@ . _ (Jg) 
NECTAEINE PLUM. 
the Green Gage, the Nectarine Plum, the Golden Drop, and 
others of the same melting, sugary, luscious properties, are as 
wholesome and beneficial to health as any garden frait ripening 
subsequently to the Strawberry — a fruit which we do not hesi- 
tate to set down as superior to any other that is produced by the 
English horticulturist. 
We have been desirous of introducing this Plum to our horti- 
cultural readers, that they may be aware of the existence of two 
varieties, of similar appearance, which have not been always dis- 
tinguished, the one from the other, although of such very unequal 
merit. They have been indiscriminately called the Nectarine 
Plum, the Goliah, and, less frequently, the Caledonian. The 
true Nectarine Plum is rather rounder, and in quality far supe- 
rior to the Goliah ; therefore, those who seek the former must 
guard against error. Mr. Thompson, the superintendent of the 
fruit department, in the Horticultural Society’s Gardens, has 
pointed to a difference which will readily distinguish the one from 
the other. The shoots and fruit-stalks of the Nectarine Plum 
are quite glabrous, whilst those of the Goliah are pubescent or 
downy, resembling the Orleans. It is exceedingly desirable 
that nurseiymen should attend to this distinction, that they may 
escape the charge of carelessness ; or, of an accusation some- 
what less innocent. 
The delicate azure bloom of the Nectarine Plum, which covers 
its fine puiqile skin, forbids the approach of the fingers: indeed 
the fruit should never be touched in being gathered ; but should 
be brought to table in its greatest purity. Its flesh is yellowish 
green, very luscious and rich, slightly adhering to the stone; 
more melting and altogether superior to the Goliah. 
This tree will bear well as a standard, but is deserving of a 
wall, where its pi'oduce will be finer, and somewhat earlier, than 
that from standards. On a wall it wiU ripen early in August ; 
and its season for use will always precede, by three weeks at 
least, that of the Goliah. 
