IDEAL PLUM OR PRUNE 99 



been intelligently conceived, and if it is persist- 

 ently borne in mind. 



SPECIFICATION FOR AN IDEAL PLUM 



Let us now note specifically and in sequence 

 some of the practical points to be considered in 

 planning our ideal plum. 



In so doing we shall find that there is a certain 

 amount of overlapping, or perhaps we had best 

 say interference, of qualities. A plum that is 

 best for one purpose may not be best for another. 

 We must bear in mind the different purposes 

 to which a plum is put, and endeavor to make 

 our plan comprehensive enough to cover all 

 of them. 



There are certain qualities, to be sure, that are 

 desirable in every variety of fruit. Large size, 

 for example, and frost-resisting quality are sel- 

 dom or never disadvantageous. Yet even this 

 must be qualified, for, in case of a prune, drying 

 becomes more difficult as the fruit enlarges, and 

 unusual size may be a disadvantage. But for 

 plums in general we aim at a tolerably definite 

 combination of qualities size, form, color, flavor 

 and hardiness and endeavor to associate these 

 in the same fruit. 



Taking up our ideal plum tree part by part, 

 let us first consider the root. 



