PLUMS AKD PLUM CULTURE IN MICHIGAN. 243 



tions. Tlicro is, no doubt, some force to the objection that a low head is an 

 obstacle to th.c employment of the "jarring process"' and also of the " Eausom 

 traps," in the war upon the curculio ; but in case a conveniently devised ap- 

 paratus is employed, this difSculty is believed not to be important, especially 

 when compared with the advantages to be gained. Under no circumstances 

 would we tolerate branches at more than two or three feet from the ground. 



Having thus given some cursory hints upon the several points embraced in 

 the general subject of plum culture, we turn to the consideration of the 



LIST OF VARIETIES RECOMMENDED FOR GENERAL CULTIVATION IN THIS 



STATE BY THIS SOCIETY. 



In selecting from the large number of varieties described in the books, it 

 should by no means be inferred that the best have, in all cases, been chosen ; 

 and such inference would be the more improper for the reason that for many 

 years past, indeed, almost since the advent of the curculio, few attempts have 

 been made by our growers to introduce and test additional sorts, and hence a 

 large number of really excellent varieties are nearly or quite untried in our 

 State, so that the committee on lists of fruits could have found no warrant for 

 recommending them. We refer to the varieties recommended, as nearly as 

 practicable, in the o?'der of their ripening. 



prince's YELLOW GAGE 



only appears in tlie family list, with the recommendation to plant at the rate 

 of ten trees in one hundred. 



This is the earliest variety on the list, and is among the very earliest of 

 American contributions to our collections of this fruit. It originated as 

 early as 1783, with one of our American pomologists — William Prince, of 

 Flushing, Long Island. The vigorous, spreading tree is easily identified by 

 those acquainted with its peculiar habits, and the medium sized, rich, sugary, 

 and melting fruit is equally easy of identification. It is a freestone fruit, 

 ripening early in August. 



duane's purple 



appears only in the market list, with the recommendation to plant twelve 

 rees in one hundred. 



This plum originated with Judge James Duane, Duanesburgh, N. Y., and 

 was introduced to the public by William Prince, of Flushing, Long Island, as 

 early as 1826, he having received it from the originator. By a mistake in the 

 transmission of cuttings, it was for many years confused with the peach plum, 

 a variety imported by Judge Duane from Europe. The tree is a strong 

 grower, with very downy shoots. The fruit is quite large, oval, or oblong, 

 reddish purple, with a few yellow specks and lilac bloom. Flesh, amber 

 colored, juicy, moderately sweet, adhering partially to the stone. It ripens just 

 before or with the Washington, from the beginning to the middle of August. 



yellow egg 



is quoted in the market list only; to be planted at the rate of sixteen trees in 

 one hundred. 



This is commonly known in Europe as White Magnum Bonum. It is a very 

 old variety, and there seems to be some doubt whether it is to be considered as a 

 European or an American fruit. In fact it appears quite probable that there 

 are in reality two varieties, the one European and the other American, but 



