4 Account of a Peach Tree produced from the 



The fact, if ever so decisively established, of the specific 

 identity of the Peach and Almond, is probably of little im- 

 portance to the gardener, further, than that it points out to 

 him the extensive changes that culture is capable of produc- 

 ing, in the forms and qualities of fruits : and I made the ex- 

 periments, which are the subject of this communication, with 

 scarcely any other view, than that of simply ascertaining the 

 specific identity, or diversity, of the Peach and Almond, and 

 with a good deal of indifference relative to the result. Never- 

 theless, as the wood of the Almond tree ripens much earlier, 

 and more perfectly, that that of the Peach tree, in our cli- 

 mate, and as its blossoms are more hardy, I am not without 

 hopes, from observations which I have made upon the habits 

 of my seedling plants, that some valuable varieties of the 

 Peach will be obtained, in a second or third generation, from 

 the Almond. I have, at present, seen the fruit of one seedling 

 plant only, and that not one of promising character ; but I 

 have others, which will produce blossoms in the next season, 

 one of which, a descendant from the early Violet Nectarine, 

 as its male parent, presents very large and beautiful foliage, 

 with a purple bark, and all the character of a Peach tree of 

 the most improved kind ; and I look forward to the pleasure 

 of sending you, next season, a fruit of much superior quality 

 to that you now receive. 



I am, my dear Sir, 



sincerely yours, 

 Thomas Andrew Knight. 



Downton, September 13, 1817. 



