Out of the 17 varieties of Oriental plums, I fruited 10 varieties last season. I find them much better adapted to the south than any plums which have come under my notice; most of them are curculio-proof, prolific and of good flavor. In size they range from that of the Wild Goose to that of a large hen's egg. They have given me a succession of fruit from the latter part of May to the middle of August, and the Kelsey, which is the latest, will extend the season into September. I think that they will bring fancy prices in the northern markets. I believe that it would be good policy for the strawberry growers of the south to set out half of their plantations to these plums and raise fruits for northern shipment.

In all the Gulf States these plums thrive and grow to perfection. I see reports from a few of the eastern and western states to the effect that the few that have been tried are found to be hardy, except the Kelsey, which is the tenderest. I hardly think that the Kelsey will do much above the fig belt, while the others, such as Satsu-ma, Hattonkin 1 and 2, Yasobe, Sweet Botan, Ura Beni, Engre,Chabot, Yellow Japan, Ogan and Masou will do well far north as Missouri an d Kentucky. The Botonkio is the only variety that blooms too early. The frost generally catches it in full bloom here. I suppose that it will be reliable where the Peen-to peach is grown. Most of the other varieties bloom with or after the Wild Goose. The widely circulated statements that these plums will not thrive above the orange belt have hindered their introduction into the north. Many still believe that geographical adaptation of this fruit is with that of the semi tropical fruits.

The Goumi is an interesting little fruit with which we are now becoming familiar. It is the Elaagnus pungens of botanists. The leaves of this shrub are evergreen, the under side silvery white. The fruit is oblong, like the cranberry, and is said to be 6ne for jellies, owing to its sub-acid qualities. It has the taste of the strawberry, but is slightly puckery, like the persimmon. It is propagated from the seed, and bears quite young. I have plants two feet high loaded with fruit. It is a pretty sight to see such lilliputian plants in full bearing. The shrub is perfectly hardy in Avoyelles parish. I do not know if it will succeed farther north, but it certainly deserves a trial, as it could easily be protected on very cold days, owing to its dwarf habit.

Central Louisiana. J, L. Normand.