See Frontispiece.

Our Frontispiece for the present month represents a group of Cherries, some of which are so well known as hardly to need further illustration. Some of the names we should have preferred to change, if the plate had not been already printed; we must therefore be content with them as they are. We must add, too, that some of the figures in the plate are not equal to the originals, and fail to give an accurate idea of them.

1. Early Swedish

Early Swedish, or, more properly, Early White Heart, which is the name, also, by which it is generally known. It is a good old early variety, though not equal to some others of the same season. The fruit is below medium size, oblong heart-shaped, sometimes a little one-sided. Suture quite distinct. Stalk an inch and three-quarters long, rather slender, and inserted in a wide, shallow cavity. Skin a dull whitish yellow, tinged and speckled with pale red in the sun. Flesh half tender, but when fully ripe melting, with a sweet and pleasant flavor. Ripe about the first of June.

2. Triumph Of Cumberland

The figure in the plate is not quite large enough. Fruit obtuse heart-shaped, sometimes roundish. Skin deep crimson, but nearly purple when fully ripe. Stem rather long, slender, and inserted in a broad, open cavity. Flesh rather solid, red, and slightly adhering to the stone. It is considered an excellent cherry. Ripe about the middle of June.

3. Baumann's May

Fruit rather small, oval heart-shaped, and rather angular in outline. Stalk an inch and three-quarters long, pretty stout at both ends, and set in a very narrow and rather irregular cavity. Skin deep rich red, becoming rather dark when fully ripe, Flesh purplish, tender, juicy, and when fully ripe tolerably sweet and good. Ripens about the 20th of May, and is very productive.

4. Black Tartarian

The figure in the plate is an imperfect representation of this old and popular cherry. Fruit of the largest size, heart-shaped, irregular and uneven on the surface. Stalk long and stout, inserted in a large cavity. Skin glossy, purplish black. Flesh purplish, half tender, and juicy, with a rich and delicious flavor. It ripens about the middle of June, and is very productive.

5. Bigarreau Monstreuse De Mezel

This was not long since introduced from France. The figure is under size. Fruit very large, obtuse heart-shaped, surface uneven, dark red, or quite black at maturity. Stem long and slender. Flesh firm and juicy, but not high flavored. Ripe last of June Land beginning of July.

6. Black Eagle

The figure in the plate is imperfect. Fruit above medium size, obtuse heart-shaped, borne in twos and threes. Stalk of medium length, and slender. Skin deep purple, or nearly black. Flesh deep purple, tender, and juicy, with a rich and high flavor. Ripens early in July, and is moderately productive.