HARVESTING AND MARKETING THE PLUM GROP. 295 
cultivated on both sides of the row. I had a number of grafted 
varieties, but the best of the trees were not named; they were 
much better than the Forest Garden, the Weaver or the De Soto. 
I named those plums the “Latham.” Those trees are now old and 
broken down and near their end. I gave Mr. Underwood some 
scions, and I hope he will be able to keep them up. I have often 
wondered whether their quality and size was not due to the treat- 
ment they received in the row. I had one year from a Miner plum 
tree in the same row something like eight dollars’ worth of fruit. 
I do not like this careless way of taking care of plums. I do not 
believe it is a good plan. If you are not particular and simply 
wish a few plums to eat, it does not make so much difference, but 
if you want a good, profitable crop, give them good care and cul- 
tivation. I do not believe any kind of fruit responds more readily 
to good treatment than plums. They need a rich soil, and they 
need a good tillage of the ground. 
Mr. Jewett: I think what Mr. Latham states is true, that the 
best plums are found on this bottom land. In Rice county we 
have groves of plum trees on this bottom land that bear very fine 
fruit, and I believe it was true of the Aitkin plum that the original 
tree grew in bottom land. 
Mr. Lord: I have seen some very fine varieties growing on 
the bluff. I believe the De Soto will grow on top of the bluff 
and thrive as well as at any other place it can be put. We all 
know that the natural home of it is along the Minnesota river. 
The President: I would like to ask about the Japanese plum. 
I.want some one who has had experience to say what the result of 
that experience is if he will. 
Prof. Green: Mr. Lord has had experience with the Japanese 
plums. 
Mr. Lerd: I have had a good many varieties, but they are all 
dead except the Ogon. 
Prof. Green: I regard your situation as very favorable for 
plums. 
Mr. Lord: Oh, I don’t know. 
Prof. Green: Well, I do. (Laughter.) 
Mr. Busse: Have you tried the Milton plum, Mr. Lord? 
Mr. Lord: I relied upon the experience and judgment of Mr. 
Webber. He said it was a very nice and handsome plum, but it 
was not good for anything. The fruit was entirely unsatisfactory. I 
believe it is really a Chickasaw variety, and they do not do well here. 
Mr. Eugene Secor (Iowa): I have a Milton plum tree in my 
orchard, but not in bearing, consequently I cannot say anything 
