and the fruit is prized when dried 
47 
Robe de Sargent This P r . une was introduced from France and is highly 
prized for preserving as well as for drying purposes. 
The tree is a strong grower and on account of the leathery texture and glossy 
appearance of the toliage is very attractive. 
The fruit is of a large oval shape, having a skin of deep purple color, being 
nearly black when fully ripened and covered with a blue bloom. Flesh is of a 
greenish yellow color, and possesses a line sweet flavor. The fruit when dried 
is nearly always classed as fancy and brings the highest price to be obtained 
on the market. In the central coast and interior valleys it is a good bearer 
and highly recommended for planting in these sections. 
Standard A variety originated by Luther Burbank, of Santa Rosa, Califor¬ 
nia, and is a cross between the Sugar and Tragedy. 
It is of large size, purple in color, overspread with a thick blue bloom. 
Flesh is amber, line grained and of good flavor. In addition to making a fine 
' dried product it is also a good shipper. 
While it cannot be grown successfully over as large a territory as some of 
the other prunes, it is well recommended for planting in the central coast and 
interior valleys. Ripens middle of August to middle of September. 
Sugar This is another of the many creations of Mr. Burbank and has cer- 
® tainly been a source of revenue to many prune growers. 
The tree is a very strong and vigorous grower and a heavy bearer. The 
skin is of a dark purple color and overspread with a white bloom. Flesh is 
yellow and very rich. 
On account of the abundance of sugar contents in this fruit and its early 
period of ripening we do not hesitate to say it is one of the very best for both 
shipping and drying purposes. It dries rapidly and weighs heavy. It is highly 
recommended for planting in the central coast and interior valleys and foothill 
sections. Ripens about* the first of August. 
Tragedy The l ar ? e anc * attractive appearance of this variety has won for it 
® * the distinction of being one of the best shippers in the state. 
Statistics show that in certain seasons it has been more largely shipped to 
Eastern markets than any other prune or plum in California. It is a beautiful 
dark purple in color, being elongated in shape, flesh is of a yellowish green, 
very rich and juicy; its early ripening has also much to do with making it a 
favorite among prune and plum growers. While it is particularly adapted for 
shipping purposes, on account of its good carrying qualities, it also makes a 
fair dried product. 
The tree is an upright strong grower, and is found in the central coast and 
interior valleys and foothill sections to be a heavy bearer, consequently is well 
recommended for planting in these sections. 
We suggest to those who intend planting Tragedy prunes for commercial 
purposes that they plant one-fourth of the acreage with Climax plums, for 
pollination purposes. This will act not only to increase the size of the fruit 
but cause the tree to produce larger crops. Ripens early July. 
QUINCES 
The quince has not been planted on a very large commercial scale, in fact 
it has been relegated to the small orchard and home garden. 
The local California market does not consume enough of this popular 
canning fruit to warrant a heavy planting, but there is unquestionably a mar- 
i ket in the Middle West and Southern States where outlets can be found. 
Large canneries in the East are ready to contract for the fruit in quantities 
with orchardists, at remunerative prices, but auction markets have not, as a 
rule, brought satisfactory returns. 
The tree thrives best in moist alluvial soils, but will do well in heavy soils 
if the same can be irrigated and at the same time be well drained. The trees 
do equally well on the coast as in the interior valleys and every home orchard 
should contain one or more of these trees. 
When the trees are planted, cut them back to 18 inches from the top of the 
ground. If tree form is desired, the pruning the first winter should be to cut 
back the new shoots forming the head of the tree one-half. The limbs are 
inclined to sprawl over the ground and to prevent this in the earlier years 
systematic heading back is required. When planted in orchard form the trees 
can be set 16 feet apart if so desired. 
