PLUMS. 151 



throughout. This would not be the case if its 



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sterility could be corrected by massing with other 

 varieties. Its fruitfulness would then depend upon 

 this intermingling, and not upon the peculiarities 

 of certain seasons. 



But let this be as it may, there can be no harm 

 in intermingling varieties in the row, but the 

 massing in thicket form but a few feet apart for the 

 purpose of cross-fertilizing to produce fruitfulness 

 is little better than a fad. 



The following is a list of the most commonly 

 accepted valuable varieties of this class. 



Miner. This is also known as the Hinkly, and 

 has also many other names that are purely local and 

 of no value here. The plum is too well known to 

 require an extended description. It is as has been 

 said before a shy or spasmodic bearer, varying greatly 

 in this respect in different localities. This is 

 much more the case while young than when it 

 attains considerable age. It is especially remark- 

 able for the great age and great size to which it 

 attains, especially if on its own roots. Prof. 

 McAffee said: "It is the only plum tree that will 

 make saw logs." I have seen these trees with a 

 girth of trunk at the ground of 44 inches, and a 

 spread of top of 30 feet. It is among the hardiest 

 of this class and is a good and symmetrical grower. 

 The fruit ripens among the very latest, sometimes 

 being caught by early frosts. In quality so far as 

 I have tested these plums, it stands first. Size of 

 fruit about same as Desota or at times some larger, 



