126 APRICOTS. 



The Common Plum Stock. — This is a good stock 

 for apricots, being in growth somewhat similar to 

 the muscle stock, but not so deep a green in the 

 leaf. It has been seen to throw up a bud of an apri- 

 cot, nearly standard high, in the first season. 



There are two other sorts of plums used for 

 stocks, vh. the pear plum (from the shape of the 

 fruit, which is in no way eatable), and another 

 lately introduced ; both of which are only used for 

 peaches and nectarines, and will be described when 

 treating of those fruit. 



The above stocks are usually raised from layers, 

 by certain persons called stock-growers ; among 

 whom the highly respectable Mr. J. Donald, of Wok- 

 ing, near Guildford in Surrey, is pre-eminent. The 

 stocks most suitable for the different kinds of apri- 

 cot, will be mentioned in the descriptions respec- 

 tively. 



1. Masculine Apricot. — Otherwise called the Red 

 Masculine, is ripe from the middle to the end of 

 July. This sort is one of the oldest in our gardens, 

 being introduced from France in the reign of Henry 

 VIII. The fruit is small, nearly round ; of a light- 

 yellow colour marbled with red. The pulp, juice, 

 and flavour, much better than might be expected 

 from so early and small a fruit. The tree is of a 

 more diminutive growth than any other variety, but 

 healthy, and a good bearer. The blossoms open 

 early, and require some kind of protection. It should 

 have a good warm aspect, as it is a desirable cir= 

 cumstance to have the fruit as early as possible. 



