12 THE MODERN PEACH PRUNER. 



the Romans introduced this fruit into Europe. 

 Columella describes it under its name, Persica, 

 as a species of laurel (Persea), and ascribes 

 poisonous qualities to it. But Pliny the elder, 

 who died a.d. 79, refutes this error, and distinctly 

 states that in his day there were already five sorts 

 existing. The oldest variety of which we can 

 most clearly trace back the history is, according 

 to Noisette, the Late Admirable, supposed to be 

 identical with the " Lucca Peach.' ' 



It would seem, however, that the Chinese were 

 acquainted with Peaches and Nectarines from 

 very early dates. This is evident from the writings 

 of their ancient poets and others. In all of them 

 it is easy to trace the recognition of the tradition 

 of the " tree of life and death," and of the fatal 

 consequences of eating of the forbidden fruit — 

 according to these, the Peach. Confucius was 

 born about 550 years B.C., and was well acquainted 

 with the Mosaical writings. The religious opinions 

 of the Chinese are extremely obscure, so that the 

 distinctness of the tradition is somewhat remark- 

 able. Not that all Peaches had an evil quality, 

 for almond-shaped fruits (of which the Honey 

 Peach is a good example) are symbolical of a long 

 and healthy life, especially if highly coloured. 

 But, on the other hand, round and dark brown 

 Peaches (like Galande) are symbols of death. 



