SEEDLING PLUMS. 35 



native plum's are infertile to their own pollen, and if we plant only 

 two varieties in each group, the plums that grow on the native 

 trees, at least, will be hybridized. 



How shall we grow seedlings? After making several trials, 

 we have had best success by packing the pits from the ripe fruit in 

 a box or barrel with plenty of moist sand, placing the receptacle in 

 a cool cellar until winter and then setting it out doors in a place 

 that is sheltered from the sun, leaving it there until spring. Very 

 early in the spring sow the seeds thickly, about one-half inch deep, 

 in well prepared loam, in rows three and one-half feet apart, and 

 cover the planted rows with fence boards to prevent washing and 

 keep gophers away. As soon as the seed leaves begin to appear 

 above ground remove the boards. No further attention is needed 

 until autumn except to keep the ground well cultivated and free from 

 weeds. It is well to take up the plants late in autumn and bury 

 them in the ground in a well-drained place. This insures protection 

 from mice, rabbits and from heaving of the ground. Whether they 

 are taken up in the fall or not, they should be transplanted the next 

 spring, either to their permanent place or in other nursery rows, 

 where they are given more room. 



We have had seedling plum trees bear well the third season 

 from the pit, but as a rule they will not bear much until the fourth 

 year, and some will not bear until the fifth year. 



Does it pay to grow seedling plums? From our experience 

 the fruit from seedlings from the best named varieties will average 

 better in size, quality and quantity than that from named varieties 

 taken as they run. The seedling trees are also less expensive, while 

 the chances of securing an improved variety give an added interest 

 to the work. Judging from our experience, an orchard of seed- 

 ling plums, grown from the choicest varieties only and given the 

 best care, will prove a profitable investment from the market value 

 of the fruit produced. Of course, an orchard of the choicest named 

 varieties, planted after testing them on the ground, would prove 

 much more profitable than the seedling orchard. 



In conclusion, I would remind you that the progress we may 

 hope to make in improving the native plum will depend chiefly 

 upon the number that are engaged in the work. This work should 

 not all be left to the experiment stations. It is doubtless true that the 

 largest number of improved varieties of fruit have come from the 

 efforts of amateurs. We have but one experiment station, but we 

 have .thousands of farms that can and should grow plums. I am 

 glad that some premiums have been offered in our society and at 

 our state fair for the best seedling plums, and I hope these may- 

 aid in awakening an interest in this important subject. 



