The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-10-06
The History Of the Peach.

The peach is supposed to be u nstiys
of Persia, and its botanical name re-
fers to that origin. 1t is known to
have floyIrished in both Persia and
China at very early period, and was
highly valued in both countries. It
has often been found growing spOn-
taneously in Asiatic Turkey. 1t re-
mentioned by PIiny, and several 9TH
er classic writers, and many anecdotes
ere related of the venerstion and
even superstition with which il was
regarded by the Asiatics. There Is no
doubt butit was one of the "Trees Of
| the Garden" which God planted in
Eden, and which were to nourish and
and cheer our first parents in their
pristine purity and happiness. 1t is
not mentioned in the Bible, but its con-
gener, the almond is mentioned sever
al times, and as early as the days of
Jacob. And we find when he was
preparing his present for the governor
Of Egypt, he commanded his sons to
take ''myrrh, nuts and almond" as
q gift, showing the esteem in which
it was then held. Again, in the di-
rections Of making the golden CANDLE
stick, among The ornaments the myr-
tie and almond are mentioned as the
chief
The peach like civilization itself,
travelled from this centre westward in
To Europe, and we find it mentioned
in Roman history in the reign of the
Emperor Claudius. 1t was highly
valued by the patricians of Rome, and
was cultivated by them as one of the
choicest luxuries. 1t is still a stand
ard tree in Italy.
1t was introduced into England from
Italy about the middle OF the six
teenth century, and has been culti-
waited there as an exotic ever since.
Her cool, moist climate, however,
prevents its general cultivation, and
1t is only grown on walls or under
glass, and the fruit is seldom seen ex-
cept on the tables OF the aristocraey.
Even in France, where the climate
Is much milder, 1t is not always rear
cd without protection, and the fruit
has never gone into general Use, but
as delicacy confined to tho wealthy
alone, the cultivation being confined
principally to gardens.
In China 1t is extensively cultivated
in the gardens of the rich, and has at
tained an extraordinary size. But cf
their manner of propagation and cui-
ture but little is yet known, owing to
the exclusive policy heretofore pursu-
ed Dy that ancient empire. Now,
since It's amelioratioD, among this
many other benefits hoped for, 4
more accurate and complete knOwl
edge OF the peach is one. The Chin
csc are great gardeners and much az
feet the curious in horticultural as in
other arts, and We may expect to learn
much that 's interesting, If not useful.
We know already that they produce
peacGes 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 enterprise OF
our countrymeD will soon discover
whatever may be known.
1t il 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 sufii-
cient quantities to allow them to be-
come common marketable eOmmo-
dity; go cheap that the poor as well as
the rich may regale themselves and
their families with one of the most
wholesome and delicious of fruits at q
very small expense, and with every
prospect that it will still be more abun-
dant and cheap.--FuitOn.