258 



Report upon the Varieties of the Cherry, 



freely exposed to sun and air, on which account the branches 

 should be trained widely apart. 



This sort was raised by Mr. Knight from a seed of the Ambree 

 of Duhamel, fertilized by the pollen of the May Duke. 



The tree partakes of the character of both its parents in a re- 

 markable degree : the wood and leaves are those of the Bigarreau 

 tribe, while the flowers are those of the May Duke, the stamens 

 being shorter than the styles, a peculiarity which is universal in all 

 the Duke Cherries. 



8. Black Eagle. 

 Syn. Black Eagle. Hort. Trans. 2. 138. t. 9. 208, 302; 3. 212. 

 Hort. Cat. No. 43. Lindl Guide, 148. 



Tree spreading. Branches strong, dark brown, partially sprinkled with a grayish epi- 

 dermis. Leaves oblong, acuminate, broadest about two-thirds from the base, doubly 

 serrated, but not so deeply as those of the Heart Cherries generally are ; partaking also of 

 the thick texture of the leaves of the Duke Cherries ; but from their larger size, pendulous 

 growth, and somewhat wavy margin, they are rather more allied to those of the former. 

 Petioles longish, and moderately strong, with reniform glands. Flowers middle-sized. 

 Stamens shorter than the style. Petals roundish, or roundish-oval, concave, imbricated. 

 Fruit between heart-shaped and round, flattened at top and bottom. Stalk short and 

 thick, like that of the May Duke. Skin black when the fruit is fully ripe and well ex- 

 posed. Flesh tender, with a dark purplish juice, rich and high-flavoured. Stone small, 



Ripens soon after the May Duke. It is an excellent bearer 

 either as a standard, or against a wall, especially on an east or 

 south-east aspect. 



This sort was raised by Miss Elizabeth Knight, of Downton 

 Castle, about the year 1806, from a seed of the Ambree, which 

 had been fertilized by the pollen of the May Duke. It far surpasses 

 the Black Heart in point of flavour, and fully equals it in regard to 

 bearing. Its cultivation has of late been extensive, and it deserves 

 to be still continued. 



