THE ECONOMIC PLANTS OF JAPAN— h. 



11 



its quality, which, however, promised to be good. I 

 have since learned that this variety is called Mikuni-no- 

 momo, meaning bald peach. Its size was the most 

 conspicuous point, for the fruit measured three inches 

 in length and two inches across, but it was flattened on 

 two sides. It would probably be a valuable acquisition 

 to this class of fruits in the west. 



under my observation, though there are undoubtedly 

 others. 



The Japanese peach is of good size, uneven ; both 

 skin and flesh of a dark yellow, almost orange color. 

 The skin is thickly sprinkled with minute red dots, and 

 at times it has a decided red cheek. But it is so austere 

 as to be almost unedible out of hand, even when fully 



Prunus tomentosa. Full Size. (See page 75.) 



Prunus armeniaca, L. I^.'p., Andzu . The Apricot. 

 — The apricot is not indigenous, but has probably also 

 been introduced from China. It is, however, commonly 

 known among the people, but is not extensively culti- 

 vated. It does not seem to be appreciated, and but 

 little attention is paid to it. The illustration here given 

 (Fig. 5) shows the only native variety that has come 



ripe, being at once both sour and astringent. And even 

 when made into marmalade its austerity clings to it to 

 an unusual degree. The ripe fruit is sometimes dried 

 in the sun, and afterwards steeped in alcohol for some 

 time, before it is eaten. Soaked in this for sixty days, 

 they are said to be good. Another way in which they 

 are used is to soak them in hot water for some hours 



