This variety has excited considerable attention at the West, particularly in Wisconsin, where the fruit has been exhibited. Young trees were sent to us for trial last spring, by Geo. P. Delaplaine, Esq., of Madison, Wisconsin, which were planted out, and have all, without exception, made a vigorous growth. This fruit is an improved variety of the wild plum, and is deserving of notice at our hands. It can not, of course, take rank with our finer cultivated varieties, but in sections where these fail, it is well worthy of trial. Joel Barber, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, to whom we are indebted for specimens of the fruit, says of it, "that it has been cultivated in his vicinity for many years, and is the only satisfactory kind there grown, being of vigorous habit, free from disease, and perfectly hardy. The tree blossoms two weeks New Jersey State Agricultural Society. 333 later than other varieties, and ripens its fruit about October 1, and keeps for a considerable time, and is entirely exempt from the attacks of curculio." Fruit of medium size, oblong, tapering to a point. Color, rich dark purplish red, with a fine bloom; flesh rather soft when fully ripe, slightly adhering to the stone; stone oblong, pointed at each end.

Flavor good; skin thick, somewhat astringent; leaves serrate; young shoots dark red. It originated with Mr. Miner, of Lancaster, and is no doubt a seedling from some of the wild varieties so numerous in that section.

Fig. 173. - Miner Plum.