 

 three weeks earlier, about the 10th of June ; is 

 juicy, rich, and sweet, productive, and specially 

 valuable for its earliness. Coe's Transparent is 

 pale amber colored, very tender, sweet, juicy, 

 and excellent ; middle to last of June. Downer's 

 Late Red is juicy, sprightly, sub-acid, and con- 

 tinues until the middle of July, or later. 



Second CIa»s. — Biggareaus. Shajaed like the 

 Hearts, but instead of the tender flesh they are 

 firm, crisp, and breaking. The growth is usually 

 more spreading. Yellow Spanish, Cleveland, 

 Napoleon, and Rockport are good examples of 

 this type. 



Third Class. — Dukes. Growth smaller, with 

 stout, erect branches ; thick and deeper green 

 leaves ; fruit round, usually tender, juicy, sweet, 

 or sub-acid ; color light red to dark brown ; very 



