338 WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
varieties. Of Dwarfs, I prefer the Bartlett, the White Doy¬ 
enne, and the Seckel. 
THE PLUM. 
The Plum, in its wild nativity, is found in almost every va¬ 
riety of soil in the West, and though certain constituents are 
requisite in the soil, for the healthy growth of timber, I have 
not yet observed any difference between the gravelly and clay, 
loams and the virgin prairie soil, as adapted to the growth of 
the plum tree. I would say, select trees in the nursery, two 
years old, and well forward, and plant in any well drained soil, 
in early spring. The distance apart will vary with varieties 
somewhat, but, for most kinds, fifteen feet is far enough. The 
wild plum of the forest may be planted in the orchard, being 
easily moved, and very tenacious of life; and after one season’s 
growth, can be top-grafted. It will usually fruit the second 
season thereafter. This method has its objections, the princi¬ 
pal one being that the scion will out-grow the wild stock, and, 
in a few years, break off. But the earliness of their fruiting 
does, in a great measure, recompense for this. 
Prune the roots as directed for the apple, and plant with the 
same care. The top should be pruned into a round, open head, 
and in August the terminal bud of the new growth pinched off, 
that it may ripen and harden its wood for winter. The list of 
varieties under cultivation in the West, and worthy our atten¬ 
tion, is large, the plum being second to none other fruit in 
adaptability to our prairie soils. 
The Curculio is the plum’s worst enemy, and, in the West, 
its principal one. Many plans have been devised for its rid¬ 
dance. The best and surest is to give each tree a sudden jar 
in the early morning, previously spreading a sheet under the 
tree ; thus gathering the fallen fruit and insects, which are 
easily destroyed. 
Varieties. —Among the best for our climate are, Bleeker’s 
Gage, the Damson, the Green Gage, the Lombard, the Red 
Diaper, Smith’s Orleans, and the Washington. 
