No. 4.] PLUM CULTURE. 361 



we have to deal with in plum growing. It is very fond of plum trees, 

 especially those of the Japanese varieties. On these it multiplies 

 rapidly, and trees once attacked are very soon ruined. Extensive 

 experiments made at the Massachusetts Agricultural College and 

 elsewhere show that this insect may be held in check by proper appli- 

 cations of lime-sulphur spray. Experience generally indicates that 

 this is the best treatment. 



Spraying. 

 Plum trees need some spraying, usually on about the same lines as 

 the work given to the apple orchard. Spraying should be given an- 

 nually, usually two to four times each year, and in all cases must be 

 thorough to be worth while. Careless spraying is a waste of time and 

 material. When the San Jose scale is to be treated, the lime-sulphur 

 spray will be given early in the spring. A heavy spraying of Bordeaux 

 mixture or of plain blue vitriol solution before the buds open will aid 

 in checking brown rot and other diseases. Another spraying of 

 Bordeaux mixture, with arsenical poison added, should be given soon 

 after the blossoms fall. It should be specially noted in this connection 

 that Bordeaux mixture should be only half strength for plum trees. 

 Some varieties, especially those of the Japanese group, have the foliage 

 seriously injured by strong Bordeaux. Perhaps the best formula for 

 this work is as follows : — 



Fresh unslacked lime, ...... 3 pounds. 



Copper sulphate, ....... 2 pounds. 



Water, ......... 50 gallons. 



The mixture is then made up in the usual way, and applied with a 

 nozzle throwing a fine, misty spray. 



Marketing. 

 A considerable sale can be found for plums in all the markets in 

 Massachusetts where they are properly handled. Very early varieties 

 and late varieties are found to be the most profitable. For local 

 markets, where the fruit is sold from fruit stands, the common quart 

 berry box is a convenient package. Sometimes the small five-pound 

 grape basket with stiff bale seems to please customers. In selling the 

 bulk of the crop to local customers for canning purposes, the sixteen- 

 quart Jersey peach basket is one of the most satisfactory of all. The 

 eight-quart (one peck) basket pleases a good many customers who 

 do not care to buy plums by the half bushel. Where good plums are 

 to be shipped a considerable distance, the six-basket Georgia peach 

 carrier is found very satisfactory. 



