374 ANNUAL REPORT 



proof. It is doubtful if any kiud of plum is wholly exempt, 

 but it is well known that the natives are not nearly sc» liable to 

 be entirely destroyed as the kinds commonly cultivated. In cul- 

 tivating the natives it has been found that by closely following 

 their natural habits of growth, the depredations of curculio are 

 in a great measure avoided and in many cases entirely obviated, 

 where fruit is produced in great abundance when growing wild. 

 The trees are found in groups growing closely together, and 

 often forming a dense, shady thicket. Indeed it is a rare thing 

 to see an isolated plum tree bearing much fruit. Failure 

 has often resulted, where the trees have 'been planted too far 

 apait, not only from curculio but from want of fertilization. 

 The tree sheds its pollen very quickly and a high wind or cold 

 rain during the process, entirely prevents the formation of fruit. 



When different varieties, that do not shed all their pollen at 

 the same time, are planted closely together and properly cared 

 for by cultivation, an abundance of fruit is reasonably certain. 

 Failure to get good fruit often occurs from an indiscriminate 

 selection of trees for planting. The form or appearance of a 

 tree is no index to the character of its fruit. Where trees are 

 to be taken from the woods, they should be carefully selected for 

 the quality of the fruit. Though the general character of the 

 fruit is quite similar, it is rare to find two separate groups bear- 

 ing precisely the same quality; the very best, in some cases, 

 within a few rods of the very poor. 



The opinion is prevalent that even poor fruit is materially 

 improved by transplanting and cultivating the trees. The fruit 

 may be increased in size, and the texture will be coarser, but 

 the quality will remain the same. In what manner or to what 

 degree the fruit may be influenced by foreign fertilization, is not 

 well known. The seed, however, will always exhibit marked 

 changes. 



A recent writer on this subject, says: " When fertilization is 

 imperfect, the fruit degenerates, or forms in irregular shaped blad- 

 der-like pods. The probability is, that if fertilization fails no 

 semblence of fruit is formed. These .false plums are caused by 

 excessive cold after the fruit is set. If a frost occurs soon after 

 the plums are set, the seed or germ may be destroyed, yet 

 sufficient vitality left to continue an abnormal growth of the 

 covering or outside." No scieutific efforts have yet been long 

 enough continued to demonstrate, with what varieties to 

 hybridize, or even how to cultivate to secure the best results. 



