114 THE HOME ACRE. 



Trees load so heavily that the plums rest against 

 one another. You will often find in moist warm 

 weather decaying specimens. These should be 

 removed at once, that the infection may not 

 spread. 



In cutting out the interfering boughs, do not 

 take off the sharp-pointed spurs which are forming 

 along the branches, for on these are slowly matur- 

 ing the fruit-buds. In this case, as in others, the 

 careful observer, after he has acquired a few sound 

 principles of action to start with, is taught more 

 by the tree itself than from any other source. 



Mr. Force recommends the following ten varie- 

 ties, named in the order* of ripening: Canada; 

 Orleans, a red-cheeked plum ; McLaughlin, green- 

 ish, with pink cheek; Bradshaw, large red, with 

 lilac bloom ; Smith's Orleans, purple ; Green Gage ; 

 Bleeker's Gage, golden yellow; Prune d'Agen, 

 purple; Coe's Golden Drop; and Shropshire 

 Damson for preserves. 



If we are restricted to very light soils, we shall 

 probably have to grow some of the native varieties, 

 of the Canada and Wild-Goose type. In regard 

 to both this fruit and peaches we should be guided 

 in our selection by information respecting varieties 

 peculiarly suited to the region. 



The next chapter will treat of small fruits, be- 

 ginning with the raspberry. 



