EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 151 
is benefited by protection from repeated freezing and thawing in fall and 
spring. By the above method I have successfully wintered out of doors, 
heliotrope, fuchsia and tender tea roses. 
Experiment will surely enlarge the list of plants now echinidereall too 
tender to winter out of doors. . 
BUDDING SAND CHERRY ON PLUM STOCK. 
For the purpose of determining the affinity between the botanical 
varieties Prunus Americana and Prunus pumila, during August, 1889, I 
inserted buds of a sand cherry which had grown on my grounds for 
several years without any sign of fruit. The buds ‘‘took” and during the 
season of 1890 made vigorous growth, and by fall were loaded with fruit 
buds, and the past vear fruited heavily. So far the union appears perfect, 
the growth being vigorous, the foliage reaching almost thrice the normal 
size and quite distinct. 
IMPROVING ASTRAGALUS CARYOCARPUS. 
This plant is frequently found on our prairies, and commonly called 
“oround plum.” In the ‘Flora of Minnesota” is found the following note 
upon this species. by J. C. Arthur: ‘‘When the pods, which are nearly 
solid, have reached the size of hazel nuts,they prove a valuable addition to 
the list of early vegetables. Cooked like green peas, they make a pleasing 
dish, intermediate in taste and flavor between early peas and asparagus.” 
I know of no native plant which offers to experimenters such oppor- 
tunities to develop its qualities, possessing as it does in its wild state 
almost every quality desirable to make it a popular and profitable vege- 
table. 
It is perennial, perfectly hardy, prolific and palatable; at least two or 
three weeks earlier in season than our earliest peas. 
I now have seedlings from selected wild plants, that already show 
improvement in size (¢ tol inch in diameter) of almost solid flesh, and 
that give fair promise to do well under garden culture. 
Respectfully, 
Cc. W. H. HEIDEMAN, 
Superintendent. 
Mr. Underwood: I hope that Mr. Heideman’s modesty won't 
stand in the way of his coming here and giving us such valua- 
ble information in the future. I shall turn to the pages of our 
annual report that contains this paper with a great deal of 
interest. 
Dr. Frisselle: Had your grounds any special protection by 
reason of forests or any thing of that kind? 
Mr. Heideman: No sir. Iam confident that this same suc- 
cess in the use of the cinders can be had anywhere in Minne- 
sota or Dakota. 
DISCUSSION. 
Mr. Underwood: It seems to me that we ought to express 
our approval and admiration of the work that Mr. Heideman 
is doing as illustrated in his paper. 
