74 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 



CULTIVATION. 



The subject of cultivation is one of such importance to the plnm 

 grower as to deserve serious attention before we close this already 

 too lengthy paper. Plums cannot be profitably grown in grass, 

 nor do we believe that weeds should be permitted to devour the 

 elements of fertility that have been so wisely and liberally bestowed 

 upon our orchards. But please do not forget that thorough culti- 

 vation does not by any means imply the deep two horse plowing 

 that is often bestowed upon the apple and pear. The plum, unlike 

 those two fruits, is a surface rooting tree, and may be seriously 

 injured by destroying its roots which extend in every direction 

 much further than the casual observer would at first suppose. 



hy thorough cultivation we do mean, keeping the soil as thor- 

 oughly stirred as is possible during the process of fruit making so 

 as to destroy all weeds and aid in rendering available every parti- 

 cle of plant food for the growing crop, but at the same time, doing 

 this by the most shallow culture possible. We have found a light 

 gang plow and spring tooth harrow, two very serviceable and 

 economical instruments in obtaining this end. 



Much more there is that might be said on various points perti- 

 nent to the subject, but I will close by simpl^^ saying, I believe 

 thoroughly in plum growing as a profitable venture where plum 

 trees will grow and thrive, but only on good dry land. And now 

 thanking you for your kind attention, I should be only too glad to 

 answer any questions that may have come to the mind of any per- 

 son present. 



DISCUSSION". 



Qries. Wouldn't a spring tooth harrow do without the plow ? 



Alls. That would depend upon the soil. Our soil is quite a 

 tenacious soil. Sometimes year after year where land is culti- 

 vated and has not been seeded, many w-eeds have appeared. We 

 would say the gang plow is sutllcienton these things but the spring 

 tooth harrow has cut off these weeds. 



Ques. What do you think of the Quackenbos? 



Ans. The Quackenbos is a large plum exceedingly hard, but I 

 was sold more on this than on any plum. In the first place, we 

 didn't make money enough after I planted lOOU at one time. I 

 bad a pretty fair crop after girdling the trees. I have never been 

 successful since then. 



