Note 139 — Chapter I · EDIBLE PLUMS (continued 3)

Thomas Volney Munson, after whom it has been a pleasure to name this species, though best known as a viticulturist, has also rendered invaluable service to plum-culture. A sketch of his life appeared in The Grapes of New York (page 122) in which his services to viticulture were briefly mentioned. While his name is not commonly connected with the study of plums, it is not too much to say that without his aid the publications of those who have written during the last quarter century on native plums would have lacked much of the information they contain in regard to the species of the Southwest. He has an intimate knowledge of the wild plums of Texas and has freely given of it to all who have asked, often supplementing information with herbarium specimens or plants. The authors of The Plums of New York wish to give him credit for much of the information, furnished directly or indirectly, in regard to the wild and cultivated plums of the region in which he lives, in recognition of which his name is given to one of the most important species of native plums. Mr. Munson has grown and introduced a number of hybrid plums of note, chief of those of his own growing being Nimon, Minco and Burford. Many of his experiments in hybridizing plums, though unproductive of new varieties, are of much value as a guide to other workers with this fruit.