1871. ] 
DUKE OF EDINBURGH PLUM.-CONIFERS V. SPRING FROSTS. 
193 
DUKE OF EDINBURGH PLUM. 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
l '0R this fine new Plum we are indebted to Mr. Dry, Hayes, Middlesex. It 
is one selected from a numerous batch of seedlings for its handsome 
appearance, and very productive qualities. The name Duke of Edinburgh 
has been given to it on account of its resemblance to Prince of Wales, to 
which it has quite a brotherly similarity, not only as regards its general appear¬ 
ance and character, but also in the quality of the fruits. The Prince of Wales, 
as is well known, is one of the best of culinary Plums and a most abundant 
bearer, and such is the character of this new variety, with, however, a marked 
improvement in flavour. 
The Duke of Edinburgh has fruits large, roundish, inclining at times to 
obovate, and having a shallow suture. The skin is light purplish, with an 
extremely dense coating of light-bluish bloom. The stalk is short and stout, 
inserted in a slight cavity ; the flesh reddish yellow, thick, juicy, moderately rich, 
and separating freely from the stone. It is a very abundant bearer. The leaves 
are like those of the Green Gage. This Plum was exhibited before the Fruit 
Committee in August, 1869, and was awarded a First-Class Certificate.—B. 
CONIFERS versus SPRING FROSTS. 
|N most parts of the United Kingdom, the months of May and June of the 
present year were remarkable for extremely low night temperatures, and 
these, when the air is loaded with aqueous vapour, as is always the case 
to a less or greater degree, are extremely trying to vegetation. On the 
nights and mornings of May 16, 17, and 18, as well as on subsequent nights, 
reaching to the close of June, extremely low temperatures for the season of the 
year prevailed, varying according to locality, altitude, &c.,from 4° to 8° or 10° of 
frost. As might reasonably be expected, great damage was done to the blossoms 
and embryo fruit of wall and standard fruit trees. In some parts of the country 
forest trees also have been much injured. Beech trees of large size have been all 
but entirely denuded of their tender foliage, giving a shock to the trees from 
which they will take years to recover. As our fruit crops and hardy forest trees 
have been so much damaged by the low temperatures of May and June, I fear 
there will be bad accounts of the less hardy Conifers, particularly where intelligent 
choice has not been made of suitable situations wherein to plant them. 
It is known to those who have had much to do with the planting of the less 
hardy Conifers, that many of them can be got up to form fine specimens, if planted 
on sloping ground, avoiding either very high or very low situations. A west or 
northern aspect will be found most suitable; while east or south should be 
avoided, because of the liability that the tender shoots may be killed, through 
being suddenly thawed by the sun’s rays striking them while partially frozen. 
3rd SERIES.-IY. K 
