XVII 



The Domcstica Plums Named and Described 



GEN (Prune d'Agen, French prune. 

 Petite prune). — Fruit oval, slightly 

 pear-shaped ; size small ; cavity shal- 

 low; stem slender, rather long; su- 

 ture faint ; color reddish purple ; 

 dots many, white ; bloom bluish ; 

 flesh greenish-yellow; stone long 

 oval, hardly flattened, free ; quality 

 good to best, season late. Tree not 

 a large grower, but usually fairly 

 productive. 



Of European origin. In the prov- 

 ince of Agen, France, they cultivate prunes extensively, the 

 staple sort being of the type of our Agen, or Prune d'Agen, 

 described above. But it appears to the writer that, like other 

 striking old types, this one has taken on considerable variations. 

 It has doubtless often been reproduced from seed. Numerous ref- 

 erences to this plum may be found in European literature. (The 

 reader may consult especially Bruguiere, Le Prunier, chap. i). 

 The variety as grown in this country seems to be fairly uniform, 

 however, and is identical with the principal French type of 

 this name (Cf. Wickson, California Fruits, 3d ed., p. 276). It 

 is probably the most important drying prune grown on the 

 Pacific coast. In the eastern states it has no reputation except 

 as an amateur's plum. Its high quality recommends it to the 

 fruit lover. 



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