The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-09-20

The following facts, are taken from
Fulton's work on peach culture
The peach is supposed to be a native Of
Persia, and its botanical name refers to that
origin. II is known to have fourished in
both Persia and China at a very carly pc
Rod, and was highly valued in both conn-
tries It has often been found growing
spontaneously in Asiatic Turkey. It Is
mentioned by Pliny, and several other
classical writer's, and many anecdotes are
related Of the veneration aud even super
stiticn with which it was regarded by the
Asiatics.
There is no doubt but it was one of the
" Trees Of the Garden which God plant
ed in Eden, and which were to nourish
and cheer our first parents in their pristine
purity and happiness. Il is not mention
ed in the Bible, but its congener, the al
mond, il 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
son to take "myrrh, nuts and almond" as
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 the almond are
mentioned as Of the chief.
The peach, like civilization itself, tray-
eled from the centre westward into Eu-
rope, and we find it mentioned in Roman
history in the reign Of the Emperor Clau-
dius. Il was highly valued by the patri-
archs Of Rome, and was cultivated by them
as one Of their choicest luxuries. It Is
still standard tree in Italy.
Il was introduced into England from
Italy, about the middle Of the 18th cen
tury, and has been cultivated there as an
exotic ever since. Her cool, moist eli
mate, however, prevents its general cult
vation, and it is only grown on walls un-
der glass, and the fruit is seldom seen ex-
eept on the tables Of 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 delicacy
confined to the wealthy alone, the cultiva-
tion being confined principally to gardens.
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
policy heretofore pursued by that ancient
empire. Now, since the amelioration,
among the many other benefits hoped for,
more accurate and complete knowledge
Of the peach is oneo
The Chinese are great gardeners, and
mueh affect the curious in horticultural MS
in other arts, and we may expect to learn
much that is interesting, II not useful.
We know already that they produce peach
es Of very large size, and two, at least, of
rare shape--the Chinese Flat and Crooked
Peach. With this beginning, we viii not
be surprised at still more curious develop
ments. The curiosity, ingenuity and en-
terprise Of our countrymen win soon dis
cover whatever may be known.
II 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 quantities to allow
them to become common marketable
commodity so cheap, that the poor, as
well as the rich, may regale themselves
and their families with one of the most
wholesome ard delicious of fruits at very
small expense, and with every prospect
that they will be still more abundant and
cheap.