FRUIT-GARDENING. 183 



KIRKE'S PLUM. This variety is said to be as hardy and pro- 

 lific as the Orleans, as handsome as the Damask, and as good 

 as the Green Gage ; fruit large, roundish ; skin covered with 

 a close, firm, azure bloom, through which appear a few golden 

 specks ; flesh greenish-yellow, firm, juicy, and rich ; in perfec- 

 tion the early part of September. 



LA ROYALE, Royale. A large and excellent freestone Plum, 

 of a homely dull red color, but concealed by a thick violet or 

 azure bloom ; flesh fine, yellowish- green, firm, juicy, high-fla- 

 vored, and delicious; a superior Plum; at maturity early in 

 September. 



LATE PURPLE DAMSON, Purple Winter Damson, Blue Da- 

 mascene, Blue Damson. This variety is in great esteem for 

 preserves, and generally commands a high price. It is of a 

 dark purple color, covered with bloom ; the flesh has rather 

 too much acidity for a table fruit, but this tartness gives it an 

 agreeable flavor when cooked ; and if the fruit remains on the 

 tree until November, it becomes sweet. 



LAWRENCE GAGE, Lawrence's Favorite. A large round free- 

 stone Plum, of a yellowish-green color, tinged with red ; flesh 

 firm, and of delicious flavor, similar to the Green Gage. The 

 tree is very fertile, and yields an abundance of fruit in August 

 and September. 



LUCOMBE'S NONESUCH. This Plum is large, compressed at 

 the summit and base ; its breadth is two inches ; its color at 

 maturity, as well as its form, resembles the Green Gage, but 

 more streaked with yellow ; flesh firm, rich, and juicy ; at 

 maturity in August ; tree a good bearer. 



MIMMS, Mimms Plum, Diapree Rouge. The fruit is very 

 large, a little oblong ; color bright purple, covered with thick 

 bloom ; its flesh, which separates from the stone, is yellowish- 

 green, tender, juicy, and very agreeably flavored ; ripe in Sep- 

 tember. 



MOROCCO, Early Black Damask, Black Damascus, Black 

 Morocco, Early Damask, Early Morocco. This is considered 

 one of the best of early Plums. The tree is very hardy and 



