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XLVII.

LA ROYALE PLUM.

The Plum delineated in the annexed plate, has long been cultivated in the Royal Garden of Hampton Court under the above name, and is also well known in Covent Garden by the same appellation; though the characters of the fruit differ much from the description given by Du HAMEL of the Royale, and from the Royale de Tours of that author.

It is, however, in many cases difficult, and perhaps impossible, to identify a fruit, under those changes of appearance which may be supposed to result from difference of climate, or from variation in the mode of culture; it may therefore be more proper to retain a name which has been long and generally received, though not strictly correct, or quite satisfactory, than to burden the nomenclature with an unnecessary addition of a new one.

The trees of our Royale are generally of healthy appearance, though less luxuriant than those of some other varieties, and are generally stated to be but very moderate bearers. In the garden above quoted, where trees are planted in south and in western exposures, they seldom fail to produce a tolerable crop. The leaves are of moderate size, ovate, generally broader at the end towards the point than near to the stem; of a deep green on their upper surface, pale and rather cottony beneath; the margin

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roundly and irregularly dentated. Footstalk short, very pale green tinged with red. Fruit large, round, rather more attenuated at the end next the stalk, than at the head; not deeply cleft; often measuring an inch and half in diameter. Skin thin, of a dull reddish purple colour, covered very thickly with a pale blue or grey meal, presenting a very beautiful appearance. The flesh is of a dull yellow, or dark amber tint, quite melting, sweet, and charged with rich juice. Stone roundish ovate, pointed at both ends, flat; parting from the flesh when fully ripe. Stalk about an inch in length, green; inserted in a small round cavity.

This excellent Plum ripens in September, succeeding the Green Gage, which it somewhat resembles in flavour, though it is less saccharine: it may be considered one of the best varieties for the dessert in its season.

The specimen grew on a west wall in the Royal Garden, at Hampton Court, in 1814.