34 DWYEK'S GUIDE. 



affected as soon as. the knot is perceptible. Be sure to cut some distance 

 say tliree or four inches, beyond the visible trouble. The Black Knot is 

 a rough swelling of the wood, obnoxious looking, readily discernible and 

 easily eradicated when taken advantage of in its early stages of develop- 

 ment. For several years before the introduction of the Japan Plums, 

 this disease was so prevalent on the European Family of Plums, that 

 their cultivation was quite generally abandoned, except by a few of the 

 large fruit growers throughout the country and especially in Western New 

 York, where the production of this fruit is one of the leading industries. 

 However, a better and much more encouraging feeling exists to-day, and 

 the Plum is grown more largely than ever before in the history of the 

 country. A good preventive against Black Knot is thorough cultiva- 

 tion. Trees that are neglected are quite generally infested with this 

 fungous growth. 



The Curculio — This is another enemy of the Plum, fortunately, how- 

 ever, this can be easily and cheaply controlled. It is a small, dark brown 

 bettle that stings the fruit, causing it to drop from the trees. When the 

 trees blossom, and as the fruit begins tO' set, dress the ground about the 

 Plum trees, make it very clean and smooth. Then, as soon as the Cur- 

 culio commences its operations, spread a large sheet prepared for the 

 purpose around each tree, and jar it so as to shake down all fruits that 

 have been stung, as well as all the Curculios. Both insects and stung 

 fruits should be destroyed. This work is performed daily, and ensures a 

 full crop. The work is done quiciily: a dozen trees in a garden can be at- 

 tended to daily in less than half an hour's work of a man. Let those who 

 really desire to grow fine crops of delicious Plums try this system, and 

 follow it up rigidly, and they will be successful. 



You will find this insect much more prevalent some years than others. 

 It is not at any time a difificult job to cope with it. 



JAPAN PLUMS— Leadikg Varieties. 



America. — One of Luther Burbank's introductions. Fruit described 

 as very large, glossy coral-red; flesh light yellow, moderately firm; best 

 quality. Ripens about August tenth and is a splendid keeper. 



Abundance — It is exceedingly hardy Its propensity for early bearing 

 Is such that before it leaves the nursery row the limbs bend with the 

 weight of fruit until they sometimes break, and this is the case every 

 year — the curculio having no effect upon it; the fruit is large, showy and 

 of a beautiful amber shade. One of the very best varieties; fruit rich, 

 sweet and a splendid dessert fruit. Ripens August first to fifteenth. 



Burbank — The fruit is usually from five to five and a half inches in 

 circumference, and varying less in size than other Japan plums, nearly 

 globular; clear cherry red, with a thin lilac bloom. The flesh is a deep 

 yellow color, very sweet, with a peculiar and agreeable flavor. Valuable 

 for presenting. Ripens August twenty-flfth to Septemebr tenth. 



Bartlett — The introducer, Mr. Burbank, decribes it as follows: 

 "Bartlett is the king for flavor; it out-Bartlctts the Bartlett pear in ex- 

 quisitely perfumed flesh, bears when two years old." Light salmon colored 

 flesh, rather firm, yet juicy. Seed medium size, long, flat, semi-free. 

 Ripens August fifteenth. 



Berckmans — (Botan) — Large, round, slightly oblong, sometimes 

 verging to heart shaped; skin yellow, overspread with bright red and 

 light purplish bloom; fiesh yellow and of good flavor; cling; an exception- 

 ally good keeper. Ripens about September first. 



