CHERRIES, PA WPA W^'s^^CTARINES. 



141 



PLYMOUTH ROCK. 



{See colored plate ^ last page of cover). 



All growers of light colored or so-called amber 

 cherries are well aware of the two greatest difficulties 

 encountered, viz: the birds taking the fruit and the 

 tendency to quick decay when ripe, whether upon the 

 tree or gathered — especially in hot, muggy weather. 

 So serious are these misfortunes that we know of a fruit 

 grower who cut down a long row of amber cherry trees 

 in their prime, because the birds would leave him 

 practically no fruit; while Yellow Spanish, Coe's 

 Transparent and like varieties, excellent as regards 

 beauty, quality and size of fruit, and habit, vigor and 

 productiveness of tree, are rapidly becoming unpopular, 

 from the one fact that their fruit is so perishable. 

 Our attention was called to the Plymouth Rock 

 Cherry five years ago, by an amateur fruit grower of 

 wide experience and unusual discernment residing in 

 north-eastern Connecticut, who informed us that the 

 fruit, though showy and of excellent quality would 

 remain upon the tree when ripe, or after gathered, in 

 perfect condition longer than any other variety he had 

 ever seen, although an amber variety ; and for some 

 unknown reason its fruit was never molested by birds. 

 We must confess we did not accept this statement 

 without allowances but knowing such a cherry to be of 

 great value, we visited the gentleman. To our un- 

 bounded joy and surprise we found the original tree and others grown from it, heavily laden with large, bright 

 amber, largely overspread with carmine, cherries in perfect condition although the fruit has been ripe for ten 

 days; during ivhich time it had rained almost every day and the weather excessively hot. Upon testing the fruit 

 freely we found it of not only excellent but high quality— sweet, rich, sprightly, juicy and tender— and with 

 small stone. We gathered a quantity, which we carried some two hundred miles and it kept perfectly with no care 

 whatever for a week. As to the birds: although the trees of all other varieties in the grounds where the trees of 

 Plymouth Rock stood, had been stripped of fruit, we could detect no evidence of a single cherry of the Plymouth 

 Rock having been taken by a bird. The birds avoided the trees of it, for some reason as yet unexplained. The 

 tree of this variety is a good healthy grower, begins bearing young and is a heavy annual bearer. 



As a desirable fruit for the home grounds we are confident it is without an equal; but its greatest value is for 

 market growing — for there is nothing in the way of cheri ies that can be compared with it as a variety for profit. 

 Price, 1st c, ea., $1.00; 3 for 12.50; doz., $8.00. 1 yr., {hij mail) ea., 75c. ; 3 for $2.00; doz., $6.00. 



WINDSOR. 



Originated in Canada. Large; very dark liver color; firm and solid, rich and good quality; a vigorous hardy 

 tree, and very prolific. Ripens three or four days after Tradescant's Black Heart. A valuable Jate variety for 

 both market and home use, and a valuable addition. 1st c, ea., 40c.; 3 for $1.00; doz., $3.50. 



PAWPAW. 



NORTHERN BANANA OR CUSTARD APPLE. 



The fruit of this resembles somewhat in general appearance and consistency of 

 flesh, the banana, and is borne upon a small tree. It is from three to four inches 

 long, of the shape shown in the illustration, and of a yellowish color. Like the 

 banana the fruit is palatable only to those who have acquired a taste for it, and by 

 such it is highly esteemed. The pulp of the fruit resembles egg custard in consis- 

 tency and appearance. It has the same creamy feeling in the mouth and unites the 

 taste of eggs, cream, sugar and spices. 



The Pawpaw is entirely distinct in character from any other fruit of a temperate 

 climate and would doubtless find a ready market were the public sufficiently familiar 

 with it and a liking for it acquired. The plant is entirely hardy, and comes into 

 bearing when young. Its blossoms are curious, pretty and interesting. 3 to 4 ft., 

 ea., 25c.; 3 for 60c., doz., $2.00. (Smaller by mail at sarne prices). 



NECTARINES. 



This fruit is really a smooth-skinned peach. Its greatest enemy is the curculio. Plant same distance and 

 cultivate same as peaches. 



First Class, each, 20c; dozen, $2.00. Too large to mail. 

 Early Newington. Large, pale green, juicy, rich, excellent. Clingstone. Early autumn. 

 Early Violet. (Violet Native). Medimn, yellowish-green, high flavored; free. Late summer. 

 Hard wick. Large, pale green, juicy, rich; an old and popular sort. Late summer. 

 Stanwick. Large, white with red cheek; free; especially valuable for fruiting under glass. 



