530 Observations on the Qualities of newly-raised Fruits. 



present state, than of use) of a few of those varieties of the 

 Plum* 



Nos. 1 and 2 were obtained from seeds of the Damson, and 

 pollen of the Imperatrice Plum. I have yet seen two only 

 of this family, but both appear to me to be improved varie- 

 ties of the Damson ; and I believe, that, when they shall 

 have hung to shrivel upon the trees, they will not be found 

 wholly undeserving a place in the dessert, late in the season ; 

 and, as far as present observations allow me to speak, they 

 appear as hardy as their female parent. 



Nos. 3 and 4 are the offspring of a graft which I selected 

 from a hedge, far from any habitation, and obviously a variety 

 of our native Sloe, or Bullace, Prunus spinosa and P. insititia 

 (I do not consider those to constitute distinct species), and 

 its blossoms were fertilized by the pollen of Coe's Golden 

 Drop Plum. The fruit is much larger than I expected to 

 see it, and it presents a more cultivated character than I had 

 anticipated ; the trees grow with very great luxuriance, and 

 their present appearance indicates very productive habits. 

 The fruit of two varieties of this family, which ripened rather 

 early, contained a good deal of sugar. One of these, which 

 I have sent, will not be ripe till November ; but I send it, 

 because it presents a greater extent of deviation from the 

 character of its female parent, than any others of a numerous 

 family which my garden contains. 



No. 5 is the offspring of a very hardy and productive, but 

 wild and acid, variety of the Plum, which abounds in the 



* A Drawing was made by Mrs. Withebs of these Plums, when in a fresh 

 state, from which the annexed figure has been taken. On tasting the Plums, it 

 was found that No. 1, 2, and 6 had much merit, especially the two last. 



