■^V»0 Warty Excrescence o)i Plum Trees: 



cancer is to the human flesh. These fungi always die the 

 succeeding winter, never Hve over winter, and remain upon 

 the tree, unless removed, a black, unsightly mass. 



I have observed two trees, both of a kind, and nearly of 

 a size, but standing apart and differently located ; one 

 would be diseased with the excrescences and the other 

 would not, while the fruit of both would be nearly alike 

 injured by the Curculio ; and this fact I consider additional 

 evidence that he is not the cause. 



It is desirable both to find a remedy when a tree is dis- 

 eased, and also a means of prevention. The only remedy 

 I know of, is to cut the tumor out, and this should be done 

 as early as possible. If done early, and Avith care, the 

 wound soon heals, and the limb is but slightly injured. 



But a means of prevention is more desirable than a 

 remedy. 



A tree of most of the kinds of plums which may be ob- 

 tained at nurseries, if placed on a somewhat gravelly soil, 

 whose power to retain water is small, and, therefore, sub- 

 ject to sudden transition from a moist to a dry condition of 

 its roots, every season, I will venture to say will be dis- 



I do not mean that there may not be an exception, and 

 that all kinds are equally subject to it ; but I know of no 

 exception, among a number of varieties, which have been 

 cultivated under my observation. 



I am inclined to the opinion, that a prevention may be 

 found in cultivating the plum in a loamy soil, rather moist, 

 and in keeping that soil uniform as to moisture and rich- 

 ness. 



Any kind of tree is not in the condition in which nature 

 would place it and keep it, when the soil over its roots is 

 kept naked and exposed to the burning and drying suns of 

 summer, or uncovered and unprotected from sudden and 

 intense cold of winter. 



Neither can fruit trees prosper so well in grass land; for, 

 though the covering of grass may serve as protection from 

 extreme heat or cold, yet it will take from the soil the 

 nourishment which should go to the tree. 



In what a uniform condition the roots of forest trees are 

 kept, by the thick bed of leaves which covers the earth, 

 the slow and steady decomposition of which affords the 

 necessary nourishment ; and so matted and plaited are 



