THE BIGARREAU CHERRY.

The above name is applied by DU HAMEL to several varieties, forming a tribe in the class of heart-shaped cherries; but the individual which is here represented, and is well known to every gardener, does not appear to have been described among those varieties, and approaches nearer to the ambree, though this is ranged by the above-named naturalist in the class of round cherries. This division into two classes does not appear to be grounded on those positive and certain characters which are requisite; the gradation in the form of cherries, from heart-shaped to round, being uncertain and often imperceptible, occurring not unfrequently on the same tree; and indeed the ambree, which is classed among the round fruits, is admitted by DU HAMEL to be of cordate form, and the tree to resemble in most respects those of the class of heart-shaped cherries.

The Bigarreau is a tree of luxuriant growth, though evidently exhibiting the characters of age and debility, and can by no means be recommended as a productive variety. The beautiful appearance and excellent quality of its fruit, which, when ripened in a favourable exposure, is not surpassed by any of the kinds at present cultivated, renders it still worthy of culture.

The leaves are large, long in proportion to their width, deeply serrated. The fruit is very large, of an irregular obtuse heartshaped form, flattened at the end next the stalk, of a pale yellowish or rather an amber tint on the shaded side, and heightened by a fine red colour on the side next the sun. The flesh is of rather firm consistence, white, adhering a little to the stone, sweet, and well flavoured. The stone is rather large and round. Footstalk of moderate length and thickness, inserted in a very shallow cavity.

This Cherry usually ripens in July, or early in August: it is not in use for forcing. The specimen delineated was obtained from the garden of JOHN BRADDICK, Esque at Thames Ditton, Surry, in 1815.