LUTHER BURBANK 



red, yellow, or even a brilliant white. Green fruit 

 is never attractive. It would appear that the birds 

 and man have combined forces to produce red and 

 yellow fruits by selection, because these colors are 

 enticing, and we have come to associate them with 

 superior qualities of fruit. 



The skin of the plum should be thick and firm, 

 especially if the fruit is to be shipped to a distant 

 market. 



For home use or a nearby market a thin- 

 skinned plum may be quite as satisfactory. 



The bloom of the plum adds to its appearance, 

 and its condition may be a test of freshness. The 

 bloom evidently had originally a protective func- 

 tion, possibly shielding the fruit from the sun, or 

 otherwise protecting the juices from too rapid 

 chemical change. 



The bloom may be developed on a fruit by 

 means of selection where it is especially desired 

 for any reason. It is obviously only a minor char- 

 acteristic of the perfect plum. 



The flesh of the plum should be firm, particu- 

 larly if the fruit is to be used for shipping pur- 

 poses. The texture may be shown by cutting the 

 fruit with a dull knife. For home consumption, 

 plums that are very watery are often considered a 

 great treat. I have some splendid watery plums 

 now growing fruits that almost melt in the hand. 



[188] 



