THE PLUM. 



169 



Golden Drop (fig. 307) is a magnificent plum. It has the valuable 

 quality of keeping a long time after it has been gathered, especially 

 if wrapped up in paper and hung in the fruit-room. Ickworth's Impe*- 

 ratrice (fig. 308) is a delicious plum when ripened and quite shrivelled. 

 It is covered with the most exquisite purple bloom, and will keep 

 a long time in a dry fruit-room. 



The Belgian Purple (fig. 309) is reputed to be a very fine early plum, 

 but although I have a tree, I cannot say that I am familiar enough with 

 it to be able to speak positively as to its merits. 



Plums are especially adapted for culinary purposes, as they last from 



i 



ipt'ratnce. 



FIG. 309. Belgian 

 Purple. 



FIG. 310. Prince Kn-lo- 

 bert. 



F.G. 311. Belle de 

 I. mi vain. 



July till November. Rivers' Prolific ripens in July. There is an early 

 sort grown in Kent, the name of which I could never learn, which is fit 

 for use about the same time. The Prince Englebert (fig. 310) is very 



-;<;. 3I2 Yellow 

 A.aguum Bonum. 



FIG. 3 i 3 .-Gisl. 



FIG. 314. P/ajk Dia:.: .:-.!. 



FIG. 315. Prince of 

 Wales. 



large, rich, and excellent, bears profusely, and is ripe in the middle 

 of August. The Belle de Louvain (fig. 3 11 ), which ripens a little 

 later, is a large, deep purple plum, and is hardy. 



