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 



Fig. 308. 

 Imp^ratric^ 



Fig. 309.^— Belgian 

 Purple. 



Fig. 310. — Prince Engle- 

 bert. 



Fig. 311.— Belle de 

 Louvain. 



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 



Fig. 3?2.— Yellow 

 Magnum Bonum. 



Fig, 315. — Prince of 

 Wales. 



Fig. 313. — Gisborne. 



Fig. 314.— Black Diamond 



large, rich, and excellent, bears profusely, and is r^pe in the middle 

 of August. The Belle de Louvain (fig. 311), which ripens a little 

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



