120 ANNUAL EEPOET 



their habits of growth may be materially changed by careful 

 pruDiug. or if they are allowed to develop naturally it will not 

 detract from their value in the production of fruit. 



In regard to the general character of the fruit, which hasbee» 

 indicated, it is not commonly known that a few varieties are so 

 distinct and superior in quality as to lead to the supposition on 

 the part of many persons that they have either been greatly 

 improved by cultivation or that they are mixed with the Euro- 

 pean kinds. Both suppositions are errors, so far as the quality 

 goes. 



The fruit can be increased in size by thinning and pruning,^ 

 and by cultivating the ground. The quality of the fruit varies- 

 somewhat with the seasons; a better quality is found in a wet or 

 moist season than in a dry one. but it is doubtful if any kinds- 

 have been made sweeter, more palatable, or better adapted to- 

 cooking by cultivation than when found in a natural state. 

 Therefore when good fruit is desired it is very poor policy to- 

 make an indiscriminate selection from the woods. A better way 

 is to get from some reliable nurseryman trees that are known to- 

 bear fruit of good quality. 



Xo mistake will be made in buying the De Soto, whether only 

 a few were wanted for family use, or a more extensive planting; 

 for market. The fruit is of large size, fine color, and excellent^ 

 to cook. The tree bears when quite young, and abundantly, and 

 is more reliable in unfavorable seasons than most others. 



The same may be said of the Cheney, though it is distinct in 

 character. The tree has a more vigorous, upright growth, and 

 the fruit is larger in size, and from ten days to two weeks earlier 

 in ripening. The appearance of the blossom would indicate 

 something of the European origin in it, but it is without doubt 

 a true native, as the skin and pulp correspond so nearly to the 

 general character of all the wild plums. 



Among other kinds that can be relied upon when cultivated is- 

 the Weaver, a free stone, with firm pulp, fair quality, and good 

 for cooking. The Forest Garden has also given satisfaction in 

 some localities. The Eollingstone has not been so generally 

 tested, but as it originated here it will probably be as well 

 adapted to different soils as any of those mentioned. The tree 

 shows the marked character of the true native, though special- 

 ists have pronounced it as differing so much from any known 

 variety that it is easily identified. The fruit, more than any- 

 other wild plum, resembles the Green Gage family. As a dessert 



