THE PLUM. Ill 



fairly retentive loam will do very well, with 

 proper enriching ; but it is necessary to give 

 generous culture, and keep down any growth of 

 grass, especially when the trees are young, in 

 order to give vigor to resist disease. In all cases 

 of neglect, black knot is sure to put in an appear- 

 ance. The proper distance for planting is from 

 fifteen to twenty feet, according to the growth of 

 the variety, the Green Gage, e. g., being small, 

 while the Lombard and Imperial Gage are quite 

 in contrast in vigorous growth. 



Green Gage. This is one of the earliest to 

 ripen, and has no superior in quality. It is 

 slow in growth, and in some seasons and locali- 

 ties the fruit is liable to crack. Fruit small, 

 yellowish-green ; flesh melting, juicy, very sweet, 

 and unequaled in flavor. 



Lawrence's Favorite. Large, yellowish- 

 green ; juicy, sprightly, vinous, melting ; excel- 

 lent, productive. 



These two ripen about the middle of August, 

 and are the best early kinds. 



The three following are recommended as ripen- 

 ing about the end of August. 



Jefferson. Large, oval, yellow ; very juicy, 

 luscious. 



Smith's Orleans. Large, oval , reddish-pur- 

 ple, deep blue bloom ; flesh slightly firm, juicy, 

 brisk, vinous ; vigorous and productive. 



