The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-08-25
History Of the Peach.

ATtemus Ward is credited with the
saying that when he boarded around
at different places, he always liked to
est hash, because then he knew what
he was eating. Such Of our readers
as would like to know something OF
The history Of peaches; will be in
terested in the following facts,
which VIC have taken from Fulton's
work on Peach Culture:
The peach Is supposed 10 lie 4 ma
tive OF Persia, and its botanical
name refers to that origin. II is
knogn to have floHrished In both
Persia and China at very early
period. and was highly valuable in
both countries. 1t has often been
found growing spontaneously in Ash
atic Turkey. II is mentioned by
Pliny, aud several other classical
writers, and n2ny anecdotes are
related Of the veneration and even
superstition with which it was re-
garded by the Asiatics. There is no
doubt but ii was one of the Trees of
the Garden" which God planted in
Eden, which were to nourish and
cheer our first parents in their pTis-
tine purity and happiness. It's not
mentioned in the Bible, but its con-
qUeroT, the almond, is mentioned
several 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 10 take "myTrh, nuts and
almond as a gift, showing the esteem
in which il was then held. Again.
in the directions for making the COL
den caudlestici, among the orna-
nsuts, the myrtle ana almond are
mentioned as Of The chief.
The pesch like civilization itself.
travelled from tits center westward
into Europe, and we 6Hd ii men
toned in Roman history in the reign
Of Emperor Claudius. 1t was highly
valued by the patricians of Rome,
and was cultivated by them as one
Of their choicest lUxuries. 1t is still
4 standard tree in Italy.
Ii was introduced into England
from Italy, about the middle of the
sixteenth century, and has been cul-
uvated there as an exotic ever since.
Her cool, moist climate, however,
prevents its cultivation, and is only
grown on walls or under glass, and
the fruit is seldom seen except on the
tables of the aristocracv.
Even IN France, where the climate
Is much milder, it is not ALWAYS
reared without protection, and the
fruit has never gone into general use.
but Is a delicacy confined TO the
wealthy alone, the cultivation being
confined principally 10 gardens.
In China II is extensively Cultiva-
ted in the gardens OF the rich. and
has attained an extraordinary size.
But of their propagation and culture
put little Is known, owning TO the ex-
elusive policy heretofore pursued by
that ancient empire. Now, since its
cmeliOrSion, among he many other
benefits hoped for a more accurate
and complete knowledge of the peach
Is one. The Chinese arc great gar
dcnCrS, and much affect the curious
IN Horticultural as in other arts. and
We may expect 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 shapc-the Chinese Flat and
Crooked Peach. With this begin
ming, we viii not be surprised st
still more curious developments.
The curiosity, ingenuity, and enter
prise OF our CountTymen will soon
discover whatever may be known.
Il i TO cur credit that the United
states Is the only country in the
world Tat either in ancient or mod
a,H times, has produced peaches in
sufficient quantities 10 allow them 10
become "a common marketable COM
modify; 50 cheap. that the poor. as
wcIIas tie rich, may regal themselves
and JEcir families with one Of the
most wholesome and delicious of
fruits 81 very small expense, and
with every prospect that they will
sill be more abundant and che ap.-
iiC0Tb and Homo.