PLUMS AND DAMSONS 



WHAT is the finest fruit in the world ? The secretary and 

 the superintendent of the R.H.S. (in vol. xxvi., parts ii. 

 and iii. of the Journal of the R.H.S.) agree in thinking 

 that Goldoni, a yellow nectarine raised from a peach 

 by the late Francis Rivers is, when properly ripened, 

 without exception, the finest fruit in the world. It 

 has not been my privilege to taste it, yet I venture to 

 think that a thoroughly ripened plum of one of the best 

 varieties must come near it. The incessant demand for 

 greengages is a testimony to the popularity of the plum 

 as a dessert fruit. Next to the apple, it is the most 

 useful of our fruits. 



ORIGIN OF THE PLUM 



Eminent botanists are of opinion that our plums and 

 damsons have had their origin in the Primus Communis 

 found in various parts of Europe and Asia, but others 

 consider that the Prunus Domestica is the parent of the 

 majority. Mr A. H.Pearson of Chilwell,Nott. (v. Journal 

 of the R.H.S. , vol. xxi. part ii.), thinks that " the blood " 

 of more than one species is found in the plums of the 

 present day, as varieties closely resembling one another 

 demand different stocks for their well-being when propa- 

 gated by grafting. The cherry plum is Prunus myrobalana, 

 and of this species there are several varieties, as St 

 Etienne, Mirabelle Precoce, i.e. the Early Mirabelle, 

 Mirabelle Petite, and others. 'Rivers' Early Prolific is 

 said to be of the same race. 



