THE PLUM IN KANSAS. 21 



duced, as we might suppose, different types for different localities ; it 

 has crowded them close together, often in the same or adjacent 

 thickets. Near the Arkansas river were found as many as six per- 

 fectly distinct types on a ten-acre lot. Profusion of varieties is to be 

 noted in every favored location. It has been thought that the roots 

 of this hardy plum might make valuable stock for the grafting of 

 domesticated varieties, but experiments at the station tend to prove 

 the reverse. Numerous varieties were grafted, using P. watsoni as 

 the stock. Failure in almost every instance was the result. The 

 tender, succulent roots do not unite readily with a foreign scion. 

 Even if a union were secured, the XDropensity of the stock to sprout 

 would at once exert itself, resulting soon in a dense thicket. The 

 propagation of the species is easily accomplished by means of root 

 cuttings or seeds, preferably the latter. 



The following forms are the most valuable we have been able to 

 tind : 



1. A common type growing in almost pure sand, four to ten feet 

 above 'the water level. Bushes in scattering thickets, two to four feet 

 high, branching, and bearing fruit from the ground up. Leaves 

 small, one to two inches long ; never open to a plain surface, thick, 

 shining, finely serrate. Fruit three-fourths to one and one- eighth 

 inches in diameter; globose. Color bright red, clouded over lemon- 

 yellow ground. Flesh yellowish, tender, juicy, sweet, somewhat 

 fibrous, and adhering firmly to the stone. Ripe in southern Kansas 

 the first week in July. 



2. A small group of bushes growing in a very large thicket on the 

 Arkansas river. Bushes extremely dwarfish but tree-like, three to 

 four feet high. Branches unusually stout, growing laterally more 

 than upright. Leaves larger than on common types, dark, shining 

 green. Fruit large, one inch to one and one-fourth inches in diame- 

 ter, rounded or flattened. Color dull red. but somewhat hidden by 

 the heavy bloom. Flavor excellent. Ripe in latter part of July. A 

 variety surpassing many cultivated sorts. 



3. A small clump of bushes found near the variety last described. 

 Bushes small, two to three feet high. Foliage scant, leaves small. 

 Fruit fine in appearance, one inch to one and one-fourth inches in 

 diameter, roundish, bluish-pink color with delicate bloom. Skin thin. 

 Flesh juicy, melting, rich. Flavor sweet and good. The most deli- 

 cious Sand plum that has yet come under our observation and worthy 

 of place in any orchard. 



The hardiness of the Sand plum in its native state, its productive- 

 ness and tlie excellent quality of its fruit are among its most promis- 

 ing characteristics. By cultivation and proper breeding, the size. 



