212 



THE FLORIST. 



"Wilmot of Isleworth. To all appearance it closely resembles the 



common early Orleans; but in quality it far surpasses that variety, 



and may be considered the best of its class. 



Almost every person possessing a garden grows an Orleans Plum; 



but very few are in possession of this variety, which should be more 



widely disseminated. 



The fruit is of middle size, 

 round, slightly compressed, the 

 suture extending from the stalk 

 to the apex, which is a little in- 

 dented. Skin thin, pale red on 

 the shaded side, intermixed with 

 green — the exposed side being 

 dark purplish-red, and thinly 

 spread with bloom. Flesh pale 

 yellow, growing darker as it 

 ripens ; quite melting, possessing 

 a rich sugary flavour, and parting 

 clean from the stone, which is 

 small and nearly round. Ripen3 

 the end of July and beginning of 

 August. 

 The trees are of moderate growth and excellent bearers; young 

 shoots short, downy, and thickly set with buds. Bears well as a 

 standard; but truly deserves a place on an east or west wall. 



2. Smith's Orleans. 



Fruit above the middle size, 

 oval, slightly irregular, having a 

 moderately deep suture on one side. 

 Skin purplish red, changing to a 

 deeper colour, mottled when fully 

 matured, and spread with a fine 

 azure bloom. Stalk half an inch 

 long, not over stout, and set in a 

 Flesh dull 



deep, narrow cavity, 

 yellow, firm, very juicy, rich, and 

 vinous, w T ith an agreeable acid fla- 

 vour, and adheres slightly to the 

 stone. This excellent Plum is suit- 

 able for the dessert as well as for 

 pastry, and ripens from the middle 

 to the end of August. 



The trees are healthy and excel- 

 lent bearers; young shoots smooth, of a purple hue; foliage crum- 

 pled ; produces remarkably fine fruit where the advantage of a wall 

 is given. 



It is an American variety, originally from Long Island, United 

 States, and I believe as yet it is not generally known in this country. 



