CHAPTER XII. 



THE STONE FRUITS. 



Under the head of stone fruits we include peaches, plums, 

 cherries, almonds, nectarines, and apricots, all of which are 

 classified under the genus Prunus. This is one of the most im- 

 portant groups to horticulturists and contains some very valu- 

 able fruits and ornamental plants. The almond is an impor- 

 tant fruit that belongs under this head, but its cultivation is not 

 referred to in this chapter as it is included under the head of 

 nuts. 



The Plum. 



There are more species of the plum cultivated in a large 

 way in this country than any other of our common fruits. In 

 the Northeastern states and on the Pacific coast the European 

 or Domestica plums are much at home and commonly grown. 

 In many of the Central states the Japanese plums are widely 

 grown and are increasing in popularity. Even as far north as 

 southern Minnesota, they are grown successfully in the best 

 plum localities. In the great Mississippi Valley, extending from 

 far north to the south, the most popular varieties of plums are 

 those that have sprung from the native sorts. These have been 

 developed within less than half a century. 



The different species. There are several species from 

 which the cultivated sorts have come. They are as follows: 



(a) European or Domestica plum group (Prunus domes- 

 tica). This plum is a native of Europe and Western Asia and 

 includes most of the finest plums of commerce. Its most com- 

 mon color is red or purple, but it is also found with yellow or 

 green skin. In Europe it is cultivated far into the north, but 

 the same varieties that are successfully grown in the cold north 

 there have failed in the northern part of the Mississippi Valley. 

 Popular varieties in this class are Lombard, German Prune, Vic- 

 toria and Bradshaw. 



(b) The Myrobalan or Cherry plum group (Prunus cerasife- 

 ra). This plum is native to southeastern Europe. It Is a favor- 



