48 On raising a tree of Imperatrice Nectarine, 



The almond as a stock for the peach and nectarine possesses, I 

 think, every good quality, except that of bearing transplantation 

 very well, and in that respect alone it is inferior to the plum stock. 

 I have, on this account, sent the little plant abovementioned in 

 the pot, in which the almond was first planted. 



In the soil and climate of this place, the Imperatrice Nectarine 

 is in my estimation, and in that of a great many other persons, who 

 have tasted it, the best fruit of its family. It presents, I think, a 

 greater concentration of taste and flavour than is found in any 

 other variety, which I have cultivated. It is inferior in size to 

 the Downton Nectarine; but that, in favourable seasons, is here 

 very large ; one measured in circumference nine inches, and several 

 of them exceeded eight inches and seven lines. I named it the 

 Imperatrice Nectarine, because the first fruits, which I saw, 

 shrivelled much upon the tree ; but those have not subsequently 

 done so, more than some other varieties of nectarines. 



I will request that the little tree sent may be planted in fresh 

 unmanured soil without having the branches shortened, and so 

 superficially that a part of its roots may remain permanently visible 

 above the soil. The fruit, which it will produce, will not be nearly 

 as good as that of an older tree ; and it is therefore my wish that 

 some buds should be taken from it in the next season, and inserted 

 into the branches of more mature trees. 



I remain, dear Sir, 



Sincerely yours, 



T. A. Knight. 



Downton, Dec. 1/, 1834. 



