As I ordered the Cherries and Plummes, so I intend to deale with Peaches, because their varieties are many, and more knowne in these dayes then in former times: but because the Nectorin is a differing kinde of Peach, I must deale with it as I did with the Apricocke among the Plummes, that is, place it in a [Chapter by it selfe].
The Peach tree of it selfe groweth not vsually altogether so great, or high as the Apricocke, because it is lesse durable, but yet spreadeth with faire great branches, from whence spring smaller and slenderer reddish twigges, whereon are set long narrow greene leaues, dented about the edges: the blossomes are greater then of any Plumme, of a deepe blush or light purple colour: after which commeth the fruit, which is round, and sometimes as great as a reasonable Apple or Pippin (I speake of some sorts; for there be some kindes that are much smaller) with a furrow or cleft on the one side, and couered with a freese or cotton on the outside, of colour either russet, or red, or yellow, or of a blackish red colour; of differing substances and tastes also, some being firme, others waterish, some cleauing fast to the stone on the inside, others parting from it more or lesse easily, one excelling another very farre, wherein is contained a rugged stone, with many chinkes or clefts in it, the kernell whereof is bitter: the roots growe neither deepe nor farre; and therefore are subiect to the winds, standing alone, and not against a wall. It sooner waxeth old and decayeth, being sprung of a stone, then being inoculated on a Plumme stocke, whereby it is more durable.
The great white Peach is white on the outside as the meate is also, and is a good well rellished fruit.
The small white Peach is all one with the greater, but differeth in size.
The Carnation Peach is of three sorts, two are round, and the third long; they are all of a whitish colour, shadowed ouer with red, and more red on the side is next the sunne: the lesser round is the more common, and the later ripe.
The grand Carnation Peach is like the former round Peach, but greater, and is as late ripe, that is, in the beginning of September.
The red Peach is an exceeding well rellished fruit.
The russet Peach is one of the most ordinary Peaches in the Kingdome, being of a russet colour on the outside, and but of a reasonable rellish, farre meaner then many other.
The Island Peach is a faire Peach, and of a very good rellish.
The Newington Peach is a very good Peach, and of an excellent good rellish, being of a whitish greene colour on the outside, yet halfe reddish, and is ripe about Bartholmew tide.