MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 63 
Uses, 
In conclusion ( mention some of the uses we make of our plums besides 
eating them from the tree and pared with cream and sugar. We eat them 
stewed and in pies. The very best develop but little harshness 1n cooking. 
We use them pickled and spiced, and in plum butter, jellies and preserves, 
and for canning. We seal up large quantities in stone jugs, using about 
one-third enough sugar to make them palatable when first cooked. They 
improve by keeping, and when opened the next spring they are about sweet 
enough. In this paper I have spoken only of our native Minnesota plums. 
yee J. W. Boxe.t. 
« DISCUSSION. 
Mr. Harris :—The roots should be cut up only in the spring. 
Mr. Elliot :—Some varieties require manuring. Harrison’s Peach 
is a shy bearer, but by manuring heavily it produces fair crops. 
Black Knot. 
Mr. Carter :—I think the ‘‘ black knot” is contagious. 
Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Boxell had set a healthy tree in a 
grove affected with ‘“ black knot” and this tree remained healthy. 
Mr. Carter :—Have seen a grove of healthy trees affected over a 
considerable intermediate space from a grove of diseased trees. 
Cutting off branches affected does not help the matter. 
Keeping Roots. 
Mr. Dartt :—Think if the roots are placed in dry sand they will 
wither. They should be put in moist sand and then they will cal- 
lous by spring. Must be careful and not use the roots of grafted 
trees. . 
- Mr. Elliot :—I use sand and sawdust mixed in equal parts and of 
natural moisture. 
Mr. Harris :—By the term dry sand we do not mean peony dry 
sand, but only not wet sand. 
Mr. Stewart :—I bury the roots out of doors in the natural soil, 
covering about a foot deep, and they do not heat or sprout. 
Mr. Dartt :—I object to calling it dry sand when moist is meant. 
Mr. Jewell :—The point is well taken, and not only that, but a 
certain degree of moisture is required. I pack in moist sand and 
then cover with sawdust. May saturate the sand and it will dry 
out, unless so protected. 
