SLOE, or Blackthorn

a shrub of the plum family, common in many parts of Europe and in some sections of America, which is credited with being the parent of the cultivated plum. The fruit is nearly round, about the size of a very large pea and pale blue with blackish bloom. When raw, it is sour and astringent, but large quantities are utilized in Europe in preserved form and as flavoring for various liquors and liqueurs (see sub-head of Sloe Gin in article on GIN.) The juice is also sometimes employed in the manufacture of imitation port wine, and the dried leaves have frequently served as an adulterant of tea. The "suckers" of the bush are the well known blackthorn walking-canes.