raries of the biggest plan in the history of the world, of the
Stalin Plan to ensure stable big crops, now perfectly well
understand what such belts signify in the struggle against
that frightful scourge drought,, in the struggle to change the
very climate of our country. But Michurin was one of those
who had long appreciated their significance, had propagated
the idea, and had urged that planting be started at once,
"because/' he said, "we have the kolkhoz system!"
He had his own, Michurin, point of view on this matter,
however. Why only walnut and maple,, when it is possible. . . .
And he showed by deeds what is possible: he offered his special
varieties of plums, currants, sweet birdcherry, and also his
Polyovka cherry. It was the most unexacting of trees, he
claimed; it needed no tending. All you have to do is plant it,
and it will produce a crop every year. The point of view of
the great transformer of nature—that fruit trees should be
used for shelter belts—was adopted and incorporated in the
state shelter-belt planting plan.
Towards the end of his life Michurin conceived the idea
of completely "reconstructing" the cherry tree. Just before
he died he said to one of his pupils: "The cherry tree doesn't
grow right. The cherry stone too ought to be edible. ..."
This pupil—now a Leningrad botanist—succeeded in
carrying out this idea: the fruit of cherry trees he raised con-
tain stones like almonds.
Michurin was convinced that fruit must, and soon would,
"become an essential part of the diet of all working people
and not merely a delicacy."
He boldly and swiftly enlarged the "fruit" circle. "Who,
except village boys, eats ashberries, the scarlet beads worn
by the sad lady of the autumn woods? Michurin changed
.the nature of the mountain ash and its fruit became suitable
.for "dessert.1" It will now provide delicious berries for the
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