BLATCHLEY, W.S. - Putnam

WS Blatchley, geologist and entomologist says the plum tree pest complained of in Putnam County is probably black knot.  He said it is fungus growth, a sort of parasite.  It gradually kills the trees.  He knows of no remedy for it, except to cut down and burn the trees affected.  His father who was a farmer and fruit grower near Bainbridge , Putnam County used to be bothered with black knot on his plum trees and his remedy was to burn the trees.  Ask whether it would do any good to cut off only the limbs affected, Blatchley said the sap of the entire tree is probably affected and fungus is likely to appear on other places on the tree.    --- transcribed by  kbz