BLACKBERRIES, ETC., FOR MINNESOTA. 421 



GOOSEBERRIES. 



Red Jacket. — I believe this variety is the coming' gooseberry 

 for Minnesota. It is a strong, healthy, vigorous grower, and hard- 

 ier than the Downing, The fruit is about one inch in diameter, red, 

 smooth and of good quality. It is quite thick skinned and carries 

 well to market, even when ripe. I have had it fruit four years. This 

 variety will hereafter probably be known by the name Josselyn (the 

 introducer), or Josselyn Red Jacket, because there is an inferior 

 sort sent out from England by the same name. I have tried the 

 Houghton, which is too small to sell well. 



The Downing is not quite hardy enough for northern Minne- 

 sota and often mildews. The Smiths, Hicks and Industry are al- 

 most worthless here, especially the last two named. 



PLUM CULTURE. 



L. Z. SMITH, MANKATO. 



From the numerous quantities of wild plums found on every 

 hand throughout the northwest it would seem to the casual observer 

 that the growing of budded or grafted plums would be an easy mat- 

 ter. While it has been conclusively demonstrated to the satisfaction 

 of all horticulturists that certain varieties of natives can be success- 

 fully and profitably grown in the state, yet we are aware that lots 

 of money and labor has been lost in the attempt to secure a success- 

 ful plum orchard. We shall not try to enumerate the numerous 

 causes of failure, but will endeavor to give what we believe to be a 

 reasonable method to produce and care for a plum orchard. 



As to location I would prefer a light loam with a clay subsoil 

 on a north hill slope ; however, if such a location is not to be had, 

 plant in the most convenient place and try to add by artificial means 

 what nature has failed to provide. If planting in light, slow soil 

 with clay subsoil, I would use a three year old tree budded or grafted 

 on native roots, as they are undoubtedly stronger in penetration and" 

 will furnish more vitality to the growing stalk than French roots. 

 Great care should be used in planting to see that good large holes 

 are prepared, so that the roots will have loose, soft dirt to adhere to, 

 and be sure to get them down good and deep. Hundreds of trees 

 are lost every year by not being planted deep enough. They should 

 be planted three or four inches deeper than they were in the nursery 

 rows, so that the crown or collar of the roots will not be exposed to 

 atmospheric changes. Slant the tree slightly to the southwest; see 

 that the roots are in a natural position and fill in with top dirt, press- 



