The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-09-15
Agricultural.
The History of the Peach.

The peach is supposed to he native
of Persia, and its botanical name refers
to that origin. 1t Is known TO have
ilourished in both Persia aud China at
very carly period, and was highly
valued in both countries. 1t has often
been found growing spontaneously in
Asiatic Turkey. 1t Is mentioned by
PliDy, and several other classical writ
ors, and many anecdotes are related Of
the veneration and oven superstition
with which 1t was regarded by the Ash
atics. There is no doubt but it was one
of the Trees Of the Garden which
Sod planted in Eden, and which were
to nourish and cheer our first parents in
their pristine purity and happiness. 1t
is not mentioned in the Bible, but its
cogener, tho almond, is mentioned
several times, and as early rs the days
of Jacob. And we find, when he was
preparing his present for the Governor
of Egypt, ho commanded his sons to
takc "myrrh, nuts. and almonds rs q
gift, showing the esteem in which it
was then held. Again in the directions
for making the golden candlestick,
among the ornaments, the myrtle and
almond arc mentioned as of the chief.
inc peach, like civilization itself,
travelled from this centre westward into
Europe, and we find it mentioned in
Roman history in the reign of the En-
peror Claudlus. 1t was highly valued
by the patricians of Rome, and was
cultivated by them rs ono of their
choicest luxuries. II Is still standard
tree in Italy.
1t was introduced into England from
Italy, about the middle of the sixteenth
century, and has been cultivated there
MS an exotic ever since Her cool, moist
climate, however, prevents its general
cultivation, and IL is only grown on
walls or under glass, and the fruit is
seldom seen'except on the tables of the
aristocracy.
Even in France, where the climate is
much milder, K is not always reared
without protection, and the fruit has
never gone into general use, but it is a
delicacy confined to the wealthy alone,
the cultivation being confined princi-
pally to gardens.
In China it is extensively cultivated
in the gardens OF the rich, and has at
tanned an extraordinary size. But of
their manner of propagation and culture
but little is yet known, owing to the
exclusive policy heretofore pursued by
that ancient empire. Now, since its
amelioration, among the many other
benefits hoped for, a more open and
complete knowledge of the peach is
one. The Chinese are great gardeners,
and much affect the curious in horticu-
tural as in other arts, and we may ex-
pect to learn much that is interesting,
if not useful. We know already that
they produce peaches of very large size.
and two, at least, of rare shape-the
Chinese Flat and Crooked Peach. With
this beginning, we will not be surprised
at still more curious Developments.
The curiosity, ingenuity, and enter
prise of our countrymen will soon dis
cover whatever may be known.
1t is to our credit that the United
States is the only country in the world
that, either in ancient or modern times,
has produced peaches in sufficient guam
titles to allow them to become COM
mon marketable commodity; so cheap,
that the poor, as well as the rich, may
regale themselves and families with
one ofthe most wholesome and delic-
ious of fruits at q very small expense,
and with every prospect that they will
still be more abundant and cheap
Peach Culture.