PLU3r. 



359 



only remains to make a few more remarks on the 

 varieties of the plum which are used as stocks for 

 other trees. 



29. The Muscle P, — So called from the colour 

 and shape of the fruit. It is a wild sort ; but where 

 it was first found is unknown. It has, however, 

 been used as a stock for peaches and nectarines for 

 these last one hundred and fifty years. The fruit are 

 of inferior quality ; but, when fully ripe, are by no 

 means disagreeable. The cottager should plant this 

 as well as the next in the hedge of his garden. 



30. Brussels P, — This is the St. Julien of the 

 French and German nurserymen, and has been long 

 used as a stock in English nurseries. The fruit are 

 about the size and shape of the Morocco ; colour 

 dark red, or purple. The pulp parts from the stone, 

 and though it has but little juice, it is not bad tasted 

 when fully ripe ; but the tree must be old before it 

 bears fruit. In the Horticultural Society's Catalogue, 

 it is said to be used as a stock for peaches this 

 is contrary to the long experience of the writer, and 

 also to the opinion of the author of The Guide to 

 the Garden and Orchard." 



31. Pear P. — So called from the shape of the 

 fruit. A wild variety, propagated by layers to form 

 proper stocks for the more tender kinds of peaches. 

 Miller says, it is a good fruit for preserving ; and so 

 it may, but the young planter may die an old man 

 without seeing a fruit on the tree. 



32. Prune Damson P. — Ripens in the end of 

 September. This is an iniproved variety of the 



