THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN. 303 



the tree, if possible, as it is much better flavored than if 

 picked before ripe. 



The best distance for planting is 15 feet apart, and the 

 varieties that probably will give the best satisfaction are 

 Mountain Rose, Crawford Early, Crawford Late, Elberta, 

 and Oldmixon. 



THE PLUM. 



Although plum-trees are found in most home gardens, 

 there is but little profit or satisfaction in their growth 

 unless one is skilful in caring for them. To succeed in 

 their growth, the trees should have an abundance of room 

 15 by 15 feet or 15 by 20 feet and be planted where 

 there shall be a good circulation of air about them. The 

 trees must be sprayed in the spring before the buds start, 

 again as soon as the blossoms have fallen, and also when the 

 fruit is about one half grown with the Bordeaux mixture 

 (see page 267). Then as the fruit approaches maturity the 

 simple copper-sulphate solution, 4 oz. to 50 gals, of water, 

 must be used immediately after each rain until the fruit 

 has been gathered. The black knot should be cut off as 

 soon as it appears, and if large wounds are made they 

 should be painted with kerosene or linseed-oil paint. If 

 the plum-curculio is abundant, the insects should be caught 

 by spreading sheets or a large frame under the trees and 

 giving the branches a sudden jar with a padded mallet. 

 Those caught may be quickly destroyed by brushing them 

 together on the sheets and dropping them into a pail of 

 water with a little kerosene on top. 



Thorough cultivation or an abundance of plant-food 

 must be given, especially when the trees are heavily loaded 

 with fruit. Thinning must be practised to improve the 



