Summer M^eeting. 69 



PLUM CULTURE. 



The plum probably extends over more territory than any other 

 fruit and it thrives well on various kinds of soil. 



There are four classes ; first, American ; second, Chickasaw ; third, 

 European; fourth, Japanese; the first two being native. Different 

 stocks are used for budding these different classes. The nativ^e varie- 

 ties are budded on Marianna. the European on the ^lyrobalan and the 

 Japanese on the peach or on the Marianna stock. 



Plant two-year-old trees one rod apart each way, and give some- 

 what the same treatment as for the cherry. If the Marianna stock 

 is used, the soil may be heavy and the orchard needs to be cultivated 

 only four or five years. But if the peach stock is used, the trees must 

 be given the same treatment as the peach. The Japanese varieties 

 had better be planted on high ground and on a north slope for they 

 start early in spring and are very liable to be injured by late frosts. 



In gathering both these and the European varieties, the fruits 

 must be picked off", because of their clinging habit, while the native 

 varieties may be shaken off easily. 



The following is a list of varieties under each division : Ameri- 

 can — Wild-goose, jNIiner, Wyant, Wayland. The Wild-goose plums 

 ripen in about four weeks. There is sometimes danger of their not 

 fertilizing themselves and some other variety had best be planted with 

 them; for example the Miner: European — Damson, Lombard; Japa- 

 nese — Abundance, Burbank, Red Jime, Wickson. Of these Aundance 

 is the best, while Red June ripens first. 



The plum curculio and the fungus black knot attack the plum. 

 For the former spra}^ with the arsenites ; for the latter the only remedy 

 is to cut out the diseased portions. 



As soon as the orchard is planted, watch must be kept for injur- 

 ious insects and fungus diseases; the two principle obstacles to be 

 overcome in fruit growing. Such preventive measures as timely and 

 persistent spraying, removing and destroying all diseased branches 

 promptly, keeping the ground clean of weeds, litter or fallen fruit, 

 encouraging and protectig the birds, and maintaining an active flock 

 of poultry constantly about the orchard, will help us to be victorious 

 in the battle. 



In conclusion it may be well to state that there are many other 

 obstacles in the way of successful fruit growing, but the horticulturist 

 with knowledge, alertness and perseverance clears the way and in due 

 time reaches success. 



