3%e Jefferson Plum. 23 



crop of Tennisball and Silesia, and the first of May the 

 plants will be in readiness. Continue to plant as before ad- 

 vised, every month or six weeks, from early spring to autumn, 

 and select a cool situation for the late summer crops. 



Cultivation of the Winter Crop. — This is the sowing re- 

 quiring the most attention, and which is to supply the table 

 from January to March. Select a warm situation in the open 

 ground, and manure the bed well, and dig it deep ; make the 

 surface level and smooth with a fine rake, and it is then ready 

 for the seed. The Hardy Hammersmith is the variety to 

 sow now ; draw the drills three inches apart, and cover the 

 seeds lightly. In a few days they will be up and grow rap- 

 idly — and in October they should be transplanted into beds, 

 where they are to be protected from frost. These should be 

 common hot-bed frames ; and as soon as the nights become 

 cool the sashes should be put on, removing them early every 

 fair day. On the approach of severe cold secure the plants 

 from the efiects of frost in season, for freezing and thawing 

 would nearly destroy the whole. Very little water will be 

 needed, unless there should be a continuance of fine weather, 

 till Christmas, when they will require moderate waterings. 

 Give all the light and air possible, and keep the plants clean 

 and free from damp, by picking off all decayed leaves as soon 

 as perceived. 



In December the plants will be very strong and stocky, 

 and ready for removal to hot-beds, or pits in the greenhouse, 

 where, with the ordinary treatment, they will soon form fine 

 large heads. From time to time, as a succession is wanted, 

 the plants can be transplanted from frames to heat, until the 

 season arrives for the sowing of the spring crop. 



Newton^ Dec, 1844. 



Art. V. Figure and Description of the Jefferson Plum. By 

 A. J. Downing, Newburgh, N. Y. 



If we were asked which we considered the most desirable 

 of all plums, we should undoubtedly give the name of this 

 new variety. When fully ripe it is nearly, — shall we not 



