33^ The Canadian Horticulturist. 



The disease, Bird's-Eye Rot, or Anthracnose, which I have already referred to, 

 seems to be on the increase in grape growing districts. This should be very 

 carefully watched, as I am unaware that it has thus far been successfully treated 

 with any of the copper compounds. The results of my own experiments this 

 season have been entirely negative. I should be pleased to get any information 

 relating to the spread of this disease, and especially glad to know if any journal 

 reader has treated it successfully. . — 



In comparing Bordeau.x mixture, half strength, and ammoniacal copper car- 

 bonate as remedies against grape mildew, I find a slight difference in favor of 

 the latter, though the use of both has been highly satisfactory. 



This matter of spraying should receive more attention from fruit growers 

 than it has heretofore. 



PLUMS. 



A very interesting member of the Japanese family, which had been planted 

 under the name of Botan, fruited this year. It is interesting alike from its 

 ability to withstand this somewhat severe clin)ate, and its e.xtreme earliness, 

 being ripe here on August 8th, about two weeks ahead of any other variety. 

 The tree is a strong, upright grower. Fruit medium size, egg shaped, no 

 suture, skin, which is thick, is yellow in color, overlaid with red markings, and 

 a light lilac bloom. Stem fairly long set in a small cavity. Flesh yellow, firm, 

 with a peach-like flavor. The pit, which is very small, not much larger than 

 a cherry stone, separates readily from the flesh. Not of high quality, but on 

 account of its season may have some market value. 



A large number of varieties selected from our native plums fruited this 

 season. They will undoubtedly be valuable in sections where finer varieties of 

 the domesticfE class cannot be grown. In connection I may say that one of the 

 finest examples of a perfectly laden plum tree was to be seen last month in the 

 garden of Mr. R. B. White, an enthusiastic fruit grower of Ottawa. This was 

 in the shape of a well grown specimen of Glass, seven or eight years of age, 

 literally covered with fruit, each branch a perfect rope, describing an arc of 

 a circle. This tree has borne regularly for several years. The variety can safely 

 iie considered hardy in this vicinity, but its fruit buds, Mr. White informs me, 

 are occasionally injured by spring frosts. 



Among native varieties thoroughly tested De Soto is undoubtedly the best. 

 It is remarkably productive and desirable, both for canning and eating in its 

 natural state. Wolf and Hawkeye, dark red, are larger and later, but retain 

 more of the wild astringent characteristic. Cheney and Van Buren, light red 

 and yellow, are almost free of stone and of good quality. They lack the vigor 

 of tree of the former, but are very desirable. 



These varieties should be headed low and should be annually shortened in, 

 as their habit of growth is naturally ramltling. I may say that Weaver for the 

 past three years has borne heavily, but is not equal to De Soto in quality of 

 fruit. John Cuaio, Ilorticu'lurist. 



