Varieties of Fruits 



511 



and in richness of flavour was equal, if not superior, to the 

 very best varieties. Mr. Knight, in his communication 

 respecting this Cherry, published in the Society's Transac- 

 tions* mentions a remarkable livid colour which it assumed 

 at one period in its approach towards maturity, and con- 

 jectured that it might form a characteristic feature in the 

 immature fruit. Subsequent experience has, however, shewn 

 that this peculiarity was not permanent, it having gradually 

 ceased to appear, and the fruit now reddens and ripens like 

 other varieties. It also ripens earlier than it did when Mr. 

 Knight's observations upon it were published. 



Mr. John Macfarlane, gardener to Sir Herbert 

 Taylor, at Fangrove, near Chertsey, sent specimens of the 

 CSrise quatre d la livre, the produce of a tree received from 

 France. It appears that this extraordinary name had been 

 given by the French from the gigantic character of the leaf, 

 before they had seen the produce of the tree, since the fruit 

 proves to be particularly small. It is heart-shaped, of a pale 

 transparent yellow colour, with a faint stain of red on the 

 exposed side ; the flesh is of firm consistence, sweet and 

 pleasant, but without any peculiar richness : the stalk is very 

 long, and the stone large. Those ripened on trees received 

 from France, in the Society's garden, have been found in 

 every respect to agree with the above account ; consequently, 

 except as an ornamental tree, which its large foliage and 

 vigorous growth entitle it to be considered, it will scarcely be 

 allowed a place in the garden. 



VOL. IV. 



Vol. ii. page 209. 



3U 



