PRUNING 



229 



throughout this country, but is chiefly grown in southern Califor- 

 nia and somewhat in the Gulf States. 



Starting the Plum Orchard. — After preparing the soil as well as 

 you would for a corn crop, lay off the rows at distances to suit the 

 varieties. For most of the American plums the rows may be 

 closer than with peaches. Fifteen feet each way is quite common. 

 With Japanese plums and some of the European plums the distance 

 is often a little greater. Some orchardists prefer to plant the rows 

 closer one way than the other. In this plan make the distance 

 between the rows eighteen or twenty feet and the trees the other 

 way may be set eight to twelve feet. 



Fig. 158. — Golden Beauty plum. 



Fig. 159. — Milton plum. 



Careful planting is advised. Do not expose the roots to the air 

 any longer than necessary. When the trees are received from the 

 nursery they should be heeled in until the holes are dug. Put 

 them in a barrel containing some water and carry them in this way 

 on a sled or on a wagon to the place where they are to be planted. 



The roots are therefore wet when put into the hole and covered 

 with soil. Firm the soil about the roots well, but leave a light 

 mulch on top. 



Pruning. — The low heading of plum trees is now usually prac- 

 ticed. It is well to give close attention to the choice of the main 

 branches, particularly in those varieties which make large trees, 



