THE PLUM IN KANSAS. 93 



THE OPPORTUNITY FOR WIDER PLANTING. 



By S. H. Linton, Marceline, Mo. 



That we may better understand the various varieties now in nurs- 

 ery catalogues, it is proper to give the origin, order and group of phims 

 as laid down by scientific authority. The (lomestira or European 

 types {P. domcstica), native to western Asia, include all of the old- 

 time j)lums, Green Gage, Bradshaw, Yellow Egg, Damson, Reine 

 Claude. The Chickasaw types {P. angustifolia or P. r/;/«"rt.sr^), belong- 

 ing tc» the Southern states (on a line with southern Delaware south- 

 ward), are such varieties as Newman, Caddo Chief, and Lone Star. The 

 American type {P. anierieana) is composed of the common wild i^lums 

 of the northern part of the United States, from Michigan west to the 

 Rocky mountains, thence south to the Gulf. The Wild Goose or 

 hortulana types {P. hoiiulroia) form the group of Wild Goose, Way- 

 land, Moreman, Golden Beauty, and Miner; "no doubt hybrids of 

 the native and Pacific coast plum." The Sand plum {P. vxitsoni), 

 native to Kansas and adjoining states, is but little known or cared for 

 by horticulturists. The Beach plum {P. marit'ima), native on the 

 north and eastern Atlantic coast, has little value in fruit, but the trees 

 are beautiful as ornaments. The Pacific coast plum {P. sulx-ordata) 

 is a natural product of the forests of Oregon and California, but little 

 known in domestication execpt in the individual of the Sissin type. 



Within the last decade has come the introduction of the Japanese 

 type {P. tr'iflora), "iDrobably native of China," says Professor Bailey. 

 During its brief stay the Japanese plum has made many warm horti- 

 cultural friends, and generally adapted itself to the climate and soil 

 in the United States in all territory south of the north line of Mis- 

 souri, and will undoubtedly be of great value and a grand acquisition 

 to the already large group of fine jjlums. By careful breeding, some 

 choice varieties of the Japanese type can and will be produced that 

 will withstand the severe winters of the more northern states. Prof. 

 L. H. Bailey says : "I am still convinced that the Japanese plum has 

 come to stay." Here in Missouri we can add to this, by saying that 

 we are truly glad that they have come. With the addition of the 

 Japanese plum the season is extended from June to the first and 

 middle of September, and in some seasons even into October, . . . 



The plum, being prolific in fruit, is necessarily a gross feeder and 

 must have abundance of food combining the proper ration. The 

 three elements in proper ratio which give both wood and fruit growth 

 are : Nitrogen, two per cent. ; available phosphoric acid, seven per cent. ; 

 potash, nine per cent. This fertilizer should be applied in quantities 



