APRICOTS, 125 



apricot Stocks. — These are raised from the stonCvS 

 of the fruit ; but though they have been frequently 

 used both in France and elsewhere, are found not to 

 answer so well as two or three sorts of inferior plums 

 about to be mentioned. 



The 31usck Stock, — is a variety of plum 

 which produces an oval dark-red fruit of middle 

 size; and, when cultivated for its fruit, is a good 

 bearer : and notwithstanding its inferiority as a fruit, 

 finds a ready sale in market for culinary purposes. 

 It makes a good stock for the apricot, and is exten- 

 sively used as such. 



Brussels^ or St, Julien, — This kind of plum is also 

 a favourite stock for the apricot. It has been long 

 employed in this country, though not noticed by 

 Loudon and Wise, in the second edition of their work, 

 published in 1699. The Brussels stock was, how- 

 ever, used in the Brompton Park Nursery long be- 

 fore that period ; and has continued to be propagated 

 as a stock ever since, chiefly for its vigorous and 

 upright growth, arriving at a standard height often 

 in the second year. This variety seldom bears fruit; 

 and which, when it does, are of a very inferior de- 

 scription. The author conceives that Miller (even 

 in his fourth edition) was very much mistaken in 

 recommending this stock for peaches, as it is by no 

 means w^ell adapted for the purpose, being too full 

 of sap during the budding season. And yet Miller 

 has followers at the present day ; which is more to 

 be wondered at, as they, living so long after him, 

 ought to know better. 



