10 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



nature it lias been found, both in this country and in America (by 

 Downing), that the trees are more secure from the attacks of insects 

 than iu soils of a light and sandy nature. Although the roots of the 

 Plum do not penetrate to such a depth as those of the Pear or Apple, 

 it is nevertheless of great advantage to have a good deep soil for it : 

 in such a position it will not be likely to Buffer so much from the 

 effects of a dry season as it would in a shallow soil. Where the soil 

 of the garden is found to be of too light a nature, it would be wise to 

 introduce a quantity of clay or very heavy loam to mix with it, or, 

 what would be better still, to procure a quantity of good strong loam, 

 removing the old, and replacing it with the new at planting time. 

 With this may be incorporated a moderate quantity of decayed stable 

 or other manure. A little wood-ashes or charcoal, and a few crushed 

 bones, may with advantage be added to the whole. As already hinted, 

 excess of dryness or moisture is often injurious to the Plum, being 

 frequently the cause of gum exuding, as stated by Thompson in his 

 ' Gardener's Assistant.' To obviate this, it is necessary to have the 

 ground drained, but not over-drained ; and, if the soil be shallow, to 

 have recourse to mulching in dry seasons. 



The distance apart at which Plums ought to be planted will require 

 to be regulated by circumstances, similarly with what has been stated 

 in regard to the Apple and Pear. When planted against walls, the 

 distances may vary from 12 to 24 feet, or even in some cases 30 feet, 

 according to the height of the wall, and the sorts that are grown. In 

 wall cultivation, the size and flavour of the Plum are often increased, 

 and in proportion to the position given are these qualities still further 

 developed. The Plum, being very hardy, is often placed in a north or 

 eastern aspect ; and although w r e have seen good crops and good quali- 

 ties of fruit obtained from trees in these positions, nevertheless a more 

 favoured aspect will be more satisfactory. It is impossible to provide 

 a southern aspect for everything ; yet, if it be at all possible, I would 

 recommend that some of the finer varieties — such as Coe's Golden 

 Drop, Green Gage, and such like — be placed in this position, as they 

 will not only be earlier, but also of finer quality, of larger size, and more 

 beautiful in appearance. In planting Plums in the open garden or 

 orchard, the distances for dwarf-trained trees may range from 12 to 18 

 feet, and for standards on high stems that are intended to form large 

 trees, the distances may range from 18 to 30 feet, according to the 

 size intended. In all cases of fruit-tree planting, I would earnestly 

 impress upon every one to stake each tree neatly and securely, as 

 nothing is more injurious to newly-planted trees than to be tossed to 

 and fro by every wind that blows, or " every breeze that moves the 

 midnight air." 



