GREEN GAGE PLUM. 



high position ; for though some of the newer varieties produce larger 

 fruit, bear better, keep longer, and make finer standard trees, and by a 

 combination of good qualities are entitled to extensive cultivation, yet, 

 when quality alone is considered, the Green Gage must carry off the 

 palm for excellence. Its only fault is the tendency of the fruit to crack 

 open by the least shower, about the period of its maturity. 



The Green Gage is a slow growing, though healthy and vigorous 

 tree, with a spreading habit, branching low, and scarcely making a fine 

 standard. The wood is quite distinct, and it may be readily known, when 

 once seen. In consequence of its slow growth other varieties have fre- 

 quently been disseminated for it, and we have often seen the Imperial 

 Gage in collections under the name of Green Gage. The trees are 

 entirely distinct from each other, and the least study would at once de- 

 tect the error. The Imperial Gage is a very vigorous, tall-growing tree ; 

 tlie Green Gage a short, stout, stocky one. 



Tree. — Vigorous, spreading in habit, branching low, and forming a 

 round, open head; annual growth, short, stout and stocky. 



Wood. — Dark purplish brown, reddish on the sunny side, and some- 

 what covered with a grayish epidermis, nearly smooth, and remarkably 

 short-jointed ; buds, medium size, very close together, slightly diverging, 

 with very large projecting shoulders. 



Leaves. — Medium size, oval on the young wood, nearly obovate on the 

 spurs, doubly and somewhat irregularly serrated, smooth, shining and 

 bright green above, paler underneath; petioles, medium length, about 

 half an inch long, moderately stout. 



Flowers. — Medium size ; style and stamens about equal length. 



Fruit. — Medium size, about one and a half inches in height, and 

 one and a half in diameter : Form, round, regular, slightly flattened at 

 the base, with a shallow suture, extending from the stem to the apex : 

 Skin, green, becoming yellowish at maturity, spotted and marbled with 

 bright crimson on the sunny side : Stem, medium length, about half an 

 inch long, little bent, rather stout, and inserted in a small, funnel-shaped 

 cavity: Flesh, yellowish green, fine, delicate, very melting, and nearly 

 separates from the stone, slightly adhering on one side : Juice, abun- 

 dant, very sugary, sprightly, with a most luscious and exquisite flavor : 

 Stone, large, roundish oval. 



Ripe the last of August and commencement of September. 



[70 J 



