XIX. PLUMS. 



A classification, derived from the following differences which 

 exist among Plums, has been found useful in clearing up, to 

 some considerable extent, the great confusion which prevailed 

 among this class of fruits : Shoots downy or smooth ; Leaves 

 pubescent above or glabrous; Fruit purple or pale ; round, 

 oblong or obovate; Flesh adhering to the stone: or separating 

 from it. These afford the means of forming thirty-two subdi- 

 visions; the task of comparison being reduced in proportion. 

 Many varieties yet remain to be fruited ; but in the meantime 

 an excellent selection may be made from those already ascer- 

 tained. The abbreviations employed are as follow : 



Wood. s. smooth ; d. downy. 



Colour, p. purple ; y. yellow : g. green ; r. red ; w. white or whitish. 



Size. 1. large; 2. middle-sized; 3. small. 



Stone, adh. adhering to the flesh ; sep. separating. 



Quality, 1. first rate; 2. middling; 3. bad. 



Use. T. table ; K. kitchen ; P. preserving. 



Season, b. beginning ; m. middle ; e. end of the months to which these are pre- 

 fixed. 



