152 Queries and yltiswers. 



is yet known about the Beurre Spence pear : before you publish, I hope 

 you will get some information on the subject. We have a favourite apple 

 through at least one half of Ireland, which seems not as much known as 

 it deserves in England, viz. the Scarlet Crofton. It is very peculiar in its 

 taste, and never becomes mealy; and keeps well. — N. H. Graves. Brigown 

 Glebe, MUchektown, near Cork, Feb. 1. 1839. 



On sending the above letter to Mr. Thompson, he returned it, with the fol- 

 lowing remarks : — 



The Grosse mignonne peach was found in so many collections under the 

 name of Pourpree hative, that it was thought proper to mark the Grosse 

 mignonne as being the Pourpree hative (of some), in the Horticultural So- 

 ciety's Catalogue of Fruits ; and likewise in the new edition of the Encyclo- 

 pedia of Gardening. The true Pourpree hative is, however, perfectly distinct; 

 its leaves having reniform glands, whereas those of the Grosse mignonne are 

 globose. The fruit ripens earlier than that of the Grosse mignonne (see the 

 above-mentioned publication). The London nurseryman, who properly in- 

 formed Mr. Graves of the identity of the sort which was sent with that above- 

 mentioned, will doubtless lose no time in obtaining the distinct sort, which, 

 in fact, is rather scarce in this country. It may be obtained from the nursery 

 of Messrs. Baumann of Bollwyller, under the name of Pourpree hative a 

 grandes Fleurs. 



The Mimms plum, and the Imperial diadem of some, are undoubtedly the 

 same as the Diapree rouge of the New Du Hamel, t. 55. 



With regard to the varieties of fruits, there is scarcely such a thing as 

 specific differences to be met with : the same objection that applies to that 

 arising from the shoots being downy or smooth is also applicable to every 

 other mark of distinction that has yet been discovered. Yet, in some, the 

 wood being downy or smooth leads to perfect decision : thus, the Reine 

 Claude Violette has smooth shoots ; another variety of plum, the Royale 

 hative has fruit very similar, and the two might be easily mistaken one for the 

 other, were it not observed that the shoots of the Royale hative are ex- 

 ceedingly downy. 



The Pine-apple russet is not known about London. The Pine-apple pippin 

 is, perhaps, the same variety. Moreover, this will doubtless be eventually 

 ascertained. 



The Beurre Spence is not yet known in this country. An excellent pear 

 was seen this season under the above name, but it was believed to be the 

 Urbaniste. — R. T. Feb. 6. 1839 



Art. V. Queries and Answers. 



A LARGE Grape, raised by Van Mons. — The Journal of Science and Art, 

 vol. xxvii. p. 229., contains the following extract from a work on vines, by 

 M. Lenoir, a French writer : — "A seedling vine, raised by M. Van Mons, at 

 Brussels, produces fruit as large as a green gage plum, which, at the latest, 

 ripens in the first fortnight of August, and never fails. Its qualities are no 

 less remarkable, as it is both solid and sweet." Can this grape be procured 

 in England ? — J. B. TV. We have written to Dr. Van Mons, and also to M. 

 Vilmorin, respecting this grape, but we have not yet received any satisfactory 

 answer. — Cond. 



A drooping Larch. — Are there such things anywhere for sale as true or 

 genuine drooping larches, which, if worked in the manner of the drooping ash, 

 will grow downwards ? And, if there is, what is the price ? I do not mean 

 the merely curved or tortuous larches which are generally styled droopers in 

 the nurseries. — X. Nov., 1838. 



