6 



"The California papers are describing a new Plum which Luther Burbank has 

 temporarily named 'Perfection' (now permanently named ' IVtrksou and which he 

 produced by crossing the Japanese vSatsuma upon the Kelsey. The fruit is almost the shape 

 of an inverted pear, that is, with the stem attached to what corresponds to the blossom end 

 of a pear. The amber-colored flesh is juicy and translucent, with a striking and agreeable 

 flavor. The pit is small and shapeh' ; the color deepens from a deep uniform cherry-red to 

 a rich claret as it ripens, and when fully matured it is still in firm shipping condition." — 

 Garden and Forest. 



" Luther Burbank of Santa Rosa sends us a sample of what he considers the best new 

 variet}' he has thus far obtained by crossing Plum varieties brought from Japan. The 

 variety he has temporarily named Perfection, and it is a cross of the Satsuma upon the 

 Kelsey. We commented favorably upon it last year, and the present sample strengthens 

 the conviction that it will be a popular variety because of its strikingly handsome appear- 

 ance and high quality. Its form suggests the Kelsey, but it is more symmetrical — in fact it 

 is almost pyriform, inverted of course, for the stem is attached where the eye of the pear is 

 found. Carrying its semblance to a pear shape further, we can say that it is almost identical 

 with an inverted Doyenne du Comice. The color develops from a deep cherry-red down to 

 a rich claret as the fruit becomes ripe. The coloring is uniform, and the fruit, from its firm 

 shipping condition to its full ripeness, is even and handsome. In this respect it will be a 

 great improvement upon the Kelsey. The flesh is of amber tint, very juicy and translucent ; 

 the pit is small and shapel}' ; the flavor is striking and agreeable. From all the points of 

 the variety, we anticipate its popularity as a dessert fruit for sale to distant purchasers, as it 

 seems to have notable keeping qualities." — Pacific Rural Press. 



The most productive of large, handsome fruit of any of the Japan plums, 

 and the quality is not surpassed by any. In bloom and fruit all the branches 

 are hidden from view, and yet, owing to the unusual vigor of the tree, it all 

 comes to perfection. 



The only objection to it was a few thorns, but these have almost wholly 

 disappeared whenever it has been grafted. Its productiveness and the 

 remarkable size and beauty of the fruit will make it exceedingly popular. 

 From its appearance I judge it will be hardy as far north as New York and 

 perhaps in central New England. 



Stock : One large tree, one hundred large yearlings, and many strong 

 top grafts. Price, $500. 



Cross-bred Japan Plum. 



** Prolific.'* (J. — 3,972, in New Creations, i 



