The Cultivation of Fruits 
H3 
be crossed over the others for a few years, until they have 
made good strong branches, when they can be taken down 
into the horizontal position by degrees. Again, care must 
be taken not to overcrowd the branches. Six inches apart 
will be close enough for the wood and fruit to mature 
properly. As the trees grow older, and the main branches 
become bare, a young fruiting shoot may be tied on the 
top of the branch, thus ensuring the whole of the tree 
being covered with fruiting wood. On no account should 
more than one be “ laid on ’’ in this manner. When it has 
borne its fruit it may be cut out, and another laid in its 
place. 
If Plums are planted on a south or early wall they 
flower early and may be injured by spring frosts. It is 
therefore advisable to have screens which can conveniently 
be attached to the wall, but at some little distance from it, 
so as not to injure the blossom. These screens should be 
removed as soon as the frost is gone in the morning. 
The fruit must be protected from birds, and in some 
seasons from wasps also. A description of insect pests 
and diseases will be found in later chapters. 
Coe’s Golden Drop, yellow. 
Greengage, green. 
Kirk’s Purple. 
Reine Claude de Bavay, green. 
Transparent Gage, greenish yellow. 
Victoria, red. 
Varieties — 
Dessert 
Kitchen Use 
Cox’s Emperor, dark red. 
Diamond, purple. 
Magnum Bonum, white. 
Prince of Wales, purple. 
