South-eastern Independent. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1871-1871, 1871-08-11
The History Of the Peach,

TIE peach is supposed to be a native of
Persia, and its botanical name refers to
that origin. tits known to have fiourished
in both Persia and China at a very earlv
period, and was highly valued in both
countries. 1t has often been found grow
ing spontaneously in Asiatic Turkey. 1t
is mentioned by Pliny, and several other
classical writers, and many anecdotes are
related OF the veneration and ever SUPER
stition with which it was regarded by the
Asiatics. There is no doubt but it was
one OF the "Trees of the Garden which
God planted In Eden, and which were to
nourlsh and cheer our first parents in their
pristine purity and happiness. 1t is not
mentioned In the Bible, but its conPener.
the almond, is mentioned several times,
and as early as the days of Jacob. And
we find, when he was preparing his pres
ent for the Governor of Egypt, he com
msnded his som to take "myrrh, nuts,
and Gtm0ndS" asa gift, showing the esteem
IN which 1t 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
Roman history in the reign of the En-
perof Claudius. 1t was highly valued by
the patriciahs of Rome, and was GUILTY.
ated by them as n 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
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, it is not always reared with
out protection, and the fruit has never
gone into general use, but is a delicacy
confined to the wealthy alone, the cultiva-
ton being confined principally to gar
dens.
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 the exclusive poll
cy heretofore pursued by that ancient en-
pire. Now, since its a~melioratiOn, among
the many other benefits hoped for, a more
accurate and complete knowledge of the
peach is N The Chinese are great gar
deners, and much affect the curious in nor
ticultural 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 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.
1t is to our credit that the United States
is the only country in the world that,
either in ancient or modern times, has pro-
duced peaches in sufficient quantities to
allow them to become a common marketa-
BILE commodity; so 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 a
very small expense, and with every pros
pect that they will still be more abundant
and cheaD.-Peach Culture.