The most frequent is that which we call
the common Indian Plum, of which there are two sorts, if not more.
One of these is ripe much sooner than the other, and differs in the Bark;
one of the Barks being very scaly, like our American Birch.
These Trees, when in Blossom, smell as sweet as any Jessamine,
and look as white as a Sheet, being something prickly. You may make it grow
to what Shape you please; they are very ornamental about a House,
and make a wonderful fine Shew at a Distance, in the Spring,
because of their white Livery. Their Fruit is red, and very palatable
to the sick. They are of a quick Growth, and will bear from the Stone
in five Years, on their Stock. The English large black Plum thrives well,
as does the Cherry, being grafted thereon.
{Damsons of America.}
The American Damsons are both black and white, and about the Bigness of
an European Damson. They grow any where, if planted from the Stone or Slip;
bear a white Blossom, and are a good Fruit. They are found on the Sand-Banks
all along the Coast of America. I have planted several in my Orchard,
that came from the Stone, which thrive well amongst the rest of my Trees.
But they never grow to the Bigness of the other Trees now spoken of.
These are plentiful Bearers.
There is a third sort of Plum about the Bigness of the Damson.
The Tree is taller, seldom exceeding ten Inches in Thickness.
The Plum seems to taste physically, yet I never found any Operation it had,
except to make their Lips sore, that eat them. The Wood is something porous,
but exceeds any Box, for a beautiful Yellow.
{Winter Currant.}
There is a very pretty, bushy Tree, about seven or eight Foot high,
very spreading, which bears a Winter-Fruit, that is ripe in October.
They call 'em Currants, but they are nearer a Hurt. I have eaten
very pretty Tarts made thereof. They dry them instead of Currants.
This Bush is very beautiful.
{Bermudas Currants.}
The Bermudas Currants grow in the Woods on a Bush, much like
the European Currant. Some People eat them very much; but for my part,
I can see nothing inviting in them, and reckon them a very indifferent Fruit.
{April Currants.}
We have another Currant, which grows on the Banks of Rivers,
or where only Clay hath been thrown up. This Fruit is red,
and gone almost as soon as come. They are a pretty Fruit
whilst they last, and the Tree (for 'tis not a Bush) they grow upon,
is a very pleasant Vegetable.
{Red Haws.}
The Haw-thorn grows plentifully in some parts of this Country.
The Haws are quite different from those in England, being four times as big,
and of a very pleasant agreeable Taste.
