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Show THINNING PLUM TREES Wc have a small Burbank plum tree In its third year of bearing from which we thinned two bushels of young fruit last season to prevent the breaking break-ing of the limbs. Fully us much fruit remained and ripened beautifully. This plum tree bears a very heavy crop every year. That is Us only fault setting such a heavy crop that it causes the death of the tree unless severely thinned. Those who do not have (he courage to properly thin the trees often find them dead the following fol-lowing spring. It Is a Japanese plum originated by Luther Burbank of California, Cali-fornia, and though he has originated many remarkable plums this seems to bo the best, all things considered. It is perfectly hardy everywhere, requiring re-quiring little except close caro and pruning and thinning the fruit. Tho tree is not handsome, being of sprawling sprawl-ing growth and long, slender branches, and being fiat on top and broad rather than tall. When loaded wilh fruit, however, one might even call it hund-Fonif. hund-Fonif. - The fruit grows In clusters, six or seven plums frequently being found together. It Is a coppery-red color, with yellow spots showing through, and tho 'side towards the sun takes on a decided purple shade if left till fully ripe. The pulp Is deep yellow, coarse but juicy, and the pit Is very Binall. The plums are tine for use when fresh, but also can well, the pulp adhering to tho pit so firmly that they retain their shape well when cooked- Mrs. II. H. Woodwaid, Michigan. |