PLUM. 



167 



only way it can be secured. Many years ago the crop of 

 a plum orchard under our charge numbering over a hun- 

 dred large trees, was saved by this process, while all other 

 plums in the district where the jarring of the trees was 

 not resorted to, were completely destroyed. This plan 

 was recommended nearly half a century ago, and no 

 other practicable method has since been presented. 

 It has been recommended by some to plant the trees on 

 the bank of a pond or running stream, and train them to 

 overhang the water, also to pave or cement around the 

 roots so that the insect cannot burrow, but these plans 

 would be often impossible, and are useless. Trees upon 

 stiff, clayey soils are more exempt from the ravages of the 

 Curculio than those upon light ones, probably for the 

 reason that the insect in the grub or larvae state cannot 

 penetrate them so readily, as they must enter the ground 

 to become perfect insects. The average distance at which 

 the Plum may be planted is from ten to twelve feet. The 

 following are distinct and fine sorts. 



Orleans. — Color purple, with a rich blue bloom, size 

 medium ; flesh deep yellow, flavor of first quality ; cling- 

 stone ; ripens in August. 



Washington. — Color yellow, marbled with red next the 

 sun ; large size ; flesh firm, sweet, and rich ; freestone ; 

 ripens first of September. 



Green Gage. — A well known variety, rather small in 

 size, but of exquisite flavor, color greenish-yellow, spotted 

 with red on the sunny side ; freestone ; ripens early in 

 August. 



Columbia. — Of the largest size, color brownish-purple ; 

 flesh yellow, sweet, and finely flavored ; freestone ; ripens 

 the last of August. 



Golden Drop. — A very old and well known sort, color 

 golden-yellow with red spots next the sun ; large, oval ; 



