Mower County transcript., 1871-08-17
The History Of the Peach.

THE peach is supposed to be a native OF
Persia, and its botanical name refers to
that origin. tits known TO have t1ounshed
in both Persia and China at a very carly
period, and was highly valued in both
countries It has often been found grow
Jig spontaneously in Asiatic Turkey. 1t
is mentioned by Pliny, and several other
classical writer's, and many anecdotes are
related Of the vcneration and even super.
stition with which it was regarded by tie
Asiatics III re is no doubt bu! it was
one of the "Trccs of the Garden " which
God planted in Eden, aud which We're TO
nourish and cheer our first parents in their
pristine purity and happiness. 1t is not
mentioned in the Bible bat its congener,
the almond, is mentioned several times,
and as early as the days of Jacob. And
we find, when he was prep ariny his pres
ent for the Governor Of Egypt, he COM
mandcd his sons to take "myrrh, nuts,
and almonds" as a gift, showing the esteem
IN which it was then held. Again, in the
directions for making the golden candle
stick, among the ornaments, the myrtle
| and almond are mentioned as of the chief.
The peach, like civilization itself,
! travelled from this center westward into
Europe, and we find it mentioned in
Ruman history in the reign Of the En-
peror Claudius. 1t was highly valued by
the patriciahs of Rome, and was cultiv'
ated by them as one OF their choicest lux
uries. 1t is still a standard tree in Italy.
1t was introduced into England from
Italy, about the middle Of the sixteenth
century, and has been cultivated there as
an exotic ever since. Her cool, moist
climate, however, prevents its general
cultivation, and it is only grown On walls
! + ho FRI. TO- S,aa11
except on the tables of the ariStocracy.
Even in France, where the climate is
much milder, it is not al ways reared with
out prot, ction, and the fruit has never
gone into general use, but is delicacy
confined to the wealthy alone, the cultiva-
ton being confined principally to gar
| Gcns
In China it is extensively cultivated in
the gardens of the rich, and has attained
! an extraordinary size. But OF their man
ner of propagation and culture but little
| is yet known, owing TO tue exclusive poll.
cy heretofore pursued by that ancient EN-
pire. Now, since lis anlelloratinn, among
the many other b. ncfits hoped Tor, more
accurate and complete knowledge of the
peach is one The Chinese are great gar
deners, and much affect the curious in hor-
ticultural as in other arts, and we may ex-
fCCG w lcdlu iuuCu 10 'lhN\lN o'Aht9S II
not useful. We know already that they
produce peaches of very large size, and
Two, at least, of rare shape-the Chinese
Fiat, and Crooked Peach. With this be.
ginning, we will not be surprised at still
more curious developments. The curl
osity, ingenuity, and enterprise of our
countrymen will soon discover whatever
may be known.
Il is to our credit that the United States
is the only country in the world that,
either in ancient or modern times has pro
duc,d peaches in sufficient quantities to
allow them to btcOlue common ularktta
bio commodity; so cheap, that tha poor,
as wvll as the rich, may regale themselves
and their families with one of the most
wholesome aud delicious OF fruits at
v,ry small expense AMI with every pros
meet that they will still b. more abundant
and cheap.-leuch Cuh~1v.