CHAPTER XIV. 



THE PLUM. 



If it wasn't for the curculio, Jack Homer would find it easier to 

 Put his thumb into a Pie and Pull out a plum. Tim. 



Generally speaking, plum culture comprises several 

 types or classes, viz. European (Prunus domesticd] ; 

 Japanese (Prunus triflord] ; American (Prunus Amer- 

 icana ; Prunus hortulana] , comprising Wild Goose 

 and similar native varieties ; and Prunus Chicasa 

 comprising the Chickasaw native types of our south- 

 ern states. One or two other types are not of sufficient 

 importance to mention here. 



PROPAGATION. Budding is the common method, 

 on seedling plum stocks. These may be grown at 

 home. Nurserymen, however, generally use Myro- 

 balan, Marianna, or other imported plum stocks, 

 because it is not easy to secure sufficient seed for 

 extensive planting. Plums are sometimes budded on 

 seedling peach stocks, particulary in the south and 

 for dry, sandy locations. Americana varieties usually 

 do best if budded on their own seedlings. 



SELECTING NURSERY TREES. Two-year-old trees 

 are about right. Fast ^growing varieties are some- 

 times ready for planting when only one year old 

 from the bud. 



Soii,s. Plums do well almost anywhere, if the 

 ground is not too wet. This fruit, however, will 

 stand much more moisture than the peach or cherry. 

 (107) 



