THE PLUM. 125 



and decaying leaves in the fall. Spray the 

 trees with the ammoniacal solution of the cur- 

 bonate of copper in early spring, before the 

 buds are open. Continue to spray at intervals 

 of about ten days, substituting sulphide of 

 potassium as the fruit advances towards matu- 

 rity. It is probable that a faithful observance 

 of these rules will secure exemption from this 

 serious evil of plum rot. 



Leaf Spot Fungus [Septoria cerasina). This 

 is often called the "shot hole" disease, as de- 

 scribing the appearance of tlie leaves when the 

 dead tissue drops out, leaving a round hole. 

 Although the disease is very generally distrib- 

 uted, and is found upon the cherry as well as 

 the plum, yet the injury has not been serious. 

 As the fungus buries itself in the leaf tissues, 

 spraying with the copper compounds must be 

 used as a preventive before the lodgment. 



Leaf Riist (Puccinia pruni-spinosce). This 

 fungus causes yellowish brown spots on the 

 under surface, becoming reddish on the upper 

 surface of the leaves. Spi'ay with the fungi- 

 cides in the early part of the season. 



Plum Bladders are the inflated fruit of 

 the Chickasaw and other American varieties, 

 caused also by fungous growth. The bladders 

 should be picked and destroyed. 



