state: pomologicai, society, 123 



young apple trees, to set your plum trees between these and 

 then give good cultivation to both. This can be done at a 

 normal cost and with little labor. I consider the Burbank the 

 best plum for canning, it having a nice flavor and being of good 

 size and texture. The Abundance is the best plum for table use, 

 being of exceedingly fine flavor. I have found in my experi- 

 ence that the New England plum is very much better flavored 

 than the California plum. 



A Me;mber: Are your plums as large as the California 

 plums ? 



Mr. Phinney: The Abundance can be grown to nearly 

 the size of the California plum if you keep your trees pruned, 

 but if they are allowed to thicken up the fruit is small. 



A Member : What kind of soil is best for plum trees? 



Mr. Phinney : I think corn soil is about as good as any. 

 These Japanese varieties bloom early, so must be set on high 

 ground to avoid early frosts. I also raise Hale and Red June. The 

 Hale is inclined to black knot, but by keeping pre-mises clear you 

 ought to avoid that. The Hale and Red June have never 

 fruited, with me. 



A Member : Do you raise any of the European varieties, Mr. 

 Phinney ? 



Mr. Phinney: No; I raise no European varieties. I find 

 the Japanese good enough for me. 



J. W. True : In New Gloucester the Lombard is very well 

 known and used for canning to a great extent. Do you think 

 the Burbank better? 



Mr. Phinney: I think the Burbank just as good as the 

 Lombard for canning, if not better. 



C. S. Pope: Do not get carried away with the Japanese. I 

 have found the European full as hardy and just as good pro- 

 ducers. The Red June all died out with me, and the Burbank 

 and ri.bundance are the only hardy ones. If you want quality 

 in your fruit you must cut back your trees one-half or two- 

 thirds, or more. I also think that the Burbank is a good 

 ■canning fruit. I think the blue damson superior to any of them. 

 It is a great seller on account of its rich color and flavor. The 

 Imperial, Gage, Reine Claude and McLaughlin are also very 

 fine varieties. All stone fruits should be grafted in the early 



