by smoothness of leaves and austerity aud acidity of fruit. P . avium
(Linné), the sweet-fruited Cherry-tree, seems naturally to extend as
far as Middle Europe, and attains a high age, when the stem may
acquire a diameter of 4 feet, produces no suckers and has downy
more wrinkled leaves, irrespective of some few other discrepancies..
I t afforded its frnit already to the ancient inhabitants of Switzerland
in pre-historic times [Heer, Mortillet], and the tree was cultivated
by the early Greeks also, according to historic records [A. de Candolle].
Superior varieties were cultivated in Europe first at Lucullus’
time. As an orchard-tree introduced into Britain already by the
Romans. I t is hardy in Norway in lat. 66° 30' [Schuebeler], bears
frnit in lat. 63° 30'. In the Himalayas it is cultivated up to 12,000
feet. In the colony of Victoria it will bear fruit a t an elevation of
5,000 feet. In the zone of evergreen vegetation leafless for abont
five months, like most other northern orchard-trees. Correspondingly
tbe annual growth beoomes accelerated in winterless climes.
The tree enjoys everywhere a comparative immunity from insect-
attacks, bnt leaves and fruits were lately attacked severely by a
fungus, namely Gnomonia erythrostoma (Fnckel). According to
researches of Prof. A. B. I'rank, the infested leaves do not drop, and
must be mechanically removed in winter and immediately be burned.
Cherry-trees have however sometimes also suffered seriously near
Melbourne from the attacks of the Cherry-borer, Maroga gigantella ;
the larvæ of this insect infest oecasionally also other species^ of
Prunus ; spraying witli kerosene-emulsion or other insecticidal
mixtures while tlie trees are dormant, also probing boles with wire
dipped ill carbolic aoid, is recommended by Mr. French in liis “ Handbook
of Destructive Insects.” Against Selandria Cerasi, the so-called
Pear-sliig, bo recommends spraying with a decotion of Veratrum
album. On the whole the Cherry-tree is however less subject to
disease than many other fruit-trees. Pieces of mirror-glass, strung
on lines, will tend much to keep sparrows and otlier predatory birds
from cherries and other fruits. Cherry-stones more partioularly
among the seeds of our ordinary table-fruits might be kept for being
strewed about during pleasnre-oxoursions in forests and other unonlti-
vated places. Here in Victoria Clierry-trees and otlier ordinary hardy
fruit-trees should also now be copiously planted in the Australian
Alps, to wliicli railways are gradually approaching, so as to provide
these fruits and also kitclien-vegetables later in the season for the
lowland markets, just as reversedly the Channel Islands produce the
early supplies for London. California exported 60,000 oases of dried
or canned cherries in 1887 already.
P r u n u s C h is a s a , Michaux. (P. angustifolia, Marshall.)
North-America, west of the Mississippi. On the prairies it is only
3 to 4 feet high. F rn it spherical, red, rather small, with a tender
usually agreeable pulp. Other species with edible fruit occur in Nortli-
America, such as P. pumila and P. Pennsylvanica (Linné) ; but their
427
fruits are too small, to render these plants of importance for orchard-
culture, though they also may become enlarged by rural treatment.
Marshall’s name is the oldest. Can be cultivated as far north as
Christiania in West-Europe.
P r u n u s d em is s a , Walpers.
California. The Wild Plum of Utah. Worthy of improving cultivation.
I t fruits abundantly, often when only 2 or 3 feet high. I t
is of near affinity to P. Virginiana.
P r u n u s d om e s tic a , Linné.*
Plum-tree, Damson-tree, Prune-tree. From the Black Sea to
Western China. In the countries a t the Mediterranean Sea numerous
varieties were cultivated even a t the commencement of the Christian
era. Introduced into Britain already by the Romans. In Norway
this species endures the winter to lat. 64° [Professor Schuebeler].
Bears fruit as far north as Droutheim. The wood is sought for
musical instruments aud select turnery. For varieties, see Dr. Hogg’s
admirable “ F ru it Manual ” and other kindred works. The
“ Zwetschen ” variety is early in yield for one of the most profitable
of any fruits for drying, but the best sorts need a temperate mild
clime. In Southern Hungary and the adjoining countries Plums and
Prunes are most extensively cultivated and form an important article
of diet to the inhabitants, besides being exported in a dried state ;
very large quantities are also used for the distillation of a strong
liqueur, known as Slibowitz. The finest dried prunes are however
produced in Southern France and largely exported. The quantity of
Prunes dried in France in 1890 was estimated a t more than 40,000
tons valued a t over £600,000. [Sahut, from “ Bull, du Ministère de
rAgricnltnre.” ] An excellent dessert frnit. California sent away in
1887 about 40,000 cases of canned plnms and 1,750,000 lbs. dried
prunes. Among the most important varieties are Reine-Claiido and the
Mirabelle—whether fresh or dried, boiled or preserved, the Mirabelle is
always delicious ; th a t variety is of easy growth in orchards, and can
also most readily be reared for hedges. I t is a prolific bearer [C.
Mathieu]. The plum- and cherry-seasou would extend in S.E. Australia
over five months, if alpine plantations were formed. Brigade-
Surgeon J . Aitchison speaks of P . divaricata (Ledebour) as a native
plum- or prune-tree in Afghanistan. Mr. B. T. Galloway [in circular
10 of the United States Department of Agricnltnro in the division of
vegetable pathology, 1891] has as a final result of his researches recommended
two remedial compositions against leaf-bliglit and powdery
mildew as the best for orchard-trees :— 1st. The “ Bordeaux Mixture,”
prepared by dissolving 12 lbs. of sulphate of copper in 20
gallons of water, to which slowly is to be added a mixture of 8 lbs.
unslaked lime stirred into 12 gallons of water. 2nd. The “ Ammo-
nial Solution,” made by dissolving 5 ounces of carbonate of copper in
3 pints liquor of ammonia (diluted to 26 per cent, strengtli) and by
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