SPORT AND SCIENCE ON THE 
davidiana) grows, often in great profusion. In 
Shensi [have seen it growing so thickly that when 
in bloom it gave the impression of snow on the 
distant hillside. 
As already stated, this is believed by some to 
be the original Wild Peach, from which all our 
numerous varieties have been developed. As Wild 
Peaches also occur in India and Persia, it cannot 
be taken for granted that the Chinese form is the 
original stock. 
It is a very hardy plant, and makes a good stock, 
upon which to graft the cultivated varieties. The 
fruit is small and sour, with hard leathery flesh. 
The blossom, which varies from pink to white, is 
very fine, so that as an ornamental,shrub this 
plant is greatly valued. When cultivated there 
is an even greater variation in the colouring of 
the blossom, while the plant will attain a consider- 
able growth, developing into a tree. The kernels, 
as well as the fruit, form .e of the staple diets of 
the squirrels and chipmunks in the districts where 
the Wild Peach grows. The stones, being round 
and ornamental, are often used by priests as rosary 
beads or by children in a game resembling our 
“knuckle bones.” 
There are several varieties of the Cultivated 
Peach (Amygdalus persica), in the development 
of which the Chinese have been most successful. 
The fruit of some varieties attain an enormous 
size, being said to weigh as much as one catty 
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