J. H. Girardeau, Proprietor, Monticello, Florida. 
5 
JAPAN PLUMS. 
If one well versed in horticulture should be asked what one feature more than any other marked the 
greatest progress in horticulture in this last quarter of the nineteenth century, he would unhesitatingly reply, 
" The introduction and development of the Japan Plums and their seedlings." And true it is that the com- 
ing of this new race of fruits has opened up a new era in orchard culture, that gives promise of making for- 
tunes for many of our most daring cultivators, who, quick to see the money in these Plums, have planted 
extensive orchards, and even now see the golded harvest in sight. 
While many, many others are planting orchards of from ioo to 1,000 trees all over the land, the best 
amateur fruit cultivators are planting from half a dozen to 25 of these Plums, and every land owner will 
do so when he comes to understand their great value. 
Note the points of superiority. Strong, robust-growing trees come into bearing the second year from 
planting, and in three years bear from one to two bushels per tree. Almost entirely free from black knot, 
and much less liable to attacks of curculio than the European varieties. They do not ripen up all at once, 
as do most of the Europeans, but early and late varieties cover a season of three months, and so give one 
an extended family supply, and a long season in the market. Many of them keep in good condition 10 days 
or two weeks after being taken from the trees. They are beautiful in appearance, sell at top prices in 
market, and yet can be grown as cheaply as the most hardy apples. Fortunes can be made from these 
Plums. 
Burbank. The honor of first place among the 1 
older varieties of Japan Plums has long been unde- 
cided whether it should belong to Burbank or Abun- 
dance. The Abundance is the better known, but 
Burbank is claimed to be finer by those who grow 
them largely for profit. It is, however, not a very- 
serious question, as the season is not the same, and 
both are needed to complete a valuable list. Kipens 
four weeks later than Abundance, and strongly re- 
sembles that variety in shape, color and growth of 
tree, but fruit considerably larger, and, if possible, 
of better quality. In all probability will be the 
leader ; in other words, the 1 ' Baldwin,” or " Bartlett " 
among Japan Plums. 
Abundance, or Yellow-fleshed Botan. Is 
large, round, with pointed apex, but varies from 
quite round to sharply pointed. Skin yellow, washed 
heavily with purplish carmine, and a darker cheek ; 
flesh yellow, very juicy, subacid, with apricot flavor, 
quite firm ; skin tough ; clingstone ; quality best ; 
pit large. Maturity June 25 to July 5. Of all the 
Plums that have fruited with us, this;ranks next 
to Burbank in value, is a little later, and is larger 
than the Burbank, and the tree is a stronger grower. 
It should be very extensively planted for market, 
and is also excellent for home use and canning. 
Satsuma Blood. A purple-fleshed Plum of 
very vigorous growth, with rank, dark green foliage ; 
enormously productive of fruit ; large ; skin dark 
purplish red, mottled with bluish bloom ; shape 
globular or with a sharp point; flesh firm; juicy, 
dark red or blood color, well-flavored, firm, 
quality very good ; pit but little larger than a 
cherry stone. Fruits at two or three years of 
age. Considered by some to be the most valuab’e 
of Japan Plums. Ripens July 25. 
Yellow Japan. Fruit large, nearly round; 
skin yellow, washed with red on sunny side ; 
flesh yellow, juicy and of good quality. Tree 
vigorous, resembling Kelsey in growth, but with 
larger leaves. Not yet as well-known as some of 
the others, but in our opinion likely soon to be 
more sought after than either Abundance or 
Burbank. 
experiments resulted in yielding 19J4 lbs. of dried 
fruit to 100 lbs. of fresh fruit. Matures middle of 
July to end of August. 
Normand. Ripens just after Abundance. Fruit 
good size, conical, with short stem ; color clear 
golden yellow ; flesh yellow, firm, meaty, and very 
high flavor. Pit very small, freestone, so productive 
that the fruit hangs in clusters. A valuable and 
desirable variety. 
Marianna, Improved Chickasaw Type. Finer, 
larger and much earlier than the Wild Goose, of 
which it is a seedling ; an early and abundant bearer 
of medium sized, handsome, smooth and highly- 
colored fruit, in quality good as Robinson. The 
fruit commences to ripen June 15, and lasts about 
three weeks. For a good, dense shade, and a cool 
run for poultry, there is nothing equal to a Marianna 
thicket when the trees are planted about 6 or 8 feet 
apart. Every person in the extreme South who is 
raising poultry should have a Marianna thicket for 
his chickens during the hot, dry summer months. 
The tree has enormous roots, that run deep into the 
soil ; stands heat and drouth to perfection ; does not 
sucker. 
Kelsey. This most remarkable variety sus- 
tains every point of excellence claimed for it by 
the introducers. Size large to very large, often 7 
to 9 inches in circumference ; heart-shaped ; 
color greenish yellow, overspread with a reddish 
purple and blue bloom ; flesh very solid, yellow, 
rich and juicy, and with excellent flavor ; pit 
very small, adheres slightly to the flesh. For 
canning or evaporating it is also most valuable, 
Abundance . 
