292 STONE FRUITS 



The fruit is usually picked with the stem attached. The 

 plums are often very uniform in size, although occasionally 

 they require some grading. The grading is more often 

 necessary with the larger sorts than it is with the smaller 

 varieties. The large prune types are sometimes marketed in 

 boxes similar to those of the cherry, while the smaller varieties 

 are usually sold in half bushel baskets, and occasionally in 

 grape baskets. The size of the plum determines to a large 

 extent the type of package in which it is marketed. In some 

 cases the plums are sorted and graded and are then packed 

 in the four-basket crate. 



Varieties.- — The selection of the proper varieties is pri- 

 marily a local question. The planter will do well to consult 

 some successful grower in his local community. 



Many varieties of native plums have originated mainly 

 in the Mississippi valley and in some of the southern regions. 

 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas have produced 

 by far the greatest number of good varieties, largely from 

 native stock. 



To select a list which will fit all sections of the country 

 would be impossible, but the following varieties have a some- 

 what wider range than many others: Damson, Burbank, 

 De Sota, Hawkeye, Lombard, Diamond, Abundance and 

 Wild Goose. Many local varieties are good, and in regions 

 where these do well they should be selected. 



DISEASES OF THE PLUM. 



The plum is affected by practically the same diseases as the 

 cherry. The brown rot sometimes known as the ripe rot of 

 the plum, is perhaps the most destructive (see description 

 under Cherry). The black knot of the plum is the same as 

 found on the cherry. The shot-hole fungus which attacks the 

 cherry is likewise found on the plum. These diseases are 

 controlled in the same manner as on the cherry. 



Gummosis. — This trouble seems to be more prevalent on 

 the plum than upon the other stone fruits, although it is 

 found upon the cherry and the peach as well as upon the 

 plum. 



