40 ANNUAL REPORT. 
My. Probstfield. In the spring of °73 my trees, planted in cul- 
tivated ground on the south side, were killed, while those under- 
sod on not cultivated ground, were not hurt much. 
Mr. Dart. Do you think the sod is a good protection ? 
Mr. Probstfield. Ihave no theory to offer on it 
The Secretary. Think there is a wrong expression in vogue 
among us that ought to be rectified. It is said that the sap is 
going to the roots when a tree is ripening. This is not the ease. 
The sap evaporates through the leaves and the bark on the young 
twigs. It is very unnatural for the sap to go back whence it 
came. 
On motion, the discussion was closed. 
METHODS OF PRESERVING FRUITS. 
It was moved and seconded to hear Col. Steven’s paper on the 
Catalpa in Minnesota, but the Colonel not being Bre nated it was 
deferred till to-morrow. 
Mr. Jordon. I move that we take up for discussion Methods of 
Preserving Fruits. The motion was seconded and carried. 
Mr. Elliot. (In response to a call.) In gathering fruit it is 
best to take it when it is just coming to maturity, wrap in paper 
or not, and then place in a cellar of an even, cool temperature. 
You can pack apples in cork sawdust or anything that will not 
heat, or in ice. Packing in ice requires great care. 
The Secretary. Would ordinary sawdust answer the purpose? 
Mr. Elliot. Think it will do, but cork sawdust is the best. 
Batting is also good for packing. Also, Plaster of Paris, and dry 
and fine sand. In California where the climate is warm no cellars 
are used, since they are warmer than the surface, and the fruit is 
buried in sand banks, where it keeps well. 
The Secretary. Willland plaster do as well as Plaster of Paris ? 
Mr. Day. Does not the Plaster of Paris give its taste to the 
fruit? 
Mr. Elliot. I think not. 
Mr. Eldridge. What temperature is the best ? 
Mr. Elliott. 'The Duchess keeps well at 35°. I find a Jow tem- 
perature is good for most all of the varieties. Pack about three 
tiers deep. You can freeze russets and keep them in a cool, dark 
cellar till May, but they must be thawed in a cool, dark place. If 
used up immediately they are good. The Baldwin and others of 
this class are injured too much by freezing. 
