1 82 Bulletin 131. 



planter. Being desirous of securing the largest line of varieties 

 that might be of value, a selection was made from foreign cata- 

 logues of sorts highly commended, and these have been tested 

 with results which, as will be seen, are not entirely satisfactory, 

 as but few out of the entire number have made a record that would 

 warrant their cultivation on any extended scale. 



In the subjoined list, nineteen foreign varieties which I have 

 thoroughly tested from direct importations are marked with an 

 asterisk (■=■). 



'''Arch Duke. — A large, dark colored, very prolific plum, ripening abont 

 the 25tli of September at Geneva and often hanging much later ; flesh hard 

 and a good shipper, hence an excellent late market variety for the orchardist 

 and should be more largely planted. I bespeak for this variety future popu- 

 larity. Originated by Thomas Rivers, Sawbridgeworth, England. See Grand 

 Duke. 



Baker Prune. — Origin, Collingwood, Canada, We obtained this variety 

 several years since and from observing it as top-grafted in our orchard are 

 much pleased with its habits of growth. It seems to have been grown many 

 rears where it originated and is said to be hardy and prolific. Fruit resen^- 

 bles the Italian Prune in color and quality, perhaps a trifle smaller and about 

 two weeks later in ripening. Should its good characteristics be maintained 

 upon further trial, I should regard it as the best of prunes for the com- 

 mercial orchard. 



"^ Biltem. — Another plum highly commended abroad for its excellence in 

 quality and great productiveness, traits which were fully confirmed during 

 the short period of existence of the trees after they began to make a crop, 

 but they lacked the robust character required to maintain themselves, and, 

 like their companions, found their way to the brush heap after setting their 

 third crop. 



Bradshaiv {Niagara). — A variety now very well known in all the plum- 

 growing regions of the United States. Unsurpassed for beauty and produc- 

 tiveness as well as great hardiness of tree, with a foliage so perfect as to con- 

 tribute in an essential degree to its health. During the period of twenty -two 

 3-ears in which I have fruited this variety, I have never known it to cast its 

 foliage prematurely ; hence, the oldest trees are apparently as healthy as 

 though they had never borne a crop of fruit. Fruit large, oval, often with a 

 slight neck ; skin reddish purple ; flesh yellow, rather coarse but juicy and 

 good ; ripening from tenth to twentieth of August at Geneva. Its beauty as 

 a market sort is unsurpassed and were its period of ripening in the month 

 of July or past the middle of September might be regarded as one of the 

 most desirable of all plums for the commercial orchard. It has been 

 planted verj' extensively, and it is a question whether there are not enough 

 now growing to meet the demands of the city fruit stands for years to come, 

 as it cannot be regarded as a desirable sort for peserving purposes. 



