178 FRUIT-GARDENING. 



and the dried fruit, or prune, is formed into electuaries and 

 gentle purgatives. Prunes were originally brought from 

 Damascus, whence the name damson. 







MANAGEMENT OF PLUM-TREES. 



Plum-trees require a soil free from superabundant moisture 

 and well cultivated. The trees may be planted out in the 

 spring, or in autumn, in ground that is kept clear from weeds 

 and grass for at least four or five years. The soil for plums 

 should have a good proportion of clay in it ; and if clay pre- 

 dominates, mingle some sand with the clay. Wood-ashes, iron 

 filings, iron turnings, and oxide of iron, which may be col- 

 lected at the blacksmith's shop, are excellent for plum-trees. 

 Coal-dust, soot, and all such materials, will promote the health 

 of plum-trees and render them eminently productive. 



SELECT DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF PLUMS. 



AMERICAN YELLOW GAGE, American Wheat. A beautiful 

 medium-sized oval Plum, of a bright yellow color, when fully 

 ripe ; its flavor is rich, equal to the Green Gage. The fruit is 

 not apt to crack nor to be attacked by insects. It is a very 

 suitable variety to cultivate for the market ; it ripens in August 

 and September. 



APRICOT PLUM, Prune Abricote, Abricotee de Tours. A large 

 freestone Plum ; its form is globular, depressed, divided by a 

 deep suture ; whitish yellow, but faint red next the sun, and 

 covered with bloom ; its flesh is firm, juicy, sweet, musky, and 

 excellent ; it ripens in August and September. 



BINGHAM, Bingham's Yellow Cling. A delicious clingstone 

 Plum, of large size and oval form ; skin bright yellow, spotted 

 and blotched with red ; flesh yellow, rich, and delicious ; ripen- 

 ing in August and September. 



