CHAPTER VIII. 



THE PLUM. 



THIS tree is so hardy in all parts of the coun- 

 try, and the fruit is so desirable for the table 

 and for preserving, that we might expect its 

 general cultivation. Yet it has been so seri- 

 ously affected, in recent years, by the black knot, 

 and by the curculio, that its culture has been to a 

 great degree neglected. But by a persistent use 

 of remedies it is believed these evils may be met 

 and conquered. Provided a sufficient amount of 

 care be given, it is safe to say that many varieties 

 will produce regular and rewarding crops. The 

 most suitable soil is a rich, moist loam, inclining 

 to clay. In this respect it is in marked contrast 

 with its near relative, the peach, which prefers a 

 warm and light soil. Hence the practice of in- 

 terchanging the stocks of these two fruits, in 

 order to adapt the roots to the peculiarities of 

 the soil. The plum, however, does not make as 

 large and permanent growth when budded on 

 the peach root, as when on the plum root. A 



