Wilmot's New early Orleans Plum. 393 



The fruit is above the middle size, round, slightly cleft, 

 the skin all over of a rather dark purplish tint, when well 

 exposed, but the shaded part is of a delicate pale red 

 covered with a fine blue meal; the external appearance 

 much like that of the Orleans, but the colour is generally 

 darker, and somewhat brighter, and the form more com- 

 pressed, especially at the eye ; the flesh is of a rich greenish 

 yellow, inclining to an amber tint, when quite ripe ; of plea- 

 sant consistence, being much softer and more juicy than 

 the Orleans, of excellent flavour, sweet combined with plea- 

 sant acid ; the skin is slightly pungent, thin, and peels very 

 readily from the flesh ; the stone is round, rather small in 

 proportion to the size of the fruit, and separates clearly 

 from the flesh. 



This variety is particularly adapted for an early supply 

 for the dessert, and is decidedly superior to any Plum of its 

 season, at present cultivated ; the lateness of its flowering 

 renders its crop more certain, and the habit of the tree is 

 vigorous and fertile. Its beautiful appearance will obtain it 

 a preference in the market, and it is well adapted for baking. 



The importance of a superior early Plum is too obvious 

 to require comment, and will be an apology, I trust, for my 

 thus troubling you. 



I am, dear Sir, 



Yours very faithfully, 



William Hooker. 



York Buildings, New Road, 

 August 17, 1819. 



