THE CHERRY, PLUM, PRUNE, APRICOT, AND PEACH. 381 



species. Hence it can easily be believed that central Asia 

 had two species or races of the plum or that one original 

 species differentiated as it spread east and west from one* 

 centre. But the writer personally believes from varied 

 evidences that central Asia had, in prehistoric times, two 

 species. Not the least reason for the belief is that we have 

 found it easy to cross the Japan varieties with our native 

 plum (105), but we have not been able to cross the 

 Americana varieties with any variety tried of the domestica 

 race. 



The domestica varieties of west Europe and their 

 American seedlings are mainly grown commercially on the 

 west coast. It is estimated by Stubenrauch that the 

 acreage of the plum and prune reaches a total of 55,000 

 acres, of which seven-eighths is in prunes in California. 

 The domestica varieties are also grown quite extensively in 

 the Eastern States and in Michigan. In fact', in the 

 Southern States, the arid States, and the prairie States, 

 certain varieties are starred or double- starred locally by the 

 American Pomological Society. In the northern part of 

 the prairie States the advent of the Eussian plums has 

 extended the culture of the domestica race farther north 

 without loss in size or quality. 



The Japan plums (Prunus triflora) have only been 

 introduced within recent years, but their culture has been 

 extended very rapidly in the lake region, in the South, and 

 indeed in all the States where they have proven hardy. 

 These Oriental varieties come into bearing earlier than the 

 European sorts and, as a rule, mature their fruit earlier 

 in the season. Usually they are rounder in form and the 

 colors run to red and yellow. They sell well in market, 

 but for dessert use at home and culinary purposes they are 

 not equal to the best European or Russian varieties, as 

 they lack in sprightliness and richness of flavor. 



