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1

THE

SMALL FRUrr CULTURIST.

BY

ANDREW S. FULLER,

ATJTHOB OF "THB GBAPK CULTURIST," "PRACTICAL FORESTRY/' " PBOPA»ATI0ll

OF PLANTS," ETC., ETO.

NEW. REWRITTEN. AND ENLARGED EDITION

WITH AN., APPENDIX.

" 1 ^ n 1

BEAUTIFULLY ILLtTSTRATBa

NEW YORK:

ORANGE JUDD COMPANY,

1914

Jiatered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887, by the
O." JiUDiy "CO.,

Ill the Uflice ol the Libmriuu'u/ y^ugress, at WashiuKtou.

J , I t *

, e c c c .
. t • « . . c

Printed in U. S. A.

PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION AND
APPENDIX.

Twenty years ago I wrote the first edition of this work,
scarcely expecting at the time that there would be such
a demand for it as to call for various revisions and
additions during the next two decades, and even later,
for now my publishers inform me that the last edition is
entirely exhausted, and a new one must immediately go
to press to enable them to promptly fill their orders.
The large number of copies sold of former editions has
not only been gratifying to the Author, but it has
shown that there was a want of just such information as
it contained. It was a pioneer in a new field, and Small
Fruit Culture as a distinct branch of horticulture had
never been recognized when the first edition of this work
was published, but now there are hundreds of establish-
ments, and in jiU parts of the country, in which the
small fruits or berries are a specialty. That this work
has had some influence in promoting this advance in
Small Fruit Culture, the Author thinks he may claim,
without fear of being accused of conceit.

That my efforts in seeking to disseminate information
in regard to the propagation and cultivation of berries
have been well received by my co-laborers in this field, is
Bhown by the large sale and constant demand for this
work, and that they havp. also beau appreciated abroad is

(III)

IV PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION AND APPENDIX.

indicated by the fact that it has been translated into
German, and a very handsome edition brought out by a
publisher at Weimar. As this is the first and only book
written by an American on horticulture, which has been
translated and published in Germany, I consider that it
is not only a compliment to the Author, but to American
horticulturists generally.

As I have already stated in former editions of this work,
my principal object in experimenting with small fruits
was to obtain information, which might be given to the
public with an assurance that it would encourage their
cultivation, and eventually make them so plentiful and
cheap that the poor, as well as the rich, of our large cities
and villages might be able to indulge in fruits, which had
long been considered as luxuries.

That the good work may go forward until every
garden shall yield an abundance of the largest and best
varieties, and every table in the land be constantly sup-
plied, is the sincere wish of

The Author.

Ridgewood, N. /., March, 1887.

CONTENTS.

Page.
Introduction - 6

Chapter I.
Barberry 20

Chapter II.
Strawberry -. - --- 31

Chapter III.
Raspberry. 119

Chapter IV.
Blackberry 176

Chapter V.
Dwarf Cherry. 191

Chapter VI.
Currant 194

Chapter VII.
Gooseberry .222

Chapter VIII.
Cornelian CheiTy. 233

Chapter IX.
Cranberry 239

Chapter X.
TTuckleberry _ .254

Chapter XI.
Shepherdia, or Buffalo Berry .259

Chapter XII.
Preparation for Gathering Fruit 263

Appendix 279

(5)

INTRODUCTION.

The cultivation of the Small Fruits, as a distinct feature
in horticulture, commenced less than twenty-five years
ago. It is true we had raspberries, strawberries, currants,
and other berries in our gardens, and nurserymen propa-
gated the plants for sale to a very limited extent, but a
catalogue made up exclusively of the Small Fruits was
unknown, and I may add, the common announcement in
catalogues of to-day, ** Small Fruits a Specialty," has
come into use within the past twenty years. In Europe
there were a few men who made a specialty of the Small
Fruits, some choosing the Gooseberry, others the Straw-
berry, and cultivating these on a limited scale, but to
take the entire group of Small Fruits, and make these
the prominent feature, or specialty, was as rare in the old
world as in the new. The further w^e go back into the
history of horticulture, the less do we find in regard to
the berries, and even two centuries ago scarcely any of
the English and French authors give anything more than
a passing notice of some wild berries, w^hich were occa-
sionally transplanted into the garden. The family sup})ly
of these fruits was drawn from the fields and woods, and
while the apple, pear, plum, and other larger fruits were
attracting attention, as they had done from the earliest
times, the Small Fruits remained in their natural and
undeveloped state.

Early in the present century, some attempts were made

in England to improve the Strawberry, and these being

quite successful, a new interest was awakened in this

fruit among the horticulturists of the old world, but no

6

INTRODUCTION. 7

gjcat progress was made in the cultivation of tlie different
kinds of JSniall Fruits until several years later.

The progress of fruit-culture in the United States is
probahly more apparent than in other countries, for wo
liavc only to go back to a period within the memory of
liorticulturists still living, to ascertain nearly every fact in
regard to its history. Ask any of our older horticulturists
concerning the markets of forty years ago, and they will
tell us that there were no Hovey or Wilson Strawberries
offered for sale in those days ; no Cherry or White Grape
Currants ; no New Eochelle or Kittatinny Blackberries ;
but that they were wholly supplied with berries from the
woods and uncultivated fields.

The progress we have made in Small Fruit Culture dur-
ing the past twenty years is certainly something of which
our horticulturists may well feel proud, but the limits in
the way of advancement have not as yet been reached,
and there is room enough for those who may wish to enter
this field to work out many an unsolved problem.

The cause of our advancement is, in a great measure,
due to the dissemination of information upon the subject
through the horticultural and agricultural press. It is
by reading these that the masses have learned where to
obtain the plants they desire and how to cultivate them.
Thus, by having a medium through which both parties
are benefited, trade is augmented and progress made more
certain.

The originators of new varieties have been stimulated
to make great exertions, because of the high prices paid
for their products in times past, but it is quite probable
that new sorts will not hereafter command so much at-
tention as they have in years gone by, at least it will not
be so easy to obtain high prices for a second-rate article.
What may bo termed the *^ Small Fruit Craze " has had
its day, and hereafter it will be only the really valuable
sorts — the intrinsic worth of which has become fully

8 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

ascertained and csta])lishod, that will be in demand.
There has been altogether too nuich putting of new or
Rui)posed to be new sorts, before their merits or identity
liad become fully ascertained. In many instances varieties
have been announced as something wonderful, and en-
dorsed by scores of ministers, doctors, lawyers, and other
prominent gentlemen — neighbors of the originators, not
one of whom i)orhaj)s ever had any experience in fruit-
culture, or could tell a ''Wilson" Strawberry from a
*'IIovey" or a ''Chas. Downing." Instances of this
kind of worthless endorsement of new or old sorts, are
becoming more and more frequent and annoying to the
horticulturist and the public at large. The old " Belle de
Fontenay " lias})berry was recently brought out as some-
thiuir now under the name of Amazon, and the man who
claimed to have produced it, procured the endorsement
of some half a score of ministers as to his own honesty,
and the great and valuable merits of his bantling. The
said ministers may be very good men, and know some-
thing of their parishioner's character, and still, as proved
in this case, know very little about Raspberries. In other
instances the Mayor of a city, or some noted politician,
is called upon to endorse the statement of the raiser of a
new variety, while there arc plenty of good horticulturists
near at hand, whose Avord in such cases would carry some
weight among fruit-growers generally. All persons
interested in fruit growing should unite in condemning
this species of quackery in horticulture.

The facilities for disseminating plants of all kinds, have
largely increased during the past few years, our railroads
having penetrated almost every part of the country, from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, affording safe and rapid
facilities for transmission of plants to the most distant
localities. Added to this, tlie Post-oftice Department per-
mits the sending of plants through the mails, but I regret
to say at rates of postage far in excess of what they should

INTRODUCTION. 9

bo in a country where «T.griculture and horticulture are
the foundation of national wealth. Tlie rates of postage
on seeds, i)lants, and cuttings, has been doubled since the
first edition of this book was published, while the rates
on some other classes of matter have been reduced to
an almost nominal sum — a discrimination against agricul-
ture and liorticulture not warranted by the needs of the
Department, and much against tlie wishes of the public
at large. The increase of railroad facilities and other
means of transportation has not been to the advantage of
fruit-growers in all localities alike, but to some a great
disadvantage, as it has brought distant parts oi the
country into close competition. The fruit-growers in the
Southern States can now send their berries to northern
markets, and while these do not come into direct com-
petition with those grown in the North, still their pres-
ence has a very depressing influence upon prices. Weeks
and sometimes months before the northern berries are
ripe, the markets are flooded with the southern grown
fruit, and the residents of our cities have had enough of
strawberries before the home-grown berries come in, and
wanting a change the public seek some other kind to the
neglect of the fresh berries from the fields in the suburbs,
and prices go down accordingly. The southern fruits
bring high prices, but the cost of freight, commission,
etc., leave the raiser but a small margin for profit ; con-
sequently the only parties benefited are the transporta-
tion companies, commission men, and the consumer.

There have been no great discoveries or improvements
made in methods of culture or propagation of the Small
Fruits during the past dozen years, but there appears to
be a growing desire to improve native varieties to the ex-
clusion or neglect of the foreign, and this is especially
noticeable among the cultivators of the Raspberry. The
native sorts are attracting most attention, and are well
deserving of it, because the foreign ones here have never

10 SMALL FKUIT CULTURI8T.

been satisfactory in general cultivation. There is room
for great imi)rovements upon even the best of those now
known as the leading native varieties, and if half the
time and skill had been bestowed upon the native Ked
Raspberry, in endeavoring to produce new sorts, as has
been upon the foreign, we would now have something
better than even the highly extolled Cuthbert and Turner.
The introduction and almost general use of fruit-pre-
serving cans have afforded the people an opportunity of
obtaining an uninterrupted supply of choice fruits, re-
gardless of time or season. Thousands of bushels are
annually preserved for home use by families, both in
country and city. One may step into any of our restau-
rants— even when the snow covers the fields and with the
thermometer at zero — and call for a dish of strawberries
and cream, and he will be supplied as readily as in the
month of June. The fruit may not be quite so good as
when first gathered from the plant, but, considering the
time of year, it is very acceptable. Not only do private
families, saloons, and hotels consume enormous quantities
of the Small Fruits which have been preserved in these
hermetically sealed cans and Jars, but every steamer or
sailing vessel that leaves our ports takes with it a supply
for use on the voyage, and it often forms a share of the
freight. AYe are not only called upon to produce fruits
to supply the home demand, but other portions of the
world which cannot or do not produce them, and it can
readily be seen that it must be many years before any-
thing like an adequate quantity can be produced, even
with the rtifpid strides we are making. The field for pro-
duction may appear to be a very large one, still it is far
less than that of consumption. It is not every location
or soil that is adapted to the cultivation of the Small
Fruits, neither will every variety succeed equally well on
the same place. Consequently the favorable regions for
particular kinds must furnish the people of other loca-

INTRODUCTION-. 11

tions ; thus an exchange is made beneficial to botli, and
to tlie advantjigo of trade. Tlie Southern States i)i"odiiee
fruit for home eousiimi)tion, and for sale at the Nortli,
and vice versa. Dilferent sections produce different
fruits, but often boili yield the same, and yet they be-
come a market for each other.

With a constantly increasing demand, and no apparent
prospect of our markets being fully sujiplied, it is no
wonder that many have turned their attention to the
cultivation of the Small Fruits.

All along the lines of our railroads, canals, and naviga-
ble rivers, new villages are springing up, each of which
soon becomes a shipping point for produce sent to the
larger cities and villages. Places which did not exist
eight or ten years ago, are now annually sending to
market a half million to a million baskets of fruits.

It is not to be expected that every one who attempts
the cultivation of the Small Fruits will be successful, any
more than that all will succeed in any other business, still
it must be admitted, that the culture of the leading vari-
eties of this class offers as wide and safe a field for enter-
prise as is to be found in any other branch of business
pertaining to the cultivation of the soil.

Some will fail because they obtained varieties unsuited
to their soil or location, for it must be remembered that
there is no such thing as general cultivation, when ap-
plied to tlie whole United States. Others will attempt
more than they are capable of completing. And there
are those who imagine that all that is required is, to ob-
tain the plants and see that they are planted, after which
they can sit down and wait for a bountiful harvest. Such
people are always disappointed, and it matters not what
they undertake they are sure to be unfortunate, and every
experiment will end in failure until they learn to labor
as well as to wait. Piolitable fruit-culture cannot result
ti'om idleness or negligence. Prompt, energetic action, ap-

19 SMALL FRIHT CUXTITBIBTi

plied at the proper time, is far more essential with th€
small fruits than with tlie larejer ones. An apple or pear
tree will struggle long, and often successfully, against
weeds, drouth, or an unsuitable soil, while a Raspberry or
Strawberry plant would perish in a week under similar
circumstances. There is probably nothing appertaining
to the cultivation of the soil wliich will, if properly con-
ducted, yield more pleasure or profit than the culture of
our best varieties of small fruits. Still it must not be ex-
pected that there are no difficulties in the way, for there
will sometimes be early and late frosts; wet and dry sea-
sons ; cold winters and hot summers, and insects that will
destroy more rapidly than nature can restore ; therefore
no one should attempt the culture of any kind of fruit,
unless he has courage and perseverance sufficient to meet
and overcome all the obstacles he may find in the road to
success. To the inexperienced cultivator these difficultieg
may appear very formidable, yet they are no greater thaa
in any other branch of business, and far less than in many.
The small fruits, as a class, are less liable to be affected by
disease or insects than a majority of the larger kinds,
and as many of them, like the Raspberry and Blackberry,
bloom late in the season and perfect their fruit early, they
are seldom injured by the late spring frosts, which are
often 80 very destructive to the Peach, Apple, and other
early bloomers.

To guard against great losses it is best not to risk one's
entire capital in any one kind, for if that should fail, it
would be ruinous. Neither is it advisable to cultivate too
great a variety, for capital, needlessly scattered, is not
readily gathered. The aim of the cultivator should be:
let — To provide against total failure. 2d — Cultivate no
more of any one kind than he can properly attend to, both
m cultivating and in gathering the fruit. 3d — Provide
for a succession of crops, so that there shall be an unintei>
rupted income, in preference to a large and fluctuating

CNTBODUCnOIT. 18

»ne. Fruit-baskets, crates, etc., must be provided, and
the capital invested in these should not be allowed to re
aiain idle any longer than is absolutely necessary. If sev«
eral kinds are cultivated, commencing with the Strawber-
ry, and followed by Raspberries, Gooseberries, Currants,
and Blackberries, the fruit-baskets may be constantly em-
ployed for at least three months, when if but one kind
is grown their use will scarcely extend over as many
weeks. Besides this, a better class of help can be secured
for gathering the fruit where steady employment for three
months can be given, than when for only a few days oi
weeks.

The chief object of those who cultivate fruit for mar»
ket is that of profit, and to secure the largest return on
capital invested requires a judicious selection of varieties.
The best in quality are seldom the most profitable for
general market purposes. Usually the highest flavored
are the most delicate growers and quite unproductive.
Individual tastes difi*er — one will choose a variety that an-
other will reject. Taste, however, is changeable, and a
fruit, which at one time may be quite distasteful, wiU, by
a constant acquaintance, become very agreeable. Our
markets are but an aggregation of individuals, conse-
quently they often change, and a particular variety of
fruit, when first introduced, will find no purchasers,
though it may afterwards become exceedingly popular.

A particular color will often be the cause of rejection,
and it will require a constant and persistent efibrt on the
part of the producer to introduce the variety and per-
suade the masses to purchase. A case in point is that of
the Brinckle's Orange Raspberry, a variety which is ac-
knowledged, by connoisseurs in fruit, to be one of the very
best in quality ; still, place it beside almost any ordinary
red variety in any of the New York markets, and not ten
baskets of it will be sold to one hundred of the latter.

In other cities the results may be quite the reversQ

14 SMALL PBUIT CULTURIST.

wbich would only show that the masses must become a»
qiiainted with a variety before they will freely purchase,
especially if it differs widely in appearance from those
which are well known. The public taste in this country
has not as yet been sufficiently cultivated to discriminate
or select the very best, and it is doubtful if the masses
appreciate or care whether a fruit is fully up to any par-
ticular standard of quality that scientific horticulturists
have endeavored to establish ; quantity is evidently more
highly prized than quality, especially if the latter is at-
tended by scarcity.

I do not wish in these remarks to convey the idea that
the very best should not always be sought for, but when
their cultivation is not remunerative, quality alone be-
comes of doubtful advantage to the producer.

The more familiar a people become with any particular
kind of fruit, the more they will appreciate it, and should
anything occur to deprive them of a supply, they wi*il feel
the loss very keenly. Small fruit-culture has already be-
come quite a prominent feature in American horticulture,
and every possible means should be employed, not only to
keep up the supply, but to increase it, so that it shall
equal the demand.

Heretofore its production has been mainly local ; that is,
a particular neighborhood has made a specialty of grow-
in s: some one or more kinds that have been found to be
adapted to the location and soil.

Fruit-growers in other sections, having tried the same
variety or varieties, as the case may be, and not finding
their culture remunerative, have discarded them. Instead
of dohig this, they should have tried to produce new va-
rieties that would succeed ; or, endeavored to procure
from among the many already known, some kind that was
adapted to their particular soil and location. It is well
known to every experienced horticulturist that certain
ipecies, and all the varieties produced therefrom, fail ip

INTBODUCnOW. IS

lome locations and Boils, while other species and tbeir v*
rieties, although of the same genus, will succeed most ad-
mirably. These peculiarities of species have given rise
to much discussion among fruit-growers. One will assert,
for instance, that the Raspberry is a total failure in his
section, and that it cannot be grown, which may be true
in regard to a particular kind or class, but no farther.
There is probably no soil in our whole country, unless it
be under water or totally barren, in which some one or
more kinds of small fruits may not be profitably grown.
The great desideratum is, to determine which they are,
and the people are looking to experimenters to furnish the
required information.

This is being given through various mediums that are
accessible to all, and the rapidly extending culture of this
class of fruits shows very clearly that the knowledge
gained is put to practical use. The dissemination of sim-
ple facts, which are frequently conveyed in a single word
or line, is often of more value than a learned and elabo-
rate essay.

We sometimes observe in nurserymen's catalogues, re-
ferring to a particular variety, a simple remark like this
** succeeds admirably with me in a light sandy, clayey, or
loamy soil," as the case may be, thereby giving a key to
the secret of his success and the failure of others.

There was a time in the history of horticulture when
secrets were a merchantable commodity, and the particular
methods of propagation and culture were transferred from
one gardener to another for a consideration. But those
days are past, for the true horticulturist of the present
day keeps no secrets that will benefit mankind, but hast-
ens to give to the world the advantages which may arise
from any discovery he makes, receiving in return that
which is of more lasting value than money : the thanks
of his co-laborers. It is true, that occasionally a man can
be found so blind to his own i^.terest and reputation, and

16 BMALL FBUTT CUUTJIUFl,

io selfishly mean, as to desire to keep to himself any proceti
by which he thinks he can durpass his neij^hbors, and tai
the public for his own benefit; but such is the estimation
in which these men are held by a large majority of horti-
culturists, and 80 readily is tlieir meanness discovered by
their customers, that they are very soon obliged either to
retire from business and seek some other less honorable
occupation, or eke out a miserable existence supported
by the patronage of a class no better than themselves.

The laws of nature should be secrets to none, and he
who would deny otliers the knowledge of any important
discovery in horticultural processes, would, if he were
able, have the blessed sunshine and showers shut out from
every field but his. It is to the constant interchange of
fiicts, derived from experience, that we owe much of our
progress in horticulture. To know the different varieties,
fto that one can name them at sight, does not constitute,
as some may suppose, all tlie knowledge requisite to en-
able one to cultivate them successfully.

Their adaptation to the various soils, locations, and
climate ; tlie best mode of cultivation, propagation, prun-
ing; whether the fruit is firm or fragile, rendering it more
suitable for market or home use — these and many other
points must be understood before one can safely go into
small fruit-culture on an extensive scale. There has been
much discussion as to whether a constant cultivation of
the soil was necessary to produce remunerative results
from growing the apple, peach, pear, and kindred fruits.
There is, perhaps, some reason in particular cases for
an apparent neglect, such as excessive growth, which
may be checked by non-cultivation more readily than oth-
erwise. But with the fruits, of which we shall treat m
the following pages, there are no exceptions to the rule—
the better the care, the more remunerative the results. By
bestowing the best of care, we will not only obtain bettei
returns, but they will be in an increased ratio to the amoiuit

INTRODUCTION. 11

of labor bestowed. In many instances, with an annual
expendituro of twenty-five dollars per acre, a return of
only one hundred is obtained, while upon the same soil
and with the same variety, if fifty dollars had been ex-
pended, the return would have been three or four hundred.
All experiments show that extra culture is far more prof
itable than what is generally termed good culture. I do
not mean by this that it is necessary to trench the soil
four feet deep, and apply a thousand loads of manure pef
acre to a soil which is naturally deep and rich ; but that
deep plowing and subsoiling should be employed, with a
liberal supply of enriching materials, if the best results
are to be obtained. But few of those who are called
good cultivators are aware of the large increase of fruit
which may be produced on an acre by giving extra cul-
ture, instead of the ordinary method. Many fruit-grow*
ers, for the purpose of extending their business, increase
the number of acres, when, if they would double the
depth of that which they already possess, they would ob-
tain the same increase in product without going to the
expense of purchasing more land, besides incurring the
extra trouble of cultivating two acres, when one might,
with proper care, produce the same results. Deepening
the soil is not wholly for the purpose of furnishing more
plant food, nor to facilitate the downward growth of
roots, but it is principally for the purpose of disintegra-
tion, and making it of such a consistency that it will be
capable of retaining a sufficient amount of moisture at all
times to nourish and supply the plants growing therein,
but not enough to be detrimental. Rain water, as is
well known, contains gases that are beneficial to plants, and
if the soil is in a condition to allow it to pass through it, a
large portion of these gases will be retained, but if the
surface is hard, the water either runs off or remains untii
it evaporates.

Again, a soil that is loose and fn nble admits air, and

18 SMALL FRUIT CULTUBWT.

with it moisture. To prove this fact, we have only to
take a piece of glass or polished steel, or any similar sul^
stance, and place it in an ice-house where it will become
cold ; then carry it into the open air, and in a moment it
will be covered with water condensed from the aimoa-
phere. Now, we know that this moisture did not exude
from the glass, therefore it must have come from the air.
By stirring the soil, and placing that which has become heat-
ed underneath to warm the roots, and bringing the cooler
portions to the top to condense the moisture, two objects
are obtained: besides loosening the earth- that it may be
the more easily ])enetrated by the rootlets, it at the
same time admits the air charged with moisture for their
nourishment. The benefit derived from frequent stirring
of the surface soil in dry weather, especially if it be of a
compact nature, is mainly derived fiom the admission of
air containing moisture. Many cultivators appear to
think that all that is required of them is, to keep the
weeds from growing among their plants, and they never
3tir the soil except for this purpose ; but our best culti-
vators have learned that frequent moving of the soil is
very beneficial to all crops, especially in time of drouth.
If any one doubts that soil can be made moist by frequent
stirring, let them select a piece of ground under some
open shed where no rain has reached for a year or more,
break up the soil and pulverize it finely; then stir it and
turn it over every morning for a week or two, and it will
become quite moist, while a similar soil in the open field,
which has not been stirred, will be parched and dry.
Mulching the surface with straw, leaves, or similar materi-
als, is often very beneficial, especially to plants whose
roots do not penetrate deeply. The mulch not only as-
sists in preventing evaporation, but insures condensation
of moisture from the air, which passes freely through it to
the soil.
It \» not my purpose to enter into any elaborate discos

iNTBODuanoN. 19

•ions of particular theories relative to growth, structure,
food of plants, or any of the various points in vegetable
physiology which are considered debatable questions.
13ut as I shall have occasion in the following pages to ad-
vise deep and thoroughly pulverized soil, I have stated
the foregoing simple facts, so that the reader may under
stand why they are recommended.

CHAPTER I.

BARBERRY.— Berberis.

NATURAL FAMILY BerberidacecB.

[Name derived from the Arabic Berberys. The French name is Epine vinette ;
Germau, Berl>erltze ; Dutch, Berberisse ; Italian, Berbero ; Si)uuish, Berberis.]

General Characters. — Shrubs of medium size, with
yellow inner bark and wood ; flowers in drooping ra-
cemes ; leaves, and fruit, acid. A section of this genus,
witli evergreen leaves, is called Mahonia.

SPECIES.

Berberis vulgaris. — Common Barberry. — Native of
Britain, but has become naturalized in the New England
States ; stems with sharp spines ; leaves obovate-oblong,
bristly-toothed ; berries oblong, scarlet.

Berberis Canadensis. — American Barberry. — Very
similar to the last ; the racemes not quite so long. Ber-
ries oval, red. Considered by some botanists as only a
variety of B. vulgaris. Alleghanies and southward.

The past summer, in a visit to New Mexico, I found
this species in great abundance in the deep canyons, at
an elevation of six thousand to eight thousand feet
above the sea. It seemed to thrive best along the
dry banks and sides of the canyons, among the yuccas
and cactuses, where few other plants can survive the long
drouths of those regions. Leaves smaller than in B. vul-
garis, slightly serrate ; lighter green ; similar in habit,
but less robust, perhaps owing to the rigorous climate.

Berberis Fremonti. — Fremont's Barberry. — A hand-
some large evergreen shrub, five to ten feet high, with
rigid trifoliate leaves ; leaflets one to two and a half
inches long, the middle one usually the longest, some-
what cordate at the base, and with more numerous teeth,
the lowest pairs situated close at the base. Flowers in
clusters of two or three ; berries ovate, dark blue, about
the size of small currants. Discovered by Fremont, in
20

BARBERRY. 21

1844, in Southern Utah, but it extends along the valleys
southward, and would probably succeed in the Middle
States, if not in the Northern.

Bcrbcris trifoliata. — Three-leaved Barberry. — Closely
allied to the last ; common in Western Texas and N6w
Mexico. Berries bright red, and less acid than those of
the common barbery. Fruit used for tarts, etc.

Bcrbcris dulcis. — Magellan Sweet Barberry. — Also
B. huxifolia and B, rotiuidifolia. Straits of Magellan ;
it is an evergreen there and in England ; here it usually
drops its leaves late in winter. The berries are round,
black, moderately sweet.

Bcrbcris aristata. — Nepaul Barberry. — B, Asiatica
and B. Chitra. A native of various portions of India*
Evergreen, with purple fruit, covered with bloom.

The other evergreen species of the Rocky Mountains
and the Pacific Coast, i. e., B. repens, B. Aquifolhim,
B, pinnata and B. nervosa, are known as '^Mountain"
or '* Bush-Grapes." They were formerly placed in the
genus Mahonia; and are principally cultivated for orna-
ment ; the pioneers in the regions named considered the
berries as edible, and as a substitute for grapes.

HISTORY.

There is very little in the history of the Barberry that
is of interest at the present day. Gerarde, an English
author (1597), says that its young leaves were used as a
salad in his time.

PROPAGATION.

By Seeds. — Gather the fully ripe berries, and put into
boxes until the pulp becomes soft, then wash out the
seeds, and either sow or keep in sand until wanted.

Sow in the fall ; if delayed until spring, the seeds be-
come dry, and more or less of them will not grow. Where
the weather is veiy hot and dry in summer, select a half-
shady place for the seed-bed, else the young plants will

22 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

be buraed off. Sow in drills, and cover them about one
inch deep ; keep the weeds down, and stir the soil often.

Transplant in early spring when one or two years old,
and at the time of removal shorten the tap-root about
one-third.

By Suckers. — The Barberry throws up numerous
suckers, chiefly from the main stem, and roots are pro-
duced on the base of these, which may be separated from
the old plant to increase the number of plants.

By Cuttings. — Cuttings of the ripe wood do not grow
as readily as with some other plants ; still, with care, they
will succeed. Select one or two-year-old wood in the fall,
before it has been severely frozen, and cut it into lengths
of six or eight inches, cutting the lower end square across
and just below a bud. Use a sharp knife, in order to cut
smoothly. After the cuttings are made, bury them in a
dry place in the open ground, and cover beyond the reach
of frost. Do not tie in bundles, but place in alternate
layers of soil and cuttings. In the spring take out and
plant, placing them about three inches apart in the rows,
covering all but one or two inches of the upper end.
Pack the soil firmly around them, and either hoe often or
cover the entire surface of the soil with mulch. As the
same general system is followed for all ripe wood cuttings
grown in the open ground, I will here give my method
with the Barberry, the Currant, Gooseberry, and all simi-
lar plants. When the cuttings are prepared, select a dry
place, and dig a drench one spade deep, in shape like a
letter V ; place a layer of cuttings on one side, then throw
enough soil from the other side to cover them about an
inch deep. Then place another layer of cuttings against
this soil, keeping the trench in the same shape as it was
when begun, cover the next layer in the same manner,
and so on until the cuttings are all in ; then bank over
with earth and smooth the surface so that the water will
readily run off.

BAKIJKUIlY.

2:j

Fig:. 1. — CUTTING TRENCH.

Ill tlie sprin<j^, pivpjirc a bed lor the cuttings Ly digging
or plowing deeply, and enriching with well rotted manure.
Harrow or rake the surface level and smooth ; then draw
a line across the bed, and dig a trench by placing the back
of the spade against the line, pressing it down perpendicu-
larly ; then throw out the soil to one side, making a trench
of the shape shown in figure 1. Place the cuttings against

the perpendicular side of the
trench, two to four inches
apart, and the upper end an
inch or two above the surface
of the soil. Draw in a little
soil, and press it down firmly
with the foot, or Avith an in-
strument made from a piece of
two inch plank, as shown in figure 2. After the earth has
been packed firmly about the base of the cutting, the
trench may be filled up level with the surrounding soil.
With many kinds of plants the packing of the
soil around the lower end of the cuttings is a
very essential point, and often the W'hole secret
of success. This is particularly so with those
kinds that produce roots mainly from the lower
end, where the wood is exposed to the soil. The
distance between the rows will depend entirely
upon the manner in which they are to be culti-
vated. If a cultivator is to be used, then they
should be two and a half or three feet apart;
but wTiere they are to be cultivated with the
hoe one and a half to two feet will be sufficient.
In some soils and locations' the plants raised
from cuttings may be left in the ground where
they are grown until the following spring, and then trans-
planted ; but the safest plan is to take them up in the fall, be-
cause in some soils they will be thrown out by the frost, un-
less they have a larger quantity of roots than is usual

i

Fig. 2.

$4 SMALL FEXnr CUXTimiST.

By Green Wood CurnNGS. — ^Tliis mode of propagating
the Barberry can only be practiced to advantage by those
who have propagatmg houses. The plants should be taken
up in the fall and potted, giving each plant sufficient soil
and room to insure a healthy growth. They may be placed
directly in the house or in Irames or cellar until wanted.
WTien they are first potted the soil should be watered so
that it will settle about the roots and fill all intersticej
between them.

When the plants have been placed in the house, and
have made a growth of two or three inches, the cuttings
may be taken oflf by severuig the new-growing wood close
to the main stem; place the cuttings in pots filled with pure
sand, fifteen to twenty in a six inch pot, after which give
water to settle the sand about the cuttings; then cover
with a bell glass, or place in frames within the house, as
usual with other green wood cuttings.

Every experienced propagator will understand and know
how to treat the cuttings when they become rooted, and
those who are novices in these matters would do well to
practice a while upon plants less difficult to propagate, be-
fore trying the Barberi-y.

By Budding and Grafting. — The rare varieties are
sometimes worked upon the more common kinds, usually by
budding. The operation is performed just as soon as the
buds are fully developed on the young growth of the sea-
son, and in the same manner as upon the apple and similar
trees. Grafting is also performed in the usual manner, but
the cion should be inserted in the stock below the surface
so that all but the upper bud will be covered by the soil.

By Layers. — The usual manner of making layers of other
woody plants is applicable to the Barberry, but they will
seldom become well rooted the first season. Still they may
be severed from the parent plant in the autumn or early
spring ; the upper portions of the stems are cut ofi and
then they are treated the same as cuttings.

BARBERRY 25

TVie layers may be made in early spring, of the j>reviou8
ieason's growtli, or later, when new wood is formed of suf-
fioient length for the purpose. Layers put down in the
autumn will become well rooted by the end of the next
season.

CULTURE.

The Barberry, when left to itself, forms a dense shrub,
with many stems, but when cultivated for its fruit a portion
of the shoots slv^iild be annually removed to allow the sun
and air to more readily reach all parts of the plant, and
assist in developing the fruit buds.

It may also be trained to a single stem, and when treated
in this manner, some of the varieties will form shrubs ten
to fifteen feet in hight. The fruit will also be larger and
more abundant than when the plant is allowed to grow in
the natural manner and without pruning.

Each plant should be given plenty of room and ndt
crowded, especially when fruit is the object of cultivation.
Six to eight feet apart will be sufficient in ordinary soiL

As before remarked, the Barberry will grow in dry and
almost barren soil ; still, as no plant will produce the best
results in such situations, it is best to give a good, deep
and moderately rich soil even to plants that will grow in a
poor one.

VARIETIES AND USES.

Berberis vulj^aris. — This species and some of its varie-
ties are probably better known in this countiy than any
others. The most common is the original species, which is
found growing wild in many places in the New England
States. It is also quite common in gardens. Tlie fruit is
oblong, about half an inch in length and one-eisrhth across
of a bright scarlet color, very acid, but of agreeable flavor.
Figure 3 shows a small branch, with fruit and flowers of
natural size, and figure 4 gives a magnified single flower.
There ifi a peculiarity about the stamens worthy of notice^
2

i>6

SMALL FIIUIT CULTUEIST.

as they are endowed with ii remarkahh' irritahiUty. W^ien
the flowui: opens, the stamens all lay back against Vhe

Fig. 3. — BARBEUUY FLOWER AND FRUIT.

petals, but when touched by an insect they spring up
against the pistil, where
they discharge their pollen.
\ This motion may be pro-
duced by touclnng the sta-
mens near the base with
a pin or other point. The ^'

Fii?. 4. stamens discharge their pollen in a rather

unusual manner. In most stamens the anther, or pollen-

BARBERRY. 27

Dearing portion, opens by slits, hut in the Barberry a pair
of little doors, or traps, lift up to allow the pollen to fall
Dut. Figure 5 shows two enlarged stamens — one closed
and the other open.

The fruit and flowers are not produced at the same time
npon the plant, but as a matter of convenience they are
both shown on the same branch in the engraving. The
fruit is much used for preserves, ])ickles, jams, &o.

The thorny character of the plant, with its upright, com-
pact growth, makes it a very desirable hedge plant.

The inner bark of the stem and roots is used in some
countries for making a yellow dye. It is also used in Po»
land and other portions of the East for tanning purposes.

The best known varieties of this species are as follows :

B* vulgaris alba. — White fruited. — Not very productive,
and not so vigorous a grower as the original.

B. Tlllgaris asperma. — A variety which produces fruit
without seeds. It is not, however, constant, and plants
propagated from it will often produce fruit with seeds.
This variety has been known and cultivated in England
for more than two hundred years, according to Parkinson,
Gerarde and other old authors.

B« vulgaris dulcis. — Sweet fruited. — Very similar to the
species. The fruit is a little larger and not quite so acid,
and leaves bright green and shining.

This variety should not be confounded with the before
mentioned species, Herberts dulcis, as the latter has black
fruit of the size of a large currant, which is solitary, while
that of the former is produced in racemes.

B. vulgaris purpurea. — Purple leaved. — Leaves dark
purple. On this account it is very ornamental

B. vulgaris glauca. — Leaves pale green and glaucous;
not shining.

B» vulgaris long!folia« — Leave* longer that in thA sDe
ties; otherwise the same.

W SMALL FBUIT CULTUBIffT.

B. vulgaris latea. — Yellow fruited. — A variety witl

Bmall yellow fruit; not very productive.

B. vul«?aris mills. — Thorns small and not as rigid as in
other varieties.

B* Tulgaris nigra* — Black fruited. — Tournefort found
his variety on the banks of the Euphrates, about one hun-
dred and fifty years ago. He says that the fruit is of a
sweet and delicious flavor. I am not aware of its being
cultivated in America.

B. vulgaris purpurea. — Purple fruited. — Fruit dark red
or purple. Leaves narrow, with few prickles.

B. vulgaris Tiolacea. — Violet fruited. — Fruit violet
colored.

There are probably many other varieties of this species,
as the seedlings usually vary considerably, especially when
the seeds are taken from kinds that are quite distinct from
the original species.

Seedlings grown from the purple-leaved variety will
show a great diversity of foliage. Some will have purple
leaves like the parent, while others will be margined with
purple or red, or be wholly green.

Berberis Sibirica. — Siberian Barberry. — Native of Si-
oeria, where it is found ^crowins: amonor rocks on hill sides
and mountains. Tlie plant seldom grows more than two
feet high. Fruit oval, red, solitary, peduncle shorter
than the leaves.

The following, which may be distinct species, or only
varieties, possess no particular merit as regards their fruit,
out may interest the botanist or those who wish to make
kheir collections as complete as possible :

B. Iberica. — Iberian Barberry. — Berries deep purple.

B. Sinensis. — Chinese Barberry. — Berries dull red.

B. Cretica. — Cretan Barberry. — Berries oval, blaok,
rery astringent.

IIAKIIKIIUY.

29

The Barberry is suscepti»l)le of great improvemoTit, and
might, if* a ])roj)cr ainoinit of care were bestowed uj>ori it,
become a fruit of iniich importance; whereas, at the pres-
ent time, it is seldom admitted to the fruit garden, being
mainly planted for ornamental purposes.

DISEASES AND INSECTS.

The Barberry is seldom injured to any considerable ex-
tent by disease or insects. The leaves are sometimes in-
jured by a species of fungus called ^cidium JBerheridis.
It usually makes its appearance on the upper end of the
leaves (fig. 6), then becomes scattered over
the surface, and extends to the fruit. To
the eye it appears like fine reddish dust.
I When these rust-like spots are examined
^ with a lens, they appear as in figure 7,
and when more highly magnified the
whole is found to consist of
cup-like cells, as in figure 8.
These cups are at first covered
with a thin, light colored film.
Fig. 6. which, Avhen the fungus be-

comes mature, bursts and leaves the edges of the cup with
the uneven margin shown in figure 8. When this covering
bursts, the cups discharge their spores or reproductive
dust, which is scattered over the leaves and fruit.

This fungus or mildew has
been supposed to cause the blight
in wheat, and it is an old belief
that the Barberry would cause
^: , the grain near which it grew to
blast. This belief has generally
been treated as a superstition by scientific men, but recent
researches show that it may have a foundation in fact.
Many of these minute fungi have in different generations
very unlike forms. Thus, the si)ores of A will produce

Y\K. S.

OO SMALL FBUIT CULTUBIM.

B. 80 unlike A. that it has been taken for a different
fungus, and B. will again reproduce A. Ther? i« a strong
probability that the rust of the Barberry and the smut In
wheat are both fomis of the same fungus.

The injury which it causes to the Barberry is very slight,
but it may become so prevalent as to be worthy of particr
lar attention. Ashes or slacked lime scattered over th.
leaves in the morning, when the dew is on them, woulc
probably destroy it or check its progress. Another bligb<
which affects the leaves later in the season, known as Mi
crosphoeria Berheridls, is shown highly magnified in figupt
9. It appears in very minute spots, with fine, rib-like ap"

pendages radiating from the
center, like the spokes of s
wheel, the ends of each be-
ing divided into several
small branches, as in figure
10. This species of blight
attacks the leaves so late in
Fig. 9. Fig. 10. the season that it causes but

little if any injury. The illustrations of these and the other
minute fungi given in subsequent pages, are taken from a
work called " Rust, Smut and Mildew," by IVL C. Cook,
London. This charming little work is beautifully illus-
trated, and as it describes many fungi common to both
this country and England, we call the attention of our
readers to it, as the most available source of information
concerning these humble, but, to the fruit grower, import-
ant forms of vegetation.

I am not aware of any insect that is injurious to the
Uarberry. The peculiar (and rather agreeable than other-
wise) fragrance of the flowers attracts numerous insects to
the plant when in bloom, and their presence is probably
for the purpose of gathering food, while they aid at the same
time in fertilizing the flowers by irritating the stamens

CHAPTER n.

THE STRAWBERRY.— Fraqabu

NATURAL FAMILY RoSOCeCB.

[Name derived from fragrans, perfumed In reference to the fragrance of tbt
fruit. French, Frofder ; German, Erdbeerpflame ; Dutch, AadbezU; Italiaa,
Planta di fragola ; Spanish, Freza. The name of Strawberry is said by Pryoi
to be derived from the Anglo Saxon " Streoberie,'''' either from Ite straw-Ilka
haulms, or from their laying strown upon the ground. Other authors give differ
•nt derivations.]

GENERAL CHARACTERS.

Calyx flat or reflexed, deeply five-cleft, with the same
number of bractlets, thus appearing to be ten-cleft. Petals
five, white, erect, spreading. Stamens many, usually about
twenty. Pistils numerous, adhering at the base to the
small seed-like fruits, these are situated on the fleshy re-
ceptacle, which enlarges and becomes what is generally
called the fruit or berry. Increased by seeds, runners and
divisions of the roots. Stemless perennials, with or without
runners. Leaves radical, divided into three leaflets, obovate
wedge-form, coarsely serrate, evergreen. Root fibroitfi,
rather woody, perennial

SPECIES

Fragaria Tesca.— Edible Strawberry, Alpine Straw-
beiTy, Wood StrawbeiTy, &q. — Seeds superficial, on the
conical or hemispherical fruiting receptacle (not sunk in a
cavity). Flower stalks longer than the leaves, erect, hairy,
hairs closely pressed upward. Fruit drooping, usually con-
ical, sometimes globular. Leaves thin, pale green ; upper
surface uneven, slightly wavy. Native of Europe and
America.

BMALL FRUrr CULTUBIBT.

Fragaria colllna.— Green Strawberry.— This is consid
ered by soiue botanists as a species, but the only really
distinct character is in its fruit, which is greenish-browD

when ripe.

Fragaria elallor.— Hautbois Strawberry.— Calyx re-
aexed Seeds superficial Flower stalks longer than the
leaves erect. Fruit round or oblate, usually drooping, but
Bometimes erect, possessing a strong musky flavor. Haira
on both leaf and flower-stalks long, and widely spreadmg,
somewhat reflexed. Leaves larger than mF.vesca.^nd
more or less pubescent, covered with short hairs on both
upper and lower surface, giving them a rough appearance.
Native of Gennany.

Fragaria Indica.-India Strawberry.-A species with
yellow flowers. Fruit not edible. Native of India.

Fragaria Virginiana.— Virginian Strawberry.— Seeds
imbedded in the deeply pitted receptacle. Fruit roundish,
ovoid to conical, highly perfumed. Flower stalks shorter
than the leaves, hairy ; hairs spreading, more or less erect.
Leaves obovate, wedge form, variable, coarsely serrate,
usually dark green; upper surface smooth, often shming.
Native of North America. Chiefly in the United States
and southern portions of Canada.

Fragaria grandiflora.— Large flowering Strawberry.—
Calyx erect, slightly spreading. Seeds set in a shallow d^
pression. Flowers larger than in other species. Jruit
Bweet, perfumed. Flesh firm. Flower stalks shorter than
the leaves. Leaves smooth, usually deep green. Serrar
tures broadly ovate. Native of South America.

HISTORY.

It is of little consequence to the horticulturist of the
present day whether any particular kind of fruit familial
to us was known in ancient times. Still, we often find our
.elves sending a thought back into the dim and uncertain

8TBAWBEBBY. 88

past, pickinjj up here and there a stray word or line thai
intbnns ua that some of the fruits now cultivated by us
were also known to those of fomier ages.

Tlie number of such old time fruits is quite limited, and
most of them are of quality so inferior that we would
hardly be willing to exchange those of our time for the
productions of any period.

The Strawberry was probably not cultivated in olden
times, as it is scarcely mentioned by the Roman writers on
agriculture. Some who are most explicit in other matters
pertaining to fruit-culture do not mention it, while Pliny,
Ovid and Virgil only casually refer to it, and this reference
is not for the purpose of aiding its culture.

From a few lines in one of those old works, we infer that
the children in ancient times had similar tastes to those of
the present, and that they found no day so hot, or hill so
steep^as to deter them from seeking the little gems in the
tall grass, or through bramble and wood. We, who were
so fortunate as to spend our youthful days in the country,
can appreciate the following lines of Virgil, as translated
by Warton, as they touch a heart-string whose vibrations
send memory back to joyful days in the past :

" Ye boys that gather flowers and strawberries,
Lo, hid within the grass a serpent lies."

We learn from the ancient writers nothing in relation to
StrawbeiTy culture that is of any practical value. We are,
therefore, compelled to turn to those of modern times for
any reliable information.

There are facts connected with the history of the Straw-
berry that it is important for us to know.

For instance, from what country, climate or situation
were certain species deiived ? If a species came originally
from a very warm country, it is doubtful if it will ever be
K) well adapted to a cold latitude as one obtained from a
climate similar to the one in which it is to be cultivated.

By hybridizing, we may so intermingle species that il
2*

M SHALL FBUIT CULTUBIflT.

will bo difficult to tell from what particular source tbey
originated Yet, if there be any feeble or tender elemenl
in their composition, it will be constantly 8ho\ving it»eH
and a continual source of annoyance to the cultivator. It
IB for this reason that it is always desirable to know a«
much of the history and origin of a fruit as possible,
specially if it is to be selected as the parent from which
aew varieties are to be produced.

There are instances where a species has succeeded better
in a foreign country than at home ; but such cases are only
exceptional, and where the climates are similar, or the sp^
cies naturally had a very wide range in latitude.

The Strawberry is probably more widely distributed than
any other plant we cultivate.

The Fragaria vesca, or Alpine Strawberry, grows in the
mountains of Greece and northward to Britain, where, in
the latter country, it assumes a different form, and is there
called the Wood Strawberry.

The principal difference between the two is in the
form of the fruit, the Alpine being conical, while the
Wood varieties are round. Tlie Alpine Strawberry is also
a native of North America, being found in high woods and
fields in most of the Northern States, and far to the North
in the Canadas. There appear to be several natural varie-
ties of this species in Europe, which have been known for
several centuries. In 1483, the garden of the Bishop of
Ely, at Holborn, in England, was celebrated for its excel-
lent Strawberries. They were probably the common Wood
Strawberries of the country — one with red fruit, the other
white. The Alpines were introduced into England some
two hundred years later. There are two original varieties
the same in color as the Wood Strawberries. There are
also monthly varieties, and those which do not produce
runners.

The original species or varieties appear to persistently
retain their normal characteristics under aU the varied

STRAWBERRY. 8S

changes whicb they have been subjected to in cultivation.
This constancy of the F, vesca may account for the
fact that no advance, of any importance, was made in
Strawberry culture in Europe until other and more variable,
as well as valuable, species were introduced.

In 1578, Lyte, in his translation of " Dodoens Herball,"
mentions only the Wood Strawberry. Gerarde, in 1597,
named the '\^niite and Red Wood Strawberry. In 1623,
Casper Bauhin, in his " Pinax," mentions the White and
Red Wood, Alpine, and Hautboy or Ilaarbcer Strawberries.
Parkinson, in his Paradisus, 1629, page 528, says that there
are divers sorts in cultivation, and names the Red and
White Wood, Green, Virginia, and another variety, which
he called the Bohemian. In his Theatrum Botanicum, is-
sued in 1 640, page 758, he mentions a variety of the Al-
pine, which, he says, is barren, producing no fruit. It was
probably one of the Potentillas, and not a Strawberry, for
he also describes another variety which, he says, has yellow
flowers, and the seeds are in a dry, compact head, and the
plant has smaller leaves, and creeps along the ground with
many fine stems.

About 1660 a Strawberry grower at Montreuil, in France,
is said to have produced a new variety from the seed of the
Wood Strawberry. It was called the Cappron, but after-
wards the Fressant. This is the first improved variety of
which we have any account. It was in cultivation at the
time that Evelyn translated Quintinies " French Gardiner,"
in 1682 ; also mentioned by Duchesne, about a hundred
years later.

The persistency with which some species reproduce
themselves is quite remarkable, but not more so than the
equally great variations that are constantly being developed
in others.

Those species from which we have produced the greatest
number of valuable varieties, generally show the greatest
diversity of character in their natural or normal condition,

86 SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

The Virginian Strawberry, which is the most conimoi
Strawberry of our woods and fields, was introduced into
England early in the seventeenth century ; but little atten-
tion, however, was paid to its cultivation for nearly or
quite one hundred years thereafter. But as soon as its
valuable qualities were discovered, and it was found that
by merely sowing seeds new varieties, greatly differing
from the parent, were readily produced, it began to attract
the attention of fruit growers, and received the care it
deserved.

It is the most fragrant of all known species, possessing
a delightful, aromatic perfume, not surpassed by any other
fruit. It is a robust and vigorous grower, withstanding
the severe cold of our northern winters, as well as the
burning sun of summer. It assumes very distinct charac-
ters in different locations, those of the Western States
varying considerably from those of the Eastern, so much
so that the varieties grown from them usually retain their
peculiar characteristics through an almost indefinite num-
ber of generations.

Among the varieties in cultivation at the present time
we can recognize many whose parentage can be traced to
the western plants, while others are unmistakably from
those of the Eastern States. I will name a few of each class,
and those who are acquainted with them will more readily
recognize their peculiar characters than they could from
any descriptions which I might give — only premising
that the western class, as a rule, produce the largest, soft-
est, and most acid fruit.

The best known of the western type are : Austin, Iowa,
Downer's Prolific, Green Prolific, General Scott, and
Victory.

Of the eastern type. Early Scarlet, Jenny Lind, Scott's
Seedling, Boston Pine, Brighton Pine, &c.

The various forms observed in the F. Vtrgiiiiana in dif
ferent portions of the country, have given rise to much dit*

STRAWKERBT. 81

ouMion as to whether all these vanations should be classed
as one species, or separated into different ones. Dr.
Asy Gray classes them all as one species, and he is un-
doubtedly correct.

A few would-be authorities will not acknowledge that a
species can possibly be variable, and still be the same.
Consequently we often see long essays from such men, in
which thei^. V'trginiana is divided into numerous species,
such as F. Illinoiensis, F. lowaensis, &c. We might with
as mucli propriety separate our American chestnut into
innumerable species, for there is as great difference in the
nuts and growth of the tree as is to be found in the com-
mon Strawberry.

Free discussion in scientific matters is to a certain extent
beneficial; but it is doubtful whether the present or fu-
ture generations will be benefited by such dissertations aw
frequently appear in some of our rural periodicals or in
our agricultural reports, purporting to come from intelli-
gent men, while the fact is apparent to every one who has
the least knowledge on the subject of which they treat,
that said articles are a mass of errors, and the authors
write for other purposes than those of giving information
to the people.

For a number of years the Virginia Strawberry had no
successful rival in English gardens, though it was never so
highly appreciated in Britain as here, from the fact that it
is more acid and not so highly flavored in the moist cool
climate of that country as in our own.

The introduction of the South American species (V
grandiflora) gave a new impetus to Strawberry culture in
Europe.

The fruit io naturally much larger and sweeter than any
of the other species, consequently it does not require so
tfiuch heat to develop its saccharine qualities. That pe-
anliar aromatic sprightliness, which is such a prominent

88 SMALL FRUIT (rULTURIST.

fcjaturo in the F, Virglnianay is, however, almost entirely
wanting in other species.

The same dissecting process has been applied to th€
South American species as to our northern one, and it if
sometimes called F. Chiliensis^ F. J^onarietisiSj &c. — the
name usually indicating the place from which the supposed
distinct species was derived. That the different varieties
discovered in the various portions of the country are quite
distinct, every one who is acquainted with them will admit.
Yet these variations are no greater than have already
been mentioned in those of other species.

The first account we have of the South American Straw-
berry is in 1716, when M. Frozier, in his voyage to the
South Sea, found it at the foot of the Cordillera MountainSi
near Quito, and carried it home to Marseilles, in France.

It was at that time called the Chili Strawberry, and the
Spaniards said that they had previously brought it from
Mexico.

We do not learn from any of the old French works that
any new varieties were raised from the Chili Strawberry
for at least fifty years after its introduction. Duchesne, in
1706, says " that Miller considered its cultivation as aban-
doned in England on account of its steiility." The impor-
tations from other portions of South America appear to
have met with better success, and about fifty years ago
new varieties of the F, grandiflora^ as well as of the Vir-
giniana, became quite abundant in England and on the
Continent.

At the present time the varieties of F. grandiflora appear
to be valued more highly in Europe than any other — at least
we judge so from the fact that almost all of the new varie*
ties imported of late years show more of the characteristics
ol this species than of others. This may account for the
failure of so many of the new foreign varieties in the
Northern States. The severe cold of our winters, and qui

ffTBAWBBBBT. 89

dry, hot summers, are two extremes that they cannot with-
stand.

Occasionally we receive a variety which, by extra care
and protection in winter, will produce a large crop; but,
as a whole, it is doubtful whether the Strawberry growers
in the United States h»ive been permanently benefited by
the introduction of any of the new varieties raised from
the grandiflora. They may have awakened a taste for
more thorough experiments in Strawberry culture, and by
hybridizing them with our more hardy kinds produced
new ones of real value.

SEXUALITY OF THE STRAWBERRY.

Naturally the Strawberry flower possesses stamens and
pistils ; it is therefore perfect, as both of these organs are
necessary for the production of fruit. Every botanist, from
LinnjEus down to the present time, has described the
Strawberry flower as perfect or bi-sexual.

Therefore, to assume that this is not the normal charac-
ter (as a few writers of late have done) is to controvert all
of our botanical authorities, and charge them with over-
lookinsj that which the most casual observer could have
seen. When plants are taken from their native habitatii
and placed under cultivation, they very often assume forms
^uite different from their natural ones. Sometimes a par-
ticular organ is suppressed, while others are enlarged ; thus
we have the pistillate Strawberiy and the double rose.

Occasionally the seeds of domesticated plants are carried
by birds or animals to woods and fields quite distant
from the garden in which they are cultivated, and if per-
chance they are deposited under favorable conditions they
Trill produce fruit similar to that from which they ori-
ginated. If we find a pistillate Strawberry or double rose
growing wild, does it prove that these are the normal char-
acters of the genus ? Far from it ; Vut it only shows ihal

40

SMALL FRUIT CITLTURIST.

plants are susceptible of change under certain circumstances,
and especially when these
are not perfectly natural.

The Strawberry be-
longs to the same great
natural family as the rose,
but when placed under
those artificial circum-
stances to which it is
subjected when cultivat-
ed, instead of becoming
double, (although semi-
double varieties are occa-
sionally produced,) the
stamens are sometimes ^'»- H— pekfect flower.

suppressed, and varieties are produced with flowers coii-
taining jjistils only.

I

Fig. 13. — PERFECT FLOWER ENLARGED.

Figure 11 shows what is termed a perfect or bi-sexual
flower. The pistils are in the center, wMle around thein

STIlAWHKlillY.

41

arc some twenty or more organs, which are called stamens.
These are quite different in apjx'jiranee from the pistils, be-
inuf lonixer, niul each one is terminated l)y a small knob,
which is calle<l \\ni anther. The anthers contain pollen^ a

FijJ. 13. — SECTION OF PERFECT FLOWER.

substance that is necessary for the production of seed. In
figure 12 is shown the same flower as in figure 11, but, be
ing considerably enlarged, the stamens are more readily
?een. The same flower is shown in figure 13, divided longi-
tudinally tQ show the parts still more distmctly, and their
relative positions.

Every so-called seed of the Strawberry has one pistil
situated on its apex ; consequently it is a
very important organ, inasmuch as it is
through this channel that the influence of
the pollen reaches the ovule or seed vessel.

The stamens are situated on the calyx,
and they may be artificially removed or
suppressed by nature, in which case we
have a ])istillate flower which will produce
fruit, if the pistils are fertilized from
another flower. It is not important
whether a flower produces its own pol-
len or is supplied from another source.

Figure 14 shows a pistillate flower of
the usual size, and in figure 15 the same enlarged. By com-
paring these with the two preceding the difierence may
readily be observed.

Fig. 14.— PISTIL-
LATE FLOWERS.

42 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

The size of these is also variable j sometimes they are

Yig. 15. — PISTILLATE FLOWEU ENLARGED.

considerably larger than those shoAvn as of natural size.

The flowers of Fragarla grand ijiora are larger thaii
those of other species, and
sometimes they have seven pe-
tals, as shown in figure 16,
while five is the usual number.

Another variation from the
natural form, although very
rarely seen, is that of flowers
without any pistils. These,
of course, produce no fruit,
and they are nothing more nor
less than degenerated or de-
formed specimens, and are not
worthy of notice further than
to show the peculiar changes
that sometimes occur in cultivated plants.

The foregoing are the principal forms noticed in both

Fii;. 16. — FLOWER WITH 7 PETALSl

STRAW nEIlRT. 48

mid anJ cultivated vaneties, but there are various grada*
tions from each of these ; for, while the natural flower gen*
crally conliiins about twenty stamens, some cultivated
varieties have less than half that number, while others, aa
[ have shown, possess none. Consequently, if a variety i»
produced which has flowers destitute of stamens, it will be
dependent upon others for fertilization. Many such have
from time to time been produced and disseminated in the
last fifty years. That some seedlings produced perfect
flowers, while others have those that are imperfect, was ob-
served in Europe at least a hundred years ago. This pecu«
liarity was first observed in the seedlings of the Hautbois,
but afterwards in the seedlings of other species, although
it does not appear to be of so common occurrence in Eu-
rope as in the United States.

The reas*. a for this I am not able to state, unless it be
because the Fragaria Virginiana^ from which the greater
portion of our varieties is produced, is more subject to
the change than other species. It may be that our climate
has something to do with it, but whatever may be the
cause, the eSect is apparent in many pistillate varieties of
Strawberries in cultivation.

Keen reported his observations upon this variation in the
sexes of the Strawberry, in 1809, to the London Horticul-
tural Society. This called the attention of growers in thig
country to the subject, but very little was said or written
in relation to it until Mr. Hovey produced his seedling
Strawberry in 1834.

This being a pistillate, and the largest and best variety
that had been as yet produced in this country, it gave rise
to an immense amount of discussion upon the sexuality of
the Strawberry. There appear to be a few men who are
always ready to ride any new hobby, whether it has one
leg or more. Consequently there were a few who imme-
diately started the theory that the botanists had made a
great mistake, and that the Strawberry was naturally di

/

44 SMALL FRUIT -CULTURIST

OHjeous, l e., one plant bearing staminate flowers and thi
other pistillate ones.

Considerable excitement was created in consequence, and
communications innumerable upon the subject were poured
into our horticultural journals, each writer claiming to
have discovered something new in regard this, to them,
wonderful phenomenon.

One writer has for the past ten years or more, almos**
annually, given the public a grand diagnosis of the casei
asserting that the pistillate varieties were the only ones to
be depended upon for a large crop, and that they were
naturally the most productive, while the facts are that there
are hundreds of perfect flowering kinds in cultivation t'#;it
are fully equal, if not superior, to the most productive pis-
tillates. That we have many very excellent varieties
among this latter class no one will deny, but that, as a
whole, they are any better than the others cannot be sub-
stantiated by facts.

There is but one serious objection to the pistillate varie-
ties, and that is, two kmdb must be grown to insure a crop
from one, or a perfect flowering variety must be grown
near a pistillate to fertilize its flowers, or no fruit will be
produced. This is impe'-iitively necessary ; consequently
the close proximity of the two kinds has led to much con-
fusion, inasmuch as the runnei s of the two are very liablfl
to intermingle, unless great care is exercised to prevent it
I have usually found it more diificult to get pure plants c4
the pistillate varieties than of the others, and the excue<
given by the grower for the mixture was that the variety
grown for tne purpose of fertilizing them had become in
termingled. If this is the only reason, it is certainly »
very lame one, as there is no necessity for the plants be-
ing mixed, because setting the two kinds in adjacent bedj
will answer every purpose.

But without presuming to advance a theory on the sub-
ject, I would suggest whether it is not possible %h^ v^iHik

HTBAV/^BEKHY. 4A

tions may have been made on growing plants by the influ-
ence of the pollen from dilTercnt vanetiea. It is generally
supposed that no effect is produced except on the seeds, but
as it is most conclusively proved in animal physiology that
the female retains the effect of the first impregnation in her
system for years, may not the same be true of plants, and
the admixture or deterioration of one, and the improve-
ment of another kind growing in close proximity, be caused
by the absorption of qualities earh from the other ?

If the effect of the pollen reaches no further than the
seeds, why is not the fruit (receptacle) produced without
them. But we find that wherever the pistils are not fer-
tilized the receptacle also fails, or if a portion only is sup-
plied with pollen then the receptacle is defoimed in pro-
portion. Remove one, two, or more pistils before they
are fertilized, and the berry, jusi at that point, fails to en-
Jarge or come to maturity. No seeds, no berry, is the rule.

If the Strawberry seed was large enough to be readily
examined, we should probably see a difference in color and
form just as we notice in mixed varieties of corn. In the
latter we can see that the influence of cross fertilization
extends further than the seed, because its receptacle (cob)
is often changed beneath the kernel to a color similar to
that of the variety which produced the pollen.

It is often asserted that the Hovey is better when fertil-
ized with one kind than with another, an^may not this be
true further than that of being fiilly supplied with pollen ?

Strawberry culture would probably have been just as
far advanced if we had never had a pistillate variety in
cultivation, and much confusion would have been avoided.
Uad not Mr. Hovey produced so good a pistillate variety
as he did, it is very likely that such kinds would have never
been tolerated by fruit growers anywhere. But the advent
of this variety gave a new impetus to Strawberry culture,
and at the present time it is considered in some sections ai
ft standard market fruit

40 SMALL FRUIT CULTirRIflT.

Another important consideration in cultivating pistillaU
^rarieties is to grow as a fertilizer a kind that produces an
abundance of pollen ; besides that the two should bloom at
the same time.

STRUCTURE OF THE PLANTS.

All the varieties and species of the Strawberry have a
family resemblance ; still there is considerable difference in
the form and structure. Some produce large stools, while
others naturally divide into individual plants. One of the
prominent features of the Strawberry is to multiply by
runners ; yet among the Alpine or Wood species we have
varieties which produce none or very sparingly. There-
fore it is apparent that the different fonns will require dif-
ferent treatment. Some have long, slender, wiry roots,
while others have very short, fleshy ones, each of which
require a soil suited to their growth, if the very highest
development is obtained.

Our native varieties, particularly those grown from the
jFI Virginiana^ have longer and more wiry roots than
those grown from the F. grandiflora. Consequently
they are better suited to field cultivation, and where the
Boil is not frequently stirred, or upon light soil, the roots will
Bpread further in search of food and they are not so
readily affected by drouth.

There is another peculiarity in the form of the roots
which is worthy of attention. The native Strawberry
produces stools, but the crowns, instead of adhering to-
gether, often separate as tliey become old, each producing
roots for self-sui)port.

To show more fully the peculiar form usually observed
In the varieties of the F. Virgmiana and F. grandiflora
I have inserted the two following illustrations taken from
tlie Strawberry Culturist.

Figure 17 is an exact representation, half size, of a plant
of the Boston Pine that is three years old. While it

STRAW liERRY.

47

Y\g, 17. —OLD PLANT or BOSTON PINl.

18 SMALL FRUIT CULTUBIST.

•how8 a number of crowns, there are not more than two
united on one stem. Varieties of this class naturally di
vide, and do not form large or very compact stools ; con*
sequently the crowns remain more nearly on the level of
Che surface than when they are united, as seen is figure 18,
which represents a plant of Triomphe de Gand of the
same age as the other.

A, C and D represent the side crowns, and B the cen-
tral one ; E, the old fruit stalk of the present season ; F,
F, new roots starting from the base of the side crowns
above the soil In this variety the crowns are produced
almost on the top of the old ones ; consequently the plants
are continually becoming higher, until, at last, the new
roots cannot reach the soil, and the plant languishes and
dies. Although the Strawberry root is perennial, still
one new root is of more importance to the plant than a
dozen old ones. The difference in the structure of the
two plants suggests the need of a peculiar cultivation for
aach, and by experience we have learned that many of
our nutive varieties will remain productive for many years,
even when allowed to grow without cultivation, while
very few of the varieties of i^T grandiflora will succeed
under similar treatment.

To keep a succession of new roots and continued vigor
for a number of years, those varieties with roots similar
to the Triomphe should be grown in rows or hills, so that
tVesh soil may be drawn up to the plants when required,
1 do not wish to be understood as advocating the cultiva-
tion of plants for a long time without removal, but throw
out these hints for the purpose of showing that frequent re-
movals are more necessary with some than with others,

PROPAGATION.

There are three modes of propagating the Strawberry
in use at the present time, viz. : seeds, runners and divi-
sions of the roots.

STRAWIJEKRY,

49

Fig. 18. — OLD TLAJNT OF TRIOMPHE DE OAITD.

50 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

By Seed. — ^To obtain seeds, the fruit should be gath
ered when fully ripe, s|)read out and dried, thus preserving
it in the pulp ; or the fruit may bo crushed in water and
the seeds washed out cleanly. The good seeds will sink
and the pulp will remain on the surface, from which it car
be readily removed.

The seeds may be sown immediately, or kept until the
next spring.

The plan which I have usually adopted in raising seed
lings is as follows :

Gather the largest berries of the very best varieties to be
obtained, then mix them with dry sand, crushing the fruit,
and so thoroughly manipulating the mass that no two
seeds will remain together. Then sow the sand contain'
ing .^e seed, either in some half shady situation in the
open ground, or in pots or boxes. The soil in which they
are sown should be light and friable, and the seeds not
covered more than one-quarter of an inch deep. Keep
the soil moist, and the plants will usually begin to appear
jn four to six weeks after sowing. When they have
formed four or five leaves they may be transplanted into
the open ground — if they have been started in pots or
boxes. When sown in the open ground, it is best to let
them remain in the seed-bed until the following spring,
protecting them with straw, leaves or other similar ma-
terial in winter. Transplant into rows at least two feet
apart, and the same distance in the row ; keep off all run-
lers the first season and hoe often.

Occasionally a seedling will produce fruit the second
season — that is, plants started in the autumn will fruit the
next spring ; but they will not be strong enough to bear
fruit that will be a reliable indication of their future value.
It is best to protect the plants the first and second winters,
if no longer, so that they will have nothing to obstruct
their full development. The third season, look over the
plants very carefully when >n bloom, and mark the sex of

errKAWBBRBT. 61

•aob, 90 that it shall be known when the fruit is ripe
whether the flowers are pistillate or perfect. When a
variety has been produced that promises well, it should be
carefully taken up and planted by itself, that its runners
may have an opportunity of taking root without inter-
mingling with others.

The plant may be removed just so soon as the character
of the fruit is determined upon, always choosing a wet
day if convenient ; if not, give the soil about the plant
a good soaking, and then remove it with as much soil ad-
hering as possible. Shade it a few days after removal to
prevent its wilting,

I would caution the novice not to be too sanguine about
the value of new seedlings, because they will very often
appear much better the first season than ever after.

A few years since I raised a large number of seedlings,
and when ripe, a committee of six very competent gentle-
men was appointed by the Farmers' Club of the Ameri-
can Institute to examine and report upon them. Seventy
varieties were marked and described as very promising
and worthy of further trial. Seventy beds were very
thoroughly prepared, and each original plant carefully
placed in the center of one of these beds. About a dozen
runners were allowed to grow from each plant, and all
others removed. The next season the same committee
examined them again, and they reduced the number to
seven. These were given more room and continued care
until another season, when the number was reduced to
three.

I give this as the result of only one experiment ; others
might be given with similar results. It is a very easy
matter to originate new varieties, but to get one that shall
be superior, or even equal, to the best now in cultivation,
U not so readily accomplished as some may suppose.

I would advise every one to try, because there is a
chance of producing one that will be better adapted to

52 SMALL FEUrr CULTUBIST.

the grower's soil or location than any that could be pro
duced elsewhere.

PROPAGATION BY RUNNERS.

The varieties mainly cultivated in this country are
propagated from the runners. The first produced ar«
usually the strongest and best for early planting, but
those that are formed later in the season are equally as good
when they arrive at the same age or size. A few theorists
have maintained that the first plants formed near the
parent stool were the only ones that should be used, and
that they were for superior to the others, and would al-
ways be more prolific. This assertion is not supported by
facts ; consequently is not worthy of a moment's thought.
To insure the rooting of runners, the surface of the soil
should be kept loose and open, and if the weather is very
dry at the time they are forming, it is well to go over the
beds and cover the new roots as they are produced.
Wlien only a few very large and strong [)lants are wanted,
it is well to piiich off the runner just beyond the first
plant, that this may become strong and vigorous.

POT PLANTS.

In the first edition of this work I stated that it was a
good plan, in order to insure the safe removal of the run-
ners, to plunge pots filled with rich soil in tlie beds, and
let the roots strike into them, then, when well rooted, the
young plants could be taken up and removed with perfect
safety. This hint seems to have led our strawberry grow-
ers to introduce the pot-grown or layered plants, as a
distinct feature in their business, and for the past few
years the merits of plants thus ])ropagated have been
highly extolled m nurserymen's catalogues. To propagate
plants m this manner is certainly far more expensive than
to allow the runners to take root m the ordinary way, and
without assistance on the part of the cultivator, and they

STRAWBERRY. 53

are also worth more because less liable to fail when trans-
planted or transported to any considerable distance. It
is true that the pot-grown plants will yield a moderate
cro]) tlie following season, an advantage which amateur
cultivators appreciate far more highly than do those who
cultivate fruit for market ; but it is a question if the few
berries thus obtained are really worth the extra price
asked, and the care required to produce them. This,
however, is a matter for the purchasers of plants to de-
cide ; the propagator's province is to supply whatever is
in demand. Any small plants which have not produced
sufficient roots to insure their safety during winter, may
be taken up and set in cold frames, where the roots will
continue to grow until the soil is frozen.

The richer and better the soil, the more rapid will be
the production of roots, whether in frames or in the open
ground. It is a good plan to cover the surface of the soil
with fine pure manure before the runners start in spring.
The runners draw their sustenance from the parent plant
until they have formed roots of their own, but these roots
should find food soon after they are emitted. If the beds
can be watered, it will insure the rapid emission of roots,

PROPAGATION BY ROOT DIVISIONS.

This mode is seldom practised except with the Bush
Alpine Strawberries, which produce few or no runners.
In the early spring, take up the stools and divide them,
leaving only one crown to the plant. If the old root is
very long, it is best to cut off the lower end, and plant
as deep as can be done without covering the leaves.

SOIL AND SITUATION.

No one kind of soil is equally well adapted to every va-
riety. A deep, rich, sandy loam is moot generally recom-
mended, and is perhaps on the whole the best.

Still a light sand or heavy clay may be made, with a
very little expense, to produce abundant crops.

64 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

A deep soil, whether it be naturally light or heavy, is
one of the reciuisites imperatively demanded by the
Strawberry. If the soil is naturally very wet, it may re-
quire underdraining; but tliere are few farms on which a
situation may not be found where deep plowing will not
render the soil suitable for a Strawberry bed. Thorough
j)rei)aration of the soil is the very foundation of success,
therefore no slovenly system-^sucli as once plowing and
harrowing — should be tolerated ; b^zt the ground sliould
not only be plowed, but cross-plowed, and if not natural-
ly deep and friable, it should be subsoiled at least sixteen
inches deep. If the cultivator will only bear in mind that
one acre prepared in the best manner will produce more
fruit than three or four acres fitted as is usually done, he
will understand the importance of doing it well.

There is not one acre of Strawberries in a thousand,
that yields over one-half that it would if the ground was
properly prepared before planting. It is with Strawberries
as with other fruits — too many acres and too little care.

The situation should be open and airy, because in such
there is less danger of injury by late spring frosts.

To secure early ripening, a southern exposure is pref-
erable, and for a late crop a northern one. By planting
the earliest varieties m a warm situation, and the latest
in a cool one, the season may be considerably lengthened.

MANURES.

The Strawberry is not very particular as to the kind of
manure it receives, provided it is in sufficient quantities.
To tell a man who cultivates the Strawberry on the rich
prairie soil of the West that he mast apply manure to his
soil before planting, would be considered a very foolish
recommendation ; but to undertake to grow them on al-
most any of our eastern lands without it would be equally
absurd. In fact, most of our fruit growers in the Eastern
States determine their profits in advance, simply by the

STRAWBERRY. Bfl

Ainontit of mannre applied to the soil — the more abundant
the application the greater the profits.

All })lants require food, and it is evident that if it is not
in the soil it must be placed there, or no satisfactory re-
sults will be obtained. In the Eastern States we gather
fruit in proportion to the amount of plant-food which we
place in the soil.

Old and thoroughly decomposed barn-yard manure is
scarcely to be excelled for the Strawberry. But it is often
the case that a sufficient quantity of this cannot be ob-
tained, and if so, then the next best thing to be done ia
to make a compost of barn-yard manure and muck, leaves
or sods, using one load of manure and two of either of
the others. Mix them together, and let them remain in
heap for three months or more, not forgetting to turn it
over at least once a month.

In heavy soils fresh manure may be used without injury,
and if a liberal application of peat or light friable muck is
given it will be very beneficial. In sandy soils a compost
of muck and manure is one of the best fertilizers that can
be applied. In fact, pure muck from the swamps, placed
where it can be frequently stirred, will become in one
season suitable to be applied directly to the roots of al-
most any plant.

K lime, ashes, spent hops from the breweries, castor
pomace or any similar materials be added, even in small
quantities, it will assist very much in its decomposition
and fitting it for the urc of plants. There are thousands
of acres of land in the Eastern States that are now pro-
ducing nothing, not even weeds, because manure cannot
be obtained in sufficient quantities to make them fertile,
and yet in many instances these very acres are bordered
with muck-beds which are notliing more or less than iaex-
kaustible deposits of manure.

The time is probably not far distant when these minei

56 SMALL FRUIT ClTLTURIflT.

of wealth will be worked to an extent not dreamed of al
the present time.

Concentrated manures — such as bone, guano, poudrette,
&c. — are sometimes used upon the Strawberry with good
results. It requires some care in their application, or the
plants are liable to be injured thereby.

Ashes are also valuable, particularly on sandy soils.
They may be applied by scattering upon the surface al
the rate of from ten to twenty bushels per acre. A far
more preferable mode is to compost them with muck or
leaf mold from the woods, but they should never be
mixed with manure, for they will cause it to give off, in
the form of gases, the very materials which should be re-
tained.

Lime is said to be injurious to the Strawberry, particu-
larly when applied directly or alone. I have had no per-
sonal experience with it upon the Strawberry, but have
known several instances of fiiilure, the cause o^ which
was attributed to the use of lime.

TIME TO PLANT.

Spring and fall are the two seasons in which the Straw-
berry is usually trans})lanted. Although with the requisite
care the operation may be performed at any time during
the summer, the spring seems to be the more natural
and preferable one of the two.

The plants are then just starting into growth after their
long rest. The small amount of foliage which has sur-
vived the winter is fully matured ; consequently it calls
for very little nutriment from the roots. The warm spring
:ains supply the plants with moisture, and the very atmos-
phere of this season appears to be full of life.

Fall planting is usually performed in Aufjust and Sep-
tember in the Northern States.

This season has one advantage, and that is : if th«
plants can be set so early that they will become ^rmlj

BTRAWBERRY. 09

rooted before cold weather, they will sometimes produce
a partial crop the ensuing season, ;i8 well as make a
itronger growth, than if the operation is deferred until
spring.

When one has the plants so near at hand that they can
1)8 removed without having their roots exposed to the air
for a few moments even, besides having an opportunity of
selecting rainy or cloudy weather for the operation, then
it may be done in the autumn with success. But when
the plants are to be brouglit from a distance, and when,
as it will often occur, they arrive in a time of drouth, fall
planting becomes a doubtful advantage. I do not wish to
discourage fall trade in Strawberry plants ; yet from an
experience extending over many years in both buying and
selling plants, 1 conclude that fall planting is far more un-
certain than spring,

PREPARATION OF PLANTS.

When plants are taken up in spring there will be more
or less dead leaves upon them ; these should all be re-
moved, leaving only those that appear fresh and green.
Some roots will be broken, and the sound ones, if long,
cannot readily be placed in the ground again without be-
ing crowded or otherwise thrown out of their natural
position. To avoid any difficulty on this point, I always
shorten them to at least one half their lensjth.

Figure 19 shows the position of the roots on a medium
or small plant before removal. A, being the runner con-
necting it with the parent plant ; B, a new runner on
which other plants would have been formed, provided the
ueason had been favorable for their growth ; C, D, the
cross line showing where the roots should be cut after the
plant is taken up. This shortening causes them to throw
out a new set of fibrous roots from the cut ends.

It also causes roots to be emitted more abundantly from
near the crowQ than would have been the case if the rooti

58

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

had not been shortened. Figure 20 shows the same plant
as it will appear after having been planted a few weeks.
It is not necessary to trim eacli j)lant separately, but a
liandful may be primed at one cut of tlie knife. Plants
thus pruned are more readily planted, and the i'k>*.s are

Fig. 19. — WHERE TO PRUNE ROOTS.

easily spread out at the time, wliicli is quite important,
because each root can produce rootlets without being en-
tangled wath others.

In transplantmg in the autumn it is unnecessary to
shorten the roots, iniless they are so long that they cannot
be conveniently j^lanted entire. The roots of the Straw-
berry continue to grow from the extreme ends until cold
weather, and when moved in fall or summer the roots

STRAWBERRY.

5d

should be taken up cntii'e, and carefully spread out when

again placed in the soil. If tlu* plants have l)eL'n out of
the ground long enough to cause the roots to have
changed color :\u(\ hecoine dark and wilted, then they
should be treated the same as those removed in spring.

Fig. 20. — GROWTH OF PRUNED ROOTS.

All of the largest leaves should be cut off from plants
when removed, leaving but tN\o or three of the center
leaves, as a ])lant is far more likely to live if only this
number is allowed to remain on it than if none are re-
moved.

Via are now supposing that the plants are taken up
without any soil adhering to the roots. If each plant is

00 SMALL FRiriT CULTUBIST,

movec' with a ball of eartli, then there will be nonoccssitj
tor redtu'ino; the iiunilKM- of U'avos, l)ecaiise the ooDnectiou
between the root and soil will not be broken, or, at least,
not entirely separated ; consequently tliey can continue
to absorb moisture and nutriment for the support of al
he leaves.

Sometimes it may be advisable to " puddle " the roots,
aS it is called, before planting. This operation is pei>
formed by mixing water with soil until it is of the consih*
tency of thin mortar; then dip the roots into it, coating
them with the mixture, which excludes the air and pre-
vents wilting so long as it remains moist. A tenacious
clay makes the best puddle, but it will sometimes adhere
80 closely to the roots as to become injurious. It is well
to puddle, before packing, the roots of plants that are to
be transported a long distance, and consequently be a long
time on the journey. But the puddling should be washed
off and the roots trimmed before planting again.

Roots that have been entirely excluded from the air for
any considerable time are likely to become soured, and it
is best to clean and refresh them with pure water before
again placing them in the ground.

PLANTING AND CULTIVATION.

There is no one operation of more importance to the
future success of a Strawberry bed than careful planting.
Some cultivators plant with a dibble, making a small hole
in which the roots are thrust, all crowded together in a
mass. Plants may live under such treatment, but certainly
cannot thrive so well as though their roots were carefully
spread out in a natural position.

A common garden trowel should always be used, and a
hole made in the soil large enough to admit the roots
without crowding. Set the plants just so deep that
all of the roots will be covered, and no deeper ; for if the
«rowQ is buried it is very liable to decay, particularly in •

8TRA^V^lKRRT. 0]

heavy soil. If a handful of very fine compost or manur«
« mixer with the soil around them nt the time of plant*
nig it w:ll very materially assist in their future growth.

It is always best to select a cloudy day for planting, if
possible, but when only a few are to be set out they may
be watered and shaded, and their growth insured without
any regard to the weather. The distance between the
plants will depend upon what kind of cultivation is to be
given them. The oldest method of field culture in this
country, and the one practiced upon thousands of acres
in the Eastern States at the present time, is to plant in
rows from two and a half to three feet apart, placing
the plants about a foot distant in the rows.

The beds are hoed during the early part of summerj or
until the runners cover the ground, after which no atten-
tion is paid to them until next spring. Then paths about
a foot wide, and at a distance of four feet from each other,
are made, thus forming beds with narrow paths, in which
the pickers are expected to stand when gathering the fruit.

Two or three crops are gathered from these beds before
any change is made or cultivation is given, except that of
hoeing or plowing out the paths each season before pick-
ing time.

When the beds have become so much crowded with
weeds and plants that the fruit is likely to entirely fail, a
plow is run through the center of each bed, forming a
new path, the runners being allowed to take root and fill
np the old ones. Another crop or two is taken, and then
the paths are again chau/ed. Sometimes the beds are
burned over in the fall after the weeds have died down
and become dry ; or a heavy harrow is drawn over them
80on after the crop is gathered, tearing up the weeds and
a greater part of the plants ; while at the same time it
breaks up the soil so that the few remaining plants will
grow with more vigor, and there will be room for the new

A2 SMALL FEUrr CULTUBIST.

runners to take root. In this manner the Bame hedi art
cropped for ten or fifteen years.

It is not the fancy improved varieties that are treated
in this manner, but the older kinds, which are but a slight
improvement upon the common wild berry. The forego-
ing method of cultivation is certainly not to be recom-
mended, but I have mentioned it because there are proba-
bly as many acres of Strawberries grown and treated in
this manner as are grown under any other system. Our
eastern cities, particularly New York, Philadelphia and
Baltimore, have been supplied almost entirely, until with-
in a very few years past, from these half cultivated fields.
We must conclude that such a method of cultivation ia
profitable; if not, it would have been abandoned long
»go, although it is apparent that those who follow thia
•ystem are not afflicted with the spirit of progress.

BIENNIAL SYSTEM.

Another method which has of late years become very
popular is that of planting in beds, say two or three rows
in each, placing the plants about eighteen inches apart
earih way, and then leave paths of about two feet. The
plants are hoed and all weeds destroyed as they appear.
The runners are all allowed to grow, and the entire sur-
face is covered with plants, except a path of about two
feet in width between the beds. These beds are allowed to
produce two crops, and then the plants are plowed under
and some other crop giown on the land for one or two
seasons, when it is again planted with Strawberries, if de-
Bii'able. This is probably one of the very best systems in
vogue. The first crop is sometimes the best, but usually
the second is considered as the main one.

It is much less trouble to plant a new bed than to oleaa
the weeds out of an old one ; besides, a first rate crop can

STBAWBERRY. M

not be expected from a bed where the plants have be
come old and crowded.

A few Strawberry growers renew their beds by plowing
up all but a small strip of about a foot wide, leaving one
of these every four feet. Then, by passing a cultivator or
harrow between these rows, the ground is leveled so th.it
*.3*^ new runners can readily take root.

ANNUAL SYSTEM.

This is one of the neatest systems in use, as weeds have
no chance for getting a foothold, unless the cultivator ia
very negligent. The plants are put out in rows two to
three fe^t apart, and about a foot apart in the row. They
are carefully cultivated the first season, a crop taken the
second, and then plowed under. To insure a full crop the
soil must be made very rich, and the planting done in the
fall or ea^ly spring, and in the most careful manner.

PLANTING IN ROWS OR HILLS.

There Are but few varieties that succeed so well when
restricted, to hills for a number of years as when allowed
to produ^ie runners. The varieties of F. grandiflora are
better adapted to this system than others, because they
naturally produce large, compact plants.

The usual method is to plant in rows three feet apart,
with plants a foot apart in the row. All runners are cut
off as soon as they appear, and the beds frequently hoed,
or kept clean with a cultivator. In the fall the entire sur-
face is covered with a mulching of leaves, straw or coarse
bog grairs. The })lants are covered as well as the ground
between them. In spring the covering should be removed
from the crowns of the plants, but left on between them,
for the purpose of keeping the fruit clean and the ground
moist. After the fruit has been c^athered, sufficient mulch*
ng may be applied to keep down all weeds, or all of \\

f4 SHALL FBUrr CULTUKIffT.

may be removed, and a plow passed between the rows tc
break up the soil, which will have become quite compact
from being frequently traveled over in gathering th«
fruit.

New })lants may be allowed to take root in the rows
between the old stools, thus bringing them the second
season into what is termed row culture. Some varieties
will remain productive for several years under this treat-
ment, but usually three or four years will be as long as
they can be relied upon for a remnnerative crop. I have
practiced this system with many varieties, and believe
tliat more fruit per acre can be produced (particularly with
the foreign kinds) than by any other system. One strong
stool, with plenty of room for its roots, and with the sur-
face of the soil covered with mulching, will give more and
.arger fruit than twenty plants that are crowded, and
upon an unprotected soil.

For general field culture, and with most of our native
varieties, the biennial or annual system would probably
be less troublesome and equally as profitable.

When pistillate varieties are grown they should be kept
in separate beds, and every alternate one should be a per-
fect flowering variety, and one that blooms at the same
time with the pistillate. This bed need not be more than
half the width of the others.

GARDEN CULTURE.

The same systems recommended for field culture are
equally applicable to the garden, but usually greater care
will be given to a small bed than to a large one.

Water may be applied so that the plants shall nevef
•utfer for the want of it. Liquid manure should be ap*
plied, if very large fruit is desired, in addition to mak
ing the soil rich.

Different varieties may also be planted ; for it is not the
most profitable market fruit that is always of the best

BTBAWBBRBT. 65

quality. In fact, a very hard, firm berry such as wa
would select for market purposes, is seldom so highly fla«
vored as those which are more delicate.

By giving an abundance of water, with liquid manure,
a second crop is often produced upon many of our com-
mon varieties. To insure a late crop, the first one must
not be allowed to mature, but the flowers should be re-
moved so soon as they appear in spring.

Then keep off all new runners, and give j^lenty of water,
and a fine crop in August or September is almost certain.

The Boston Pine I have found to be one of the best
varieties for producing a late crop when treated in this
manner.

The monthly Alpines are excellent varieties for garden
culture, although they do not produce very large fruit.
Give them plenty of moisture and a rich soil, and theri
will be but few days from May to winter in which a dish
of Strawberries may not be gathered from a bed of mod-
erate size.

The Bush Alpines are less troublesome than those that
produce runners.

This class of Strawberries vary but little when grown
from seed, except that the fruit produced on the seedlings
will be considerably larger for the first two or three crops
than ever afterwards.

This peculiarity of the Alpines is well known in Europe,
and the growers of these kinds always renew their beds
with seedlings, and never depend upon the runners of old
ones for making new beds or plantations. It is no uncom-
mon thing to find berries an inch in diameter on young
seedling plants of Alpines, while on old beds they will
scarcely average more than one-half of this size.

The seeds may be saved and sown in the same manner
as recommended for other kinds.

The amateur who only cultivates a few Strawberry
plants in his garden will appreciate the fruit he grows in

M SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

his own grounds far above any market value ; therefon
the cost of production is of very little importance, pro-
vided the results are satisfactory.

It is not to be expected that a man in moderate cir
oumstances will continue to grow fruit which costs more
than it is worth ; still there is a pleasure in producing ex-
tra fine fruit, even if there is no great profit in the opera-
tion. Besides, I am not quite sure that extra care and
cultivation will not, as a rule, prove to be as profitable as
that which is generally called good culture.

I have made several experiments for the purpose of
thoroughly testing extra cultivation, most of which have
been quite satisfactory.

A few years since I pre])ared a sixteenth of an acre h}
trenching it two feet deep, applying twelve large two
Dorse loads of pure, well-rotted cow manure, thoroughly
incorporating it with the soil to the depth of one foot.

I then planted this bed with the Triomphe de Gand
Strawberry, placing the plants about two feet apart each
way, A few runners were allowed to take root between the
plants in the rows, but I removed all others. The ground
was hoed often, and in winter the plants were protected
with a coat of salt hay two inches in depth. The whole
expense of preparing the bed-planting, hoeing and mulch-
ing up to the time of picking the fiist crop was fifty dol-
lars. The bed yielded a Ihttle over four hundred quarts,
which, at the low price of twenty-five cents per quart,
would have given a fair profit. The next crrp was fully
equal to the first, and the expense incurred tu produce it
but very little in comparison to the first. This bed con
tinned in bearing for five years, and even then the lan^
was in good condition for any other crop. There are prob-
ably many soils that are naturally as rich as this bed wa«
after being prepared, but in this instance it was impera-
tively necossaiy to enrich the ground to get even a mod
erate ore p.

STRAWBERRY. 67

An almndance of moisture is one of the requisites for
producing large fruit, and tlie amateur sliould not fail to
see that liis plants receive it, particularly at the time when
the fruit is ripening. IMulchiugthe beds is a sure method
of keeping the soil moist, besides it i:)revents the fruit
from getting splashed during violent showers. The short
mowincTS of o-rass from a lawn make an excellent mulch,
besides it looks very neat — much more so than straw or
leaves.

In Europe a tile is sometimes used for the purpose of
keeping the fruit clean, as well as for covering the soil
and keeping it moist.

These tiles are about an inch and a half thick, and
twehe inches square, and in two
parts, as shown in figure 21. The
hole in the center is about four inches
in diameter. The plants are placed
a foot apart in the rows, and be-
fore the fruit begins to ripen the
tile is j^laced about them.

If the rows are only a foot apart, pig. 21. -strawberry
then the M'hole surface will be tile.

covered, the soil will be kept moist, and the fruit
clean. If water is required during the time of ripening,
it can be applied directly to the plant by passing to the soil
through the hole in the tile. These tiles could probably
be obtained at any pottery or brickyard if ordered a few
months in advance of the time they were wanted for use.
It would be necessary to remove the tile after the fruiting
season was over, and the soil should be worked over
among the i)lants; if not it would become heavy and
soured from being excluded from the air.

A newly patented article, answering a similar purpose,
has just made its appearance in this country. It is called
II. A. Fuller & Co.'s Patent Strawberry Vase, and is
manufactured by the above-named firm at Norwich, Conn.

d8

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

Fiff. 22. — STRAWBERKY VASE.

Figure 22 shows the form of the vase, with a plant grow
ing withui it. Not having tested this vase, I cannot re*
commend it from experience ; yet
it appears to be a good thing for
the purpose designed.

The nuinufaeturers claim that
it protects the fruit from dirt and
the vines from Aveeds, and that,
by using it, double the amount of
fruit will be i)roduced on a given
space than when tlie vines are
cultivated in the ordinary method.

The runners are kejjt trimmed close to the edge of the
vase, thereby concentrating the strength of the plant, and
larger and better fruit will necessarily be the result.

The flower stems will also grow mucli longer by being
inclosed in the neck of the vase, while at the same time
they will be supported by it, and the fruit Avill rest or hang
over its ui)per part. The peculiar form of this vase will
not only insure the reception by the plant of a greater
part of the water tiiat fUls in tlie form of rain, but will
make a direct application more convenient when applied
artiticially. AVhen this vase is to be used the plants should
be set one foot apart each way, leaving a path every four
rows. The vases will touch each other, and shade the
ground, with the exception of the paths, which may be
covered with a mulch of saw-dust, tan or other material.

The present price, I am informed, for small quantities
is twelve dollars ])er hundred ; consequently they will
scarcely be used by those who grow Strawberries for
profit, unless the yield of fruit is increased in proportion
to the outlay.

Nevertheless, all these peculiar contrivances are of in-
terest to the amateur, besides, it was by improved methods
of cultivation and extra care that our largest and best
varieties were first produced.

Those old and long celebrated English varieties, Keen's
Seedling and British Queen, were not produced from seeds
gathered from neglected plants, but from those which
had been stimulated by extra culture. And 'if we expect
to keep on improving we must stimulate our plants into a
vigorous growth — not only the ones from which we gather
the seeds, but the seedlings themselves.

To })roduce large and extra fine specimens, only a few
berries should be allowed to mature upon the plant
When there are several fruit stems, select three or four of
the strongest, and destroy the others; also remove all ex-
cept two or three berries from each.

Large Strawberries are quite the fashion at the present
time, and the amateur cultivator generally takes the lead,
merely because he applies the requisite means for produc-
ing the results.

A few years since an amateur Strawberry grower
brought some monstrous finit to an exhibition held in
one of our eastern cities, and they were so much larger
than anythmor that had heretofore been shown, that he
was offered and accepted a very large price for the entire
stock of this variety.

The purchaser sent his gardener for them soon after,
and when he took up the plants he found the beds so filled
with offal from a slaughter-house that the operation of
removing the plants was anything but a pleasant one.
Here were cause and effect but little separated. This ia
but one instance among the many that might be given to
show that great results in fruit growing of any kind are
only derived by direct effort on the part of the producer.

Old plants seldom produce as large berries as young
ones, and a fresh stock should always be provided, either
by allowing a few plants in the fruiting beds to throw out
runners, or by setting a few in separate beds €very year
'or that particular purpose.

Plants that have been highly stimulated will ieldou

TO SHALL FEJTT CXTLTTIRIST.

last more than two or three years, and they will frequently
fail after producing one large crop. The safest plan ii
not to expect more than two crops, and to make the beds
upon fresh soil, where no Strawberries have been ejrowu
for at least two seasons.

rORCING STRAWBERRIES.

The term forcing is generally used to indicate that a
fruit is made to ripen at other than its season. In Europe
the forcing of Strawberries has been extensively practiced
for a long time, but in thid country very little attention
has been paid to this system of cultivation until within the
past few years.

There are few plants that will grow more readily, or
produce more fruit in proportion to the expense incurred,
than the Strawberry when grown under glass.

When only a few plants are to be forced, and the object
is merely to obtain fruit a few weeks in advance of the
usual time, then a common hot bed may be used for the
purpose. The plants, however, should be prepared the
season previous, and stored where they can be had when
wanted in early spring.

An ordinary green-houee, such as is used for tender exotic
plants, will answer the purpose. But one which has a
roof so low down th:it the plants will be within two or
three feet of the glass is better than one that is consider-
ably higlier; besides, it will take much less fire to heat a
low house than a high one.

The soil in which the plants are to be grown should be
exceedingly rich. A compost made of three-fourths old
sods or turfy loam, and one-fourth barn-yard manure, will
be found excellent for this purpose, and if there is conpid-
erable cow manure anion sr the latter so much the better.

Mix these materials together, and let them becomt
thoroughly decomposed before using. Th e moi e frequontlf

ffTBAWBEBBT. 71

the compost 18 turned over, the less time it will require
for its decomposition.

Leaf mold from the woods or friable muck, with a little
addition of pure sand, will answer in the place of sodai

PREPARATION OF PLANTS.

When the first runners appear upon plants in the open
ground, fill as many tliroe inch pots with the compost as
you desire, and set them near the old plants from which
you wish to take those for forcing, placing the top of the
pot just level with the surface of the soil. When the
young plants on the runners begin to show roots, place
one on the soil in each pot, and lay a stone or a little soil
on the runner to keep it in its place.

The end of the runner should be pinched off just beyond
the plant, so that it will receive all the nutriment furnished
by the parent. When the young plant has become rooted
in the pot, it should be taken up and the runner cut off
close to the plant ; then set the pots away in an open and
airy place for a few weeks, being careful not to let them
suffer for the want of water. Set them on flat stones,
bricks or boards, so that no worms can have access to the
pots through the hole in the bottom.

When the plants have remained in the pots a few weeks,
they should be shifted into larger ones. Some prefer to
place them in five-inch pots, and afterwards shift into six
or eight-inch pots, in which they are to be fruited, while
others make but one shift from the small pots. It will
make but little difference, as either plan will work well if
carefully done. The ball of earth containing the roots
should not be broken when re-potting, but preserved
whole. A few pieces of broken pots or brick should be
placed in the bottom of these large pots for drainage.

There are a few gardeners who assume that drainage ia
»1 no importance, but from my own experience of several

73 BMALL FRUIT CTrLTXTBIST.

years with a great variety of plants, I cannot iudor«e tliu
new theory of no drainage, particularly when the plants
^rown in pots naturally succeed best in a soil that ii
deep and moderately dry. With the small i)ot3^ drainage
is of little importance, but with those of larger size all
iurpl'is moisture should be allowed to pass through, leav-
ing only what will usually be retained by the soil.

The plants, after they have been placed in the large
pots, may be set close together, or ])lunged up to the rim of
the pot in the open ground until wanted, care being given
to keep them growing vigorously until within a few weeki
of the time they are to be ])laced in the forcing-house.
Water should be gradually withheld, so that the plants
may ripen. It is not advisable to withliold water en-
tirely, but give only enough to keep the plants from
actually suffering for the want of it, and allow them a
short period of rest before starting them again into
growth. If runners should appear they must be pinched
off. Those wanted for an early crop may be placed in the
house the first of November, as it will be ten to four-
teen weeks from the time the plants are placed in the
forcing-house before the fruit will be ripe.

If a succession of crops is desired, then only a portion
of the plants should be placed in the house at one time.

The pots may be set on shelves or plunged in soil — the
latter method is preferable, as there is less danger of the
plants being affected by careless watering or change of
temperature.

The plants should now be watered regularly, just enough
to keep the soil moist, but not wet — the temperature of
the house raised to 65 or 75 degrees in the day, and 50 to
60 at night, slightly increasing as the flower stems appear.

The plants should be frequently, say every alternate
day, syringed or sprinkled overhead until they bloom,
then omit it until the fruit is set, after which it may be
eontinued, but not quite so often as before. While th«

flTRAWBKRRT. 78

plants are in bloom, as much air should be admitted as
possible witnout lowering tlie temperature or allowing a
direct current to strike upon the plants. In clear weatlier
tlie plants will generally require water once a day, and
sometimes twice. Care should be observed not to let the
leaves wilt, but do not give so much water that the soil
shall become sodden and heavy.

A few applications of liquid manure may be beneficial,
provided the compost used is not sufficiently rich. When
the fruit is set and swelling, is a good time to apply it, but
withhold it after the fruit begins to ripen.

The reserved plants should be stored where they will
not be frozen. A light, warm cellar or walled pit,
covered with glass, will answer the purpose — a place
where they vill receive light, and not be frozeu,
yet so cool that they will not be excited into growth.
Sometimes plants a year old are taken up in the fall and
potted, and used for forcing, but those prepared as de-
scribed are preferable. Forcing houses are sometimes so
arranged that the j)lants are set directly in the ground
without pots. A more vigorous growth of plant is se-
cured by this method, but it is doubtful if the crop of
fruit is increased.

Plants that have been once used for forcing should be
discarded and not used for the same purpose again. It
may be advisable, in cases of scarcity, to plant them out
'Ji the open ground in spring, for they will occasionally
;>roduce a moderate crop late in the season.

All the different operations may be varied to suit the
•ircumstances of the case, as in open air culture ; and
( have only endeavored to give a general plan, omit-
ling minute details, which the grower will readily
iupply while the operation is in progress. At every step
caution and a due amount of thought are requisite — such
fts preventing cold currents of air striking the plants
4

74

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

wlion in bloom, or elnUing the roots by applying ver^
cold water.

Forcing Strawberries for market is not a common prac-
tice, except near our larger cities; but it will probably be-
come more general in a few years than at present, partic-
nUxrly il two to three dollars per quart can be obtained
for the fruit, as has been done in New York for several
years past.

FORCING HOUSES.

Few, if any, structures have been built in this country
expressly for the purpose of forcing Strawberries.

The common lean-to or span-roof houses are principally
used for forcing all kinds of fruits, and perhaps they

_^^_--.-^r.-f^^

Fitr. 2o. — FOUCING nousE.

answer as well as any other. In Europe many different
styles are in use, among which there is probably none
more unique or better adapted to forcing the Strawberry
than the one shown in the accompanying engraving, fig-
ure 23. This is a lean-to house, but instead of the usual
form of roof it is made up of a series of short frames, one
above the other, like a flight of stairs. These frames resf

BTRAWBEBET. 7&

Qpon ofiat iron brackets, fixed ag.iinst the wall or upoa
Btandards erected for the puri)ose. Where the bracketa
are fastened directly upon the wall, access is had to the
plants by lifting the frames from the front. But the one
shown is wide enough to allow a passage behind the
frames. The idea is a good one, which our own gardeners
will not fail to take advantage o£ Tlie plants in the
frames are brought close to the glass, and there is no ex-
tra or waste space, which requires just as much heat aa
that which is occupied by plants. This style of house
is said to have originated with the firm of Weeks & Co.,
Chelsea, England. Three different plans of these Eng-
lish houses were given in the Gardeners' Monthly, in
June, 1865. They may be heated with hot water, steam,
or any of the other modes usually employed.

VARIETIES FOR FORCING.

Comparatively few experiments have been made in this
country in forcing Strawberries; it is, therefore, not
known which are the best varieties for that purpose.
None but those with bi-sexual flowers can be used advan-
tageously, inasmuch as in the still atmosphere of a house
the pistillate varieties would be imperfectly fertilized, even
if abundant perfect flowering kinds were grown among
them.

Forced fruit is not generally as highly flavored as that
which ripens in the open air ; consequently only that of
the best quality should be used, provided flavor is an
object.

Trollope's Victoria is a fine show fruit, and producea
well when forced, but it is usually insipid.

Austin or Shaker, is equal if not superior to the last,
but with the same defect, although not to such an extent.
Its fine color and large size are very much in its favor
•nd it usually commands a large price in market.

The British Queen is the must popular variety in fin^

76 SMALL FRUIT TULTUBIST.

land for forcing, and it would probably be worthy of tria<
here, although it does not succeed very well in the open
air.

Among our native varieties we have probably no better
variety for forcing, taking flavor and productiveness into
consideration, than the Boston Pine. The monthly Al-
pines do exceedingly well, and the fruit is usually con-
siderably larger than when grown in the open ground.

THINNING THE FRUIT.

It is sometimes necessary to take off a portion of the
fruit from forced plants. This should be done as soon as
it has set, thereby giving that which remains a better
chance for full development. Numbers do not always in-
dicate quantity, and, with ten to lii'teen berries upon each
plant, as many quarts will usually be obtained from
a given space as with twice as many to each.

Plants that are not over-cropped at first, may often be
made to produce a second crop by giving stimulating
manure soon after the first is gathered.

One crop, however, is all that is usually expected with
hose which do not produce any more naturally.

HYBRIDIZING AND CROSSING.

The Strawberry may be hybridized or crossed as readily
as other fruits, but this having already been done to such
an extent between the i^ Virginian a and K grandifloray
the results of special effort in the same direction will be
rery uncertain, especially if we use the varieties under
cultivation for that purpose.

These being in many instances a mixture of two species,
it becomes a difficult matter to determine whether the
cause which produced certain results originated with us,
or was the effect of some previous operation which had
just made itself apparent in the seedlings.

STKAWDERET. Yt

111 Other words, liybridizing hybrids is only the mixing
togetlRT of two compounds — the exact proportions of
neither being known.

The pistillate varieties are always fertilized by othef
kinds ; their seeds are impregnated by whatever kind
produces the j)ollen ; consequently the plants grown from
them are natural crosses between the two or more, as the
case be.

It is very doubtful if any dependence can be placed
upon the results of artificial crossing between any of the
varieties of the two species named ; still, it may be worthy
of trial. All that is required is to fertilize the pistils of
one variety with the pollen from another.

For instance, if we select the Wilson's Albany for the
parent from which we wish to procure seeds, when the
flowers first open, we take a pair of small scissors and cut
off the stamens, being careful to remove every one. It
is best to do this early in the morning before the petals
nave fully expanded ; then set a bell-glass or a fine wire
screen over the entire plant, so that insects, which go
from flower to flower with pollen adhering to them, shall
not fertilize the plant upon which we are operating and
thereby defeat our object. In three or four hours after the
stamens have been removed, the pistils will probably be
Bufliciently developed to receive the pollen, at which time
cut a fally expanded flower from the variety that has been
selected for the other parent, and apply its stamens to the
pistils of the Wilson's Albany. The stamens may be cut
off and allowed to drop on to the pistils or merely brushed
over them. Three or four flowers are suflicient, and all
that it is safe to undertake to operate upon on a single
plant; all others should be removed before they open.

Each flower must have its stamens removed and rts pis-
tils fertilized in the same manner; and as they will proba-
bly not all open in one day, they must be attended to suo
cessively as they bloom.

TB SMALL PEUIT CULTUR18T.

Mark the plants, and Iceep the screen or bell-glass OT§f
them for two or three days. When the seeds are ripe,
save and plant as I have already directed.

There are a few Strawberry growers who place great
reliance upon their particular efforts in crossing, and when-
ever they produce a new variety it is always (if we believe
their assertions) a cross or hybrid between some two re-
markable varieties or species. But to show how exceed-
ingly difficult it is to know positively whether a seedling
is a cross between the two varieties upon which we have
experimented, or the result of some previous one, let ug
suppose a case.

For instance, we will take Hovey's Seedling and fertil-
tze it with the Wilson, and from the seed of the former
raise a variety that shall resemble the latter more than it
does the Hovey — would this be positive proof that the
seedling was the result of our especial effort ? Not at all,
because similar varieties may be and are produced from
the Hovey without artificially fertilizing its flowers from
the Wilson or any similar variety.

And further, the Wilson is probably a seedling of the
Hovey, and it possesses naturally the same inherent char-
acteristics which only require an opportunity, which seed-
lings afford, to show themselves.

Direct efforts to improve are commendable, but the
causes of results are not always what are supposed, and
assertions are not to be im})licitly relied upon. The in-
fluence that one variety has upon another by fertilizing
i§ generally sui)posed to affect the seeds only, but from
many experiments which I have made, I am quite certain
that it extends further.

Every Strawberry grower is aware of ' ^ fact that
whenever a portion of the pistils aie not fertilized, the
berries will be proportionately deformed. If there are no
seeds, then the receptacle, which we call the fruit, is abor
tivo. But if we are to supoose that the influence of th«

RTEAWBERRT. Tt

[Kifltn extends no further than the Reeds, why does not
the fruit enlarge and come to maturity without seeds, as
we see in otlier fruits, particularly those which produce
their seeds within a fleshy receptacle, as the grape, ap-
ple, &c.

With corn, we can see the effects of cross-fertilizatior
in the color of the grains the first season, also upon tha
receptacle (cob) ; thus, in this instance, showing con-
clusively that the effect is apparent the first season upon
the seed as well as beyond.

It is quite probable that impregnation affects the whole
plant, but not to an extent worthy of any particular at-
tention. Still, from personal observations upon this point,
I am well satisfied that principles similar to those which
govern the animal kingdom are potent in the vegetable.
Because they are not so readily observed is no reason for
disputing their effect.

The most careful experimenter or observer is generally
Jess positive in his assertions than the more careless, be-
cause by thorough study he learns that although cause
and effect are linked together, the connecting chain is of-
ten not only hidden, but has so many ramifications that
each cannot be traced with any degree of certainty.

In giving names to new varieties errors are occasionally
made — ^sometimes purposely, and with intent to deceive,
but let us hope more often carelessly or through ignorance.
Many of my readers may remember the advent of
Peabody's Hautbois Strawberry.

The originator claimed that it was a cross between the
Ross and Phoenix and the wild Strawberry of Alabama,
neither of which belong to the Hautbois species ; conse-
quently it was a deception to call the new seedling a
Hautbois, although the originator had, according to cus-
tom, a right to give it whatever name he pleased.

^lany other so-called Hautbois Strawberries have been
M far from what their name implies as the Peabody, and

so SMALL FRUIT CULTURIBT.

may hare been applied through ignorance or design. It
is very doubtful if there have ever been any true hybridi
produced between tlie Ilautbois, or the Alpine, and other
species. Some fifty years ago, a Mr. Williams, of Pitmas-
ton, in England, claimed to have produced a hybrid be-
tween the PIautb?is and Alpine, which gave fruit without
seed, but nothing more was heard of it beyond tlie an-
nouncement of its production,

Whetlier liybrids between the Alpines and Hautboia,
or these and other species, have ever been produced is un-
certain ; yet I think it possible and worthy of trial.

WINTER PROTECTION.

In many portions of the country a winter protection to
Strawberry plants is very beneficial, if not positively ne-
cessai*y. Some of our mof^t successful growers in the
Northern States never fail to protect their plants, and
without doubt they are amply repaid for the expense in-
curred. For my own part I never have had a full crop
without giving protection, and never expect one.

There can scarcely be a doubt thai the great success of
some cultivators, with particular kinds, is owing, in a
great measure, if not entirely, to the winter protection of
the plants.

The embryo fruit buds are formed within the crown of
the plant in autumn, and therefore it must bo apparent
that sudden transition from heat to severe cold will very
.nuch weaken if not wholly destroy them.

In sections of the country where the plants are covered
with snow during the entire winter, other protection is not
so important as where there is little snow, but continued
freezing and thawing. It is not expected nor is it desira*
ble to protect the plants so that they shall not be frozen,
but merely to shade them, and prevent their being affect
ed by every little change in the weather.

A covering of straw, hay, leaves, or any similar mat«

8TRA.WBERRT.

rial, to the depth of one or two inches will usually bt
BuflPoient.

Every one ought to know, if he does not, that frozen
plants thawed out in the shade are less injured by frost
than wlien fully exposed to the light; and this is another
reason why Strawberry plants should be covered in win-
ter, because, if the weather should be very changeable,
they will be less liable to injury than when fully exposed
to light.

Protection is sometimes objected to, because it is said
to retard the blooming of the plants, and the crop will be
later in ripening. This may be true to a certain extent,
but I have always thought that protected plants came for-
ward more rapidly, when they did start, than the unpro-
tected ones. The lost time may not be fully made up,
but there will be but a very slight difference.

In some sections of the country, retarding the time ol
blooming would be very advantageous, as by this means
the injury from late spring frosts would be avoided. The
benefit of having late blooming kinds was quite apparent
the past season, (1866), when a late frost was very de-
structive through a great portion of the Northern and
Middle States ; and the reports of the Strawberry crop
furnished some amusingr illustrations of the careless maa-
mer in which some cultivators arrive at conclusions. The
early blooming varieties came in for all the censure, while
the late bloomers, which escaped the frost, received all
the praise ; and still, with this very potent fact before
him, scarcely a fruit grower, in making up his report of
success or f lilure, alluded to the time of the blooming of
the variety cultivated. The varieties of i^ grandiflora
in particular, require winter protection to insure a fii^^
crop. The lars^e, prominent crowns of these varieties are
more liable to injury than the smaller and more compact
ones of those of other species. When the plants are grown
ID beds, then a portion of the material used for proteotiOD
4*

R3 BMALL PRUTT CULTUB1»±.

should bo removed in spring, leaving about half an inch In
depth, allowing the plants to grow through it, thereby
affording a mulching that will keep the fruit clean as well
as shadinfj the i^rouiid.

Saw-dust and tan-bark are sometimes used for mulching,
but there is usually so much fine dust among them that the
fhiit will become more or less splashed during heavy rains.

Spent hops from a brewery is a most excellent material
for mulching the Strawberry ; besides, few insects will
attack the plants or fruit where it is used. The young
runners strike root very readily in spent hops, showing
that it is an excellent fertilizer. Fallen pine leaves are
found to be very good, as they keep the fruit clean, while
at the same time they will have decayed so much as to
interfere but very little with the growth of the plants.
Some have suggested that the peculiar flavor of tho
Pine varieties is imparted to others by the use of this
kind of mulching, but this is probably more in imaging,
tion than in reality.

Salt meadow and bog hay are excellent for a mulch, as
also is straw or corn stalks cut fine.

When the plants are cultivated in rows, the mulching
should only be removed from the crowns of the plants,
and the entire amount allowed to remain on the ground
between the rows.

Another method of protecting the plants is to covei
them with soil. This is done by passing the plow along
each side of the row, turning the soil on the plants in
the fall, and then removing it again in the spring. This
plan might answer in light soils, but then a mulching
would be still needed in summer to keep the fruit clean.
This method has been practiced in a few i)laces, but with
whftt success I am unable to state.

__i

STRAWHEIUiY.

83

DISEASES AND INSECTS.

The Stmwbcrry is pcculijirly exempt from diseases,
there being few which iiffect it to any considerable extent.

Sometimes a sudden change of weatlier will cause the
flowers to bliglit, and no fruit will be produced ; but this
cannot be classed as a disease, but merely as an accidental
cause of failure. In warm, wet Aveather, the fruit and
leaf-stalks will be affected by mildew, and the leaves at-
tacked by a kind of rust which is called in Europe Straw-
berry I^rand {Aregma obhisatum). Mr. Cooke, in his
late work 0:1 Microscopic Fungi, has given a description
and highly magnified illustration of this species, wbich
we quote, figure 24. The
spores are produced in H^
clusters on the upper side
of the leaves, and appear
to the naked eye like
minute yellow spots, but
under a magnifying lens
they have the form shown
in the illustration, figure
24. As this fungus makes its appearance late in the
season, it causes but very little injury.

A kind of blight or rust is reported to have appeared
on Strawberry plants in some of the Western States dur-
ing the past few years, causing considerable loss to grow-
ers of this fruit, but as I have had no opportunity of per-
sonally examining the affected plantations, I am unable
to express an opinion as to the cause or nature of the
disease. In most cases of fungus diseases, dusting the
plants with ashes or gypsum will be beneficial, even if
it does not entirely destroy the fungi causing them.

Insects are more injurious to the Strawberry than are
diseases, and among the most destructive of these are the
various species of the May Beetles {Lachnosternci), of

Fig. 24. — STRAWBERRY BRAND.

84 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

which there are over sixty species already described as
iuliabiting the United States, and there are pro})ably
others not as yet discovered by our entomologists. There
is no locality, from Washington Territory to Florida, in
which one or more species of May Beetles do not abound,
and the larvae or grubs of all are destructive to the roots
of various plants, and especially those of the Strawberry.
These grubs, when fully grown, are from an inch to an
inch and a half long, of a whitish color, and with brown

heads. They are commonly known
as White Grubs, without regard to
species. The most abundant in the
Eastern States is Lachnosterna fusca
of Frolich, a large brownish beetle,
figure 25, which usually appears
Fig. 25.— MAT BEETLE, about tlic first of May, or a little
' later, hence the common name.
There arc also several other species, more or less abun-
dant, and appearing at the same time, but as all are
similar in habits, they may be considered as one.

These grubs are usually more numerous in old dry
pastures and meadows than elsewhere, because their prin-
cipal food is the roots of different kinds of grass. The
old sods afford protection against the birds and animals
which devour them ; consequently they often become
very abundant in such places. If these grass lands are
plowed and planted with the Strawberry, the grubs will
attack the roots, and, if numerous, will destroy every
plant almost as soon as it is put in the ground. In some
sections of the country the white grub has very materially
checked the cultivation of the Strawberry. The only
remedy with which I am acquainted is, to occupy the
ground with some crop which requires considerable hoe-
ing and cultivation, for two or three years before plant-
ing with the Strawberry.

The grub is three or four years in attaining its growth.

STRAWBERRY. 85

and by continually man i[)ula ting the soil tliey are ex-
posed to tlic attacks of ])irds, and many are destroyed by
crushing ; besides this, the Beetles will seldom deposit
their eggs iu freshly disturbed soil. As all the May
Beetles are nocturnal in habit, many may be taken by
using tubs of water with a floating light in the center.
A few hundred taken every evening during the Urst few
weeks of summer will do something toward diminishing
the number of the succeeding generations in a neighbor-
hood, but the birds and domestic fowls are the Straw-
berry grower's most efficient helpers in the way of destroy-
ing May Beetles and White Grubs. The grubs are greedi-
ly devoured by birds ; the Crow being exceedingly fond of
them. This much abused bird will always seek them on
recently plowed ground, where, I regret to say, many a
Crow has lost his life while devouring the White Grub ;
he was benefiting the cultivator, who returned his kind-
ness with a death-dealing bullet. From a pretty intimate
acquaintance with the habits of the Crow, having kept
several tame ones, I am well satisfied that they are far
more beneficial than injurious to the farmer. A crow
will eat a hundred white grubs in a day, after he he has
had a breakfast of an equal number of rose bugs. I do
not state this as an imaginary case, but as a simple fact
that I have proved many times. From experience, I
firmly believe that the Crow is one of the most useful
birds that we possess, although he does a little mischief
now and then in the way of pulling up corn. When
domesticated he forgets those tricks of his wild nature,
and, not being a timid bird, he is not frightened by hoe
or spade, but when tlie earth is turned over he is gener-
ally there to see and do his duty.

At the time of writing this book, my strawberry beds
and those of my neighbors had suffered more or less by a
small green worm, at that time unknown to me or to any
entomologist of my acquaintance. This insect was quite

86

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

destructive to the leaves of tlic ])lants, frequently strip-
ping a plantation of its foliage in a few days. I have
since ascertained that these worms are the larva? of the
Emphi/fus maciilatns of Norton, a small black fly, figure
20. This worm has received the common name of
*' Strawberry Worm," and appears to have become abun-
dant throughout the Northern States, and really more
destructive to strawberry plantations in the West than at
the East. Prof. Riley figured and described this insect
in vol. 1, page 90, of the American Entomologist. The
worms are of a yellowish-green color, a little over a
half inch long, and Avhen feeding are usually curled up,
with the extremity of the body hanging down, as shown

Fig. 26.

-FLY OF THE STRAWBERRY
WORM — ENL ARG ED.

Fig. 27. —STRAWBERRY
WORM.

in figure 27. The parent fly appears in our Northern
States early in May, and, as I have said, is of a black
color, with two rows of transverse whitish spots upon the
abdomen. The female deposits her eggs m the leaf stalks,
first puncturing them by means of a saw-like instrument
with which she is provided, and thrusting her eggs into
the wounds thus made. The eggs hatch m a few days,
and the young grubs immediately attack the leaves.
When fully grown they descend into the ground, roll
themselves up in a slender cocoon, the pupa remaining
within until the following s})ring. Dusting the leaves
with lime, when Avet with dew, or just after a shower, is
the best method with which I am acquainted for destroy-
ing the pest.

STRAWBERRY. 87

Another leaf enemy of tlic Strawberry is known as the
'*Strawl)crry Leaf- roller" (AncJujlopera fragaricB, AValsh
and Riley), of wliioli figure 28, a, gives the larva of nat-
ural size, and h, the moth, enlarged. This insect, like
the last, appears to be more abundant at the West than
eastward. Still I have frequently found it on the jilants
in my garden, and I presume it is not uncommon in
strawberry plantations tliroughout the country, but only
noticed when so abundant as to strip the plants of their
leaves. In feeding, it folds up
the leaves, drawing the edges to-
gether with silken threads, and
then eats out the more tenderer vV-^^;^ » ^^*^ "

j)ulpy parts. Prof. Riley y^i^^so^ i e i

states that there are two a ^-^

broods of this insect dur- ''' ^'^^^ ' ^' ^^''"^•

ing the year, the worms ^^^- 28.-strawberrt leaf-roller.

of the first brood passing through their transformation on
the leaves, the moths appearing about the first of July.
The female moths deposit their eggs on the leaves, where
they soon hatch, and the worms commence their work ;
but those of the second brood, when coming to maturity
late in the fall, descend into the ground, change to pupae,
and remain in this state until the following spring.
Owing to the habit these worms have of rolling them-
selves up in the leaves, they are somewhat protected from
destruction by any dry or liquid application that may be
made to the plants for the purpose. Sweeping the leaves
with a broom will disturb and destroy a few of the worms,
but the most rapid method of destruction is burning off
the leaves after the fruit is gathered, or passing a heavy
roller over the plants m time to destroy the second or late
brood in autumn.

The Strawberry Crown Borer [Tyloderma fragarice,
Riley), is another pest of the Strawberry, more or less
abundant in the Western States and Canada, but I have

88 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

not as yot discovered it in my own grounds, or tliose of
my neiglibors. It is a small Snout-beetle, a veritable Cur-
culio, about an eighth of an inch lung and half as broad,

\-,^.^^ _^ and ornamented on the back as sliown in
w^J ligure 2\), Avhich is an enlarged portrait
of this pest. The grubs of this beetle
bore into the crowns of the plants, as
its common name indicates, where they
destroy the embryo fruit-stalks and
leaves. The only remedy proposed is to
Fi<>-29 sTRs-wBKR- plow up the infested plantations soon
KY CROWN BORER. ^f^^Qy gathering the fruit in summer,
while the grubs are still in the crowns of the plants.
The Snail or Slug whicli is so abundant and destructive
to the Strawberry and other garden products in Europe,
has found its way to tins country, and is now quite
plentiful in some gardens near New York. These snails
are great gourmands, and will destroy the fruit in quanti-
ties if they become very plentiful. Hand picking, or
destroying them with lime, is a pretty sure way of getting
rid of this pest.

The Plant Louse (Aphis), or Green Fly, as it is usually
called, sometimes becomes numerous upon the roots of
the Strawberry, particularly when the soil is quite loose
and open, so as to admit them readily to the roots, upon
whicli they congregate in immense numbers, sucking the
juices of the plant, and thereby effectually checking its
growth. A liberal application of dry ashes or refuse from
a tobacco factory will usually destroy them. The Aphis
also attacks the plants groAvn under glass, but they are
more readily destroyed than the Red Sipider (l^etmnychus
telarins), which insect is often very injurious.

The best preventive of the ravages of the Red Spider
is a moist atmosphere, but when this cannot be allowed,
flowers of sulphur should be freely scattered among the
plants or upon the soil near them. The fumes of melted

STRAWBERRY. 89

sulpliur will make quick work with ilicm, but it requires
great care iu its application, for should the sulphur take
lire and burn, the fumes will destroy the plants also.

Birds are, in some portions of the country, very de-
structive to the Strawberry, but I forbear to suggest a
remedy, because there are already too many elfectual
ones iu use.

VARIETIES.

In the following catalogue I have endeavored to give
the names, with a concise description, of all the varieties
now in cultivation, which are worthy of it.

To give a full description of all known varieties would
require a volume by itself, and it is very doubtful if,
when such a list was made, any one would take the trou-
ble to peruse it. It is such an easy matter to raise new
varieties, that a few men seem to have gone into the
business, not for the purpose of improvement, but mainly
to see how many varieties they could produce, and so they
name each new seedling, and give it a glowing description,
whether it is worthy of cultivation or not.

Now, while I would not suppress any information that
would benefit the public, I do not feel called upon to rec-
ommend or give the names of all varieties that have
appeared in the catalogues of some few of our Strawberry
growers, especially of those who appear to always have
ready, if we were to believe them, some wonderful variety
for every annual edition of their catalogues.

Our enterprising fruit growers are supposed to know and
procure the best varieties, and when one has been before
the public for from five to ten years, and then it is not
found in general cultivation, it may be safe to conclude
that the fruit grower lacks confidence in the originator,
and consequently does not purchase it, or that it has
been tried and discarded. The reader, if he has followed
me through the preceding pages, will have noticed that

90

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

I recognize among cultivated varieties but two sexes,
viz. : Perfect or Bi-sexual, and the Pistillate varieties.
The latter kinds are nuirked piiitillate ; all not so desig-
nated are pprfcct, and will bear fruit without the aid of
others to fertilize them.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.

The following are yarieties of Fragaria grandiflora and
F. Virginiana. Some of them show more of the pecu-
liar characteristics of one species than of the other, wliile
with a few it would be ditlicult to tell to which they were
related, and it is very probable that they are a mixture
of both. They were all produced in this country, and
are called native varieties :

Agriculturist. — Very large, irregular, conical, with long

neck, large specimens often flat-
tened or coxcomb sliaped ; color
light reddish crimson ; flesh deep
red, moderately firm, sweet, rich
and good ; i)lant a very strong
grower ; leaves large, thick, dark
green, with reddish petiole ; hardy
and productive, and succeeds re-
markably well on light sandy soils,
as well as on those that are heavy.
A valuable variet3\ Figure 30
shows a fruit of medium size in
ordinary field culture. Originated
with Seth Boyden, Newark, N, J.
Austin or Sliaker.— Superseded by better sorts. Origi-
nated among the Shakers at Watervliet, N. Y.

Albiou Wliitc. — Sec Lennig's White.

Belle. — A new variety, which originated with J. B.
Moore. I have not seen it, and only know of it bv re-

Fig. 30. — AGRICULTUKIST.

STIIAWDEIIRT. 91

ports of ^nissaclinsctts Ilorticiilfcural Society, wlicrc it is
referred to as ''very large," or as "the largest Strawberry
ever exliibited on the Society's tables/'

Bidwcll. — ^ ery large, conical ; bright scarlet ; flesh
firm ; quality excellent. A vigorous grower and plants
are rc})orted to be very productive. A new variety not
fully tested.

Black Defiance* — Large, irregular in shape ; dark
glossy crimson ; flesh moderately firm ; high-flavored.
Only moderately productive. The color is objectionable,
as the berries, soon after gathering, assume a dull, stale
ai^pearance. Originated with E. W. Durand.

Boston Pine {Bartlett.) — Medium to large, obtuse-
conical ; color light crimson ; flesh but slightly colored,
firm, sweet, most excellent ; fruit stalks very long ; plant
vigorous and productive ; a fine market variety ; ripens
early ; succeeds in both light and heavy soils, and is very
hardy. Originated with 0. M. Hovey, Boston, Mass.

Brighton Pine. — Medium to large, roundish-conical,
"with short neck ; color light crimson ; flesh rather soft,
sweet and juicy ; plant strong, vigorous and moderately
productive ; early. Originated with Mr. T. Scott, of
Brighton, Mass.

Burr's IVew Pine. — Once a very celebrated variety, but
is now seldom seen in cultivation. Originated with Mr.
Burr, Columbus, Ohio.

BuiTalo. — See McAvoy's Superior.

Brooklyn Scarlet. — Medium to large, regular, conical,
with neck ; color bright scarlet ; flesh rather soft, sweet
and rich ; quality best ; plant a dwarf grower, producing
very large stools, hardy, vigorous and productive ; one of
the best for home use. Originated with A. S. Fuller,
in 1859, from seed of Peabody Seedling. One of the
three '' Kew York Tribune" prize varieties.

9!^ SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

Baltimore Scarlet. — See Scotch Runner.

C'aptaiu Jack. — Medium or sniiill, regular, short coni-
cal; bright scarlet; llesh pink, firm; poor in (piality.
A vigorous and productive variety, more highly prized at
the West than at the East. Originated with Samuel
Miller, Bluffton, Mo.

Caroline. — Large, conical ; bright scarlet ; quality good ;
plants rather feeble, and only moderately productive.
Not fully tested. Originated with J. B. Moore, Concord,
Mass.

reiiteniiial Favorite. — One of Mr. Durand's seedlings,
of large size, irregular shape, but scarcely possessing
suthcient merit to entitle it to a prominent position
among better and more prolific sorts.

Champion. {Windsor Chief.) — Large, round ; bright
crimson ; llesh rather soft ; inferior in quality, but the
plants Jire so vigorous and productive that this is con-
sidered a very profitable market variety ; pistillate.
Originated with Dr. J. C. Nelf, Carlisle, Pa.

Charles Downing. — Medium to large, round, obtuse-
conical ; very regular in form ; bright scarlet, becoming
darker when fully ripe ; flesh moderately firm, pink,
juicy, with a rich, spriglitly sub-acid flavor. One of the
very best varieties in cultivation. The plants are vigor-
ous, wonderfully productive, and succeed admirably on
light soils, and bear profusely even in thick matted beds.
Originated with the late J. S. Downer, of Fairview, Ky.,
and named in honor of the Veteran Pomologist of New-
burgh, N. Y.

Cinderella. — Large, conical; bright scarlet, glossy;
moderately firm ; of second-rate flavor. Plants only
moderately productive. A handsome and attractive va-
riety. Originated with Oscar Felton, of New Jersey,
who has also raised several other sorts.

STRAWBERRY.

93

fol. Cheney. — Small, long-conical ; bright scarlet ;
flosii soft, watery, poor flavor; plants vigorouH and pro-
ductive. A poor thing at best, although it has been
highly praised by certain dealers who were anxious to sell
plants. Pistillate.

Col. Ellsworth. — Superseded by better sorts. Dis-
carded, because unproductive.

Continental. — A large, dark crimson berry; said to be
of good flavor and the plants very productive. I give
this only on hearsay evidence, not having seen the plants
growing.

Crescent Seedling. (Figure 31.) — Medium to large,
somewhat irregular conical ; bright scarlet ; flesh rather
soft for a market berry, but
will do for short distances,
or when carefully handled ;
quality fair, not rich ; the
plants, however, are of such
a vigorous growth and so
productive that this variety
has become quite a favorite
among cultivators for market.
Originated with Mr. William
Parmelee, New Haven, Conn.
This is quite a different berry
from the old and long since
discarded ^^ Crescent Seedling," which originated at the
South.

Crimson Cone. {Pme Apple, Scotch Runner, etc.) —
Medium, regular, conical, with long neck ; seeds deeply
imbedded; color light, bright crimson; flesh firm,
sprightly acid, with a rich flavor, and highly perfumed.
Figure 32 shows a fruit of the usual size. One of the
best Strawberries in cultivation, although too small and
acid to suit some people. This is one of the old market

Fig. 31. — CRESCENT.

94 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

kinds, and tliore are probably more acres of it in cultiva-
tion for furnishing the New York market, than of all
others put together. The flowers are perfect, and not
pistillate, as has often been asserted.
There is, however, another variety which
is generally found mixed with it, and
also called Scotch Kunner, wliich has
pistillate flowers. The latter variety is
tlie true Scotch Runner, for which see
description.

Crystal City, — A new Western variety ;

handsome bright scarlet, but very indif-

Fig. 33-^MsoN ferent in quality. I have no informa-

coNE. tion in regard to its origin or value,

except some brief notices which have appeared in western

papers, and in a few catalogues. Said to be very early.

Cumberland Triumph.— Large, smooth, and uniform in
shape ; light bright scarlet ; flesh pale pink, soft, but of
good flavor. A very handsome, vigorous grower ; the
leaves deep glossy green, quite distinct. Requires a strong
fertile soil. A valuable variety for amateurs, or for liome
use, but too soft for market. Originated with Mr. Amos
Miller, Carlisle, Pa.

Damask Beauty.— The only reference to this variety
we have seen is by E. P. Roe, who says it is ''a very
distinct variety and interesting to amateurs, but of no
great value." But just why it is '^ interesting" we are
not informed.

Downer's Prolific— Medium to large, globular, light
scarlet ; seeds deeply imbedded ; flesh rather soft, acid,
not rich, but highly perfumed ; very early, hardy, and
wonderfully prolific. An excellent old market variety,
provided the market is near by. Originated with J. S.
Downer, Fairview, Kentucky.

Hucbess. — Large, roundish, uniform ; bright scarlet ;

STRAWBERRY.

95

llesli pink, modcnitely firm, good flavor, but not best;
ripens early ; plants vigorous, and very hardy and pro-
duetive. This variety has an excellent reputation among
those who raise fruit for market. Originated with D. II.
Barnes, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

Diiiicaii. — Medium, slightly conical, although often
quite variable in form and size ; bright scarlet; firm, ex-
cellent flavor. A productive and valual)le market berry.
Originated witli J. G. Lucas, Ulster Co., N. Y.

Diirand's Seedling. — Large, oblong, or oblong-conical,
sometimes flattened ; seeds but slightly sunken ; color
scarlet; flesh firm, solid, nearly white, of good flavor.

Fig. 33.— DUBAND.

Fig. 34. — ^DURAND.

Originated with Mr. F. W, Burand, near Irvington, N. J.
Figures 33 and 34 give a fair representation of two of the
berries, showing its variableness in form.

Early Scarlet. — Medium, conical; light scarlet ; flesh
firm, moderately acid. An old variety, but little culti-
vated at tlie present time.

Fillmore. -Large, obtuse-conical; dark crimson; sweet..

96

SMALL FRUIT CULTUHIST.

moderately rich and good. In deep, rich soils this va-
riety produces a fair crop, but it is not generally jx^pular
among I'ruit growers. Pistillate. Originated with Samuel
Feast, Baltimore, Md.

Forest liosei — Large, irregular, obtuse-conical ; bright

scarlet ; flesh firm, of good
flavor ; a superior market berry,
but unfortunately it does not
appear to be well adapted to all
kinds of soils and locations.
Where it succeeds it will rank
high for market purposes as
well as for liome use. An ac-
cidental seedling, introduced
by a Mr. Fetters, of Lancaster,
Ohio. Figure 35 gives a good
idea of the size of this va-
riety. From **American Agri-
culturist," 1878.
General Mcflellan. — See McAvoy's Superior.
Glendale. — Large, oblong-conic ; bright scarlet ; flesh
firm, with a brisk sub-acid flavor ; a
vigorous grower and a very produc-
tive, new variety, promising well
for market. Introduced by Mr. W.
B. Storer, Avho found it growing in
the cemetery at Akron, Ohio.

Golden Defiance. — Large, obtuse-
conical ; bright scarlet ; flesh mod-
erately firm and of excellent flavor ;
ripens quite late ; plants very vigor-
ous, hardy, and productive. Prom-
ises to be a valuable acquisition to
our list of.good sorts. Pistillate. Originated with Mr,
Amos Miller, of Pennsylvania. (Figure 36.)

Fig. 35.— FOREST ROSE.

Fig. 36. — GOLDEN
DEFIANCE.

STRAWBERRY.

97

Fig.37.— GOLDEN SEEDED.

Golden Seeded. — ISIedium to large, bluntly-conical,
Bometinies ilattened ; dark crimson, with prominent yel-
low seeds ; sweet and rich ; early, but succeeds only in a

few localities and soils. It is prob-
ably a seedling of a foreign variety.
Originated in Canada with Mr. Read.
Figure 37 shows the form and size
of a medium sized specimen.

Great American* — Extra large,
irregularly oval ; dark crimson ;
flesh moderately firm, second-rate in
flavor, but under high culture and
in the originator's grounds it has
yielded some of the largest berries
ever seen in this country. Although
this variety caused considerable ex-
citement among strawberry gi'owers when first exhibited,
it was soon discovered that it required extra culture to
produce extra sized berries. It has fallen far short of
w^hat was expected of it wiien it was first introduced.
Originated with Mr. F. W. Durand.

Green Prolific. {Newarh Prolific) — Yevj large,
round ; pale crimson or deep
scarlet ; seeds slightly sunken ;
rather soft, very acid, without
richness, and of inferior flavor ;
fruit stalks long and stout ;
leaves very large and thick ;
one of the Iowa class ; vigorous
and productive. Originated
with Seth Boyden, Newark, N.
J. Figure 38 shows a berry

Fig. 38. — GREKN PROLIPIO.

of the average size under good culture.

Hervey Davis. — Large, obtuse-conical ; bright scarlet ;
flesh moderately firm, nearly white, flavor good ; season

98 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

medium ; plants tall, vigorous, and productive. Origi-
nated with J. B. Moore, Concord, Mass.

Hooker* — Large, short, obtuse-conical, nearly globular;
dark crimson ; very sweet and rich ; too soft and dark
colored I'or market, but a fine variety for the amateur.
The plants are a little tender, and should always be pro-
tected in winter to insure a good crop. Originated with
II. E. Hooker, Rochester, ^\ Y.

Hovey. {Germanfowriy Young's Seedling.) — Large,
conical ; bright crimson, handsome ; sub-acid, sprightly,
good. An old and much esteemed variety, and largely
cultivated for supplying the Boston market. Pistillate.
Originated with 0. M. Hovey, of Boston, Mass., in 1834.

lluddlcston's Favorite. — This variety has been dis-
seminated by E. Y. Teas, Dunreith, Ind., who describes
it as a very large berry ; bright crimson ; firm flesh, with
a rich, spicy flavor. Said to be a vigorous grower and
wonderfully prolific. Pistillate.

Kentucky. — This is another of Mr. Downer's produc-
tions, and, like all those disseminated by him, of consider-
able value. Large, conical ; bright scarlet ; flesh white,
moderately firm, excellent flavor ; ripens late, and con-
tinues in fruit a long time ; plants grow rather tall, but
are vigorous, hardy, and prolific. A valuable variety,
which has been fully tested over a wide extent of coun-
try. Succeeds well on light as well as heavy soils.

Ladies' Tine. — Small to medium, round ; pale orange-
scarlet, with a slight crimson tint in the sun ; seeds rather
})rominent ; flesh soft, sweet and rich, highly perfumed,
probably the most delicious flavored variety known. Re-
quires extra culture, and even then it is not very produc-
tive ; nevertheless it is well worthy of a place in the most
select collection. Pistillate. Originated in Canada, with
Mr. Read.

Lady Finger. — Medium, elongated, conical ; color bril-

STRAWBERRY.

99

liant dark scarlet ; seeds set in a deep open cavity ; flesh
very linn, sulKicid, good ; })lant hardy, vigorous and
prolilic. An excellent market variety. Originated with
the late Benjamin Prosser, Burlington, New Jersey.

Fig. 39.— LADY FINGER. Fig. 40.— LADY FINGER.

Figure 39 shows a berry of this variety of medium size,
and figure 40 one of the largest.

Lady of the Lake. — Medium, conical, with neck ;
crimson ; flesh light colored, firm, not very juicy, but
moderately good ; plant tall and vigorous, productive.
Formerly quite a favorite in Boston market. Originated
in Brighton, Mass.

Laurel Leaf. — A new variety, of which little is yet
known. Described as of medium size, slightly conical,
with short neck ; light scarlet ; in flavor good, but not
superior ; plant only moderately vigorous and produc-
tive. Originated with Mr. A. N. Jones, Le Roy, N. Y.

Longfellow. — Very large, elongated-conical, somewhat
irregular ; dark glossy red ; flesh firm, sweet and rich ;
plant vigorous, Avith large, healthy foliage, and with-
standing the hot sun admirably. Productive and con-
tinuing a long time in l)earing. Originated with Mr. H.
D. Webb, Bowling Green, Ky.

100 SMALL FRUIT CULTUHIST.

Lennig's White. (Albion While, White Pine Apple.)
— Large, obtuse-conical ; seeds prominent, and of a pink
or light crimson color ; fruit almost white, but with a
delicate blush when exposed to the sun ; llesh pure white,
melting, rich and sweet ; plant a vigorous grower, and
moderately productive. This is evidently a seedling of
Fragaria graiicliflorciy but one of the most hardy and
productive, and, without doubt, the best white variety
known in this country. It has been disseminated under
several names, either through mistake or design. I re-
ceived it under the three different names, and the lots
being cultivated in separate beds, I, like many others,
thought that they were distinct, until beds were pre-
pared in a similar soil, and the same cultivation given to
each, after which no difference could be discovered. I
have since learned through Mr. Meehan, editor of the
*' Gardener's Monthly," that the supposed three varieties
were all taken from the garden of the originator, Mr.
Lennig, of Germantown, Pa.

Longworth's Prolific. — Large, roundish, oval or oblate;
light crimson ; sprightly sub-acid, and good ; plant vigor-
ous and productive. An old variety but little cultivated,
although it is far superior to many new ones. Originated
in the garden of the late Nicholas Longworth, of Cincin-
nati, Ohio.

McAvoy's Superior. — Large, irregular, roundish, the
surface being uneven, with prominent projections ;
color varying from light to very dark crimson ; the
flesh dark red, soft, sweet, variable, in some soils rich
and sprightly, in others insipid ; vigorous, and usually
very productive. Pistillate. The originator of this
variety was awarded a $100 prize by the Cincinnati Horti-
cultural Society, about thirty years ago, but it has now
become obsolete, and was long since discarded. I retain
in the list on account of its history.

STRAWBERRY. 101

I^Iarvin. — Large, elongated, somewhat beyond what ia
usually teruu'd conical; bright crimson; flesh firm, but
juicy, rich, and high-llavorcd ; i)laut vigorous, stocky,
and produ(;tive. A very promising new variety. Origi-
nated with Mr. Henry Marvin, Ovid, Mich.

Miner's (ireat Prolific— Large to very large; some-
what irregular, but inclining to a globular form ; deep
crimson; flesh pinkish, firm, and of good flavor; plant
vigorous, leaves large, light green, quite glossy. A pro-
ductive and valuable variety, although the irregular form
of the berries is somewhat against it for marketing.
Originated with the late T. B. Miner, Linden, N. J.

Monarch of tlic West. — Extra large ; globular, but
often coxcombed ; pale red ; flesh soft, excellent flavor ;
plant vigorous on good soils, but only moderately pro-
ductive. Valuable for its large size and good flavor.
Originated with Mr. Jesse Brady, of Piano, 111.

Mcanor. — Medium to small ; conical ; scarlet ; flesh
with a reddish tinge throughout, firm, juic}', and of ex-
cellent flavor ; ripens early ; the plants in my grounds
have always been weak and unproductive. Still, I have
seen them in rather heavy clay soils quite vigorous and
carrying a heavy crop of fruit. Originated with Messrs.
Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y.

New Dominion. — A new variety unknown to me, but
described by the disseminators of the plants as very large ;
globular ; bright glossy red ; flesh firm, and of good
flavor. Originated with Mr. C. N. Biggar, on the battle-
field of Lundy's Lane.

IVeiinan's Prolific. — Large under high cultivation, but
ordinarily only medium or small ; obtuse-conical ; light
scarlet, with a short neck ; very firm, leather acid, but
good when fully mature ; plants strong, vigorous, and pro-
ductive. A very popular variety in the South, where it
is extensively cultivated for shipping to northern mark-

\02

SMALL Fill' IT CCLTURIST.

ets, where it mtiy be seen among the first Strawberries of
the season. Orighiated by a Mr. Neunaii, of Charleston,
8. C.

Xew Jersey Scarlet. — ^ircdium; conical; li<^ht bright
scarlet, with long neck ; moderately
firm, sprightly flavor, and good ; very
early and productive ; the plant a
strong and vigorous grower. Succeeds
admirably on the light sandy soils of
New Jersey. An excellent market
variety. See figure 41 for size and
form. Originated near Burlington,
New Jersey.

Ohl John Brown, — Very large;
broadly conic, i)ointcd ; light crim-
son ; sweet, sprightly, and good.
Originated with Dr. H. Schroeder,
Bloomington, Illinois.

Orient. — Yery large, and claimed to be the largest
variety in cultivation ; roundish-conical, sometimes a
little irregular ; bright scarlet, with glossy surface ; flesh
white, moderately firm, quality ex-
cellent ; plant vigorous and pro-
ductive, the fruit continuing of
good size to the end of the season.
A seedling of the Monarch of the
West, raised by Mr. Oscar Felton,
in 18i6, and is one of several new
varieties shown by him at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition.

Perry's Seedling. — "^^edium to
large, globular, with a slight neck ;
color briiiht crimson ; sweet, rich, ^^^' 42-— ^^k^"^-

and sprightly. Raised by Geo. Perry & Sons, George-
town, Conn. See figure 42.

^i^^ 41. — NEW JERSEY
SCARLET.

STRAWBERRY.

103

Pioneer. — ]\[e(liuni ; oviil, witli a long neck; bright
scarlet ; sweet, unci highly pcrrumed. Very early, and
appears to be gaining friends as it beconios better known.
One of ]\Ir. Durand's seedlings, which has not as yet been
widely disseminated, although it has been for some time
under cultivation.

riTsident Wilder, —Medium ; obtusely-conical, very
regular ; seeds yellow ; skin bright glossy scarlet ; flesh
firm, but juicy, and very high flavored. A very hand-
some variety, but with me the foliage burns in summer,
and for this reason, perhaps, the plants have never proved
to be sufliciently prolific to warrant cnltivation. In
heavy or cool soils this would no doubt prove to be a
valuable addition to even the most select list of Straw-
berries. Originated with the Hon. Marshall P. AVilder,
Dorchester, Mass., in 1861.

Russell's TroIifiCo — Very large; irregular, roundish-
conical, with neck ;
deep crimson ; mod-
erately firm, sweet,
and perfumed; qual-
ity good, in sandy
soils very good ; the
flesh is lighter color-
ed than tlie skin ;
leaves large, with
wavy upper surface;
lobes broadly ovate.
Pistillate. Origi-
nated with II. Rus-
sell, of Seneca Falls,
New York, in 185G.

Satin Ciloss. — Me-
dium to large ; ^'^- ^S.-satin gloss.

rather long-conical ; calyx very large ; bright glossy ver-
milion ; flesh firm, of good flavor. The large calyy and

104

SMALL FRUIT CrLTURIST.

firm flesli of this variety make it an excellent fruit for
shipping, as it is not likely to become bruised during
lr:nsit. Originated with Mr. Oscar Felton, from seed
of the Lady Finger. Figure 43 — from " American Agri-
culturist," 1880.

Scotch Kiiuncr.— Small ; oval; bright scarlet ; good
ilavor. Largely cultivated for market in New Jersey, but
should have been discarded long ago, and
its ])lace tilled by larger and beti^er varie-
ties. Pistillate. Figure 4-1 shows one
of the berries of full size.

Scott's Scedlin£r. {Scarlet Runner,) —
Medium ; elongated-conical ; bright light
scarlet, very handsome ; sweet, rather dry,
not high flavored, but good ; plants moder-
ately vigorous and productive. An old
Fio-, 44TISCOTCH variet}', but little cultivated at j)resent ;
KUNNER. yg^ j^ jj. gj^Q Qf ^]jQ most beautiful berries

we possess. Requires good culture, and with it will
yield an abundant cro}). Originated about twenty years
ago with J. Scott, of Brighton, Mass.

Sctli IJo.vdcii. {Boyden^s No.'^O.) — A'cry large ; irregu-
lar-conical, with long neck ; dull crimson ; flesh lirm,
rather dry, but sweot and of good flavor ; plant extra
strong and vigorous, and ({uite prolific when grown in
hills, but otherwise unproductive. This is one of the best
market varieties in cultivation, and under good care and
in rich soils, berries of immense size are readily produced.
Originated with the late Seth Boyden, of Newark, N. J.,
and disseminated by him as No. 30 of his seedlings, but
since liis death, b: common consent, it has been given
the name of the originator.

Shurpless. — This is another mammoth variety, and a
genuine surprise to Strawberry growers generally, because
it has proved to be all that was claimed for it at the time

STRAWBERRY. 105

of <lissomination. Uniformly very larf^o ; often broadly
wodge-forni, wider at tlie base than at calyx ; light glossy
reef; flesh lirni, but juicy, rich, and highly perfumed ;
plants vigorous and productive. One of the best. I re-
ceived some of the first plants sent out by the originator
of this fine A'ariety, and they succeed admirably, never
failing to i)roduce a good crop. Originated with J. K.
Sharpless, near Philadelphia, Pa., in 1872.
White Pine Apple. — See Lennig's White.

IFilsOli's Albany. — Large ; irregular-conical ; dark
mmson ; flesh firm, very acid, but good, and bears trans-
portation well. One of the most productive varieties
known. The plants will usually fail after producing one
full crop, and the beds should be frequently renewed.
This variety has probably done more towards advancing
Strawberry culture in this country than any other variety
that has appeared since the Hovey. Originated with
John Wilson, Albany, New York.

MISCELLANEOUS VARIETIES.

Within the past few years new varieties of the Straw-
berry have been raised in such immense numbers that it
would be impossible for any one man, or half dozen men,
to test them all and learn their merits, or faults. But I
may safely assert that not one in a hundred of these new
kmds is an improvement upon the older and well known
sorts. It is quite natural that the raiser of a new variety
^should look upon it with favor, and somewhat magnify
its merits, for there are few Strawberries that do not
possess some good qualities. It is an old saying that
" some Strawberries are better than others, but all are
good, and none actually bad." The success of a few
originators of new varieties, and the ease with which
seedlings can be produced, have prompted hundreds of
amateur and professional cultivators to try their luck in

106

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

this (liVection ; ar, a result, there are hundreds of varieties
named and offered for sale whicli are not worthy of any
consideration. In addition to these wortliless new sorts,
old and well known varieties of merit wdl often appear
in a garden, which the owner has no knowledge of ever
having purchased or planted. Their ])resence may be
readily accounted for upon the supposition that they
have been introduced witli other sorts, or a few plants
have come, attached to the roots of some tree or shrub
received from a nursery or neighbor's garden. The extra
care and attention naturally bestowed upon these waifs
when found growing in some out-ot'-the-way place, has a
tendency to strengthen the finder's belief that they
are really new, because the care given them usually
produces good if not great results. The Romeyn Seed-
ling is one of these waifs, which I pronounced Triomphe
de Gand the first time the fruit and plants were shown
in New York, and although I was roundly abused for
my presumption, tlie Komeyn has at last found its proper
place as a synonym of the old and well known Triomphe
de Gand. The so called Maximillian, or Mexican Ever-
bearing, is another variety which caused a good deal of
excitement among Strawberry growers a few years ago,
and although the story told of its discovery in Mexico and
introduction into the United States, was enough to raise
doubts in the minds of thinking men, still there were
not wanting several, who had been generally acknowledged
as authorities in such matters, to indorse and describe
this variety as new and worthy of the highest praise and
most extended cultivation. Two years after, this variety
passed into the hands of practical cultivators, and it was
generally admitted to be nothing else than the old
Monthly Red Alpine of Europe, a variety which has been
in cultivation nearly or quite one hundred years, and
known by at least a score of different names.

Nearly all the varieties mentioned in my "Additional

STRAWBERRY. 107

Lij^t " ill tlic first edition of this work have become obso-
lete, showing tlijit they recei\'e(l all tlie attention tlr^y
merited at that time. I now make ii}) anotlier similar
list, containing, besides new and not fully tested varieties,
some old ones still retained in cultivation for po'sonal
reasons, or because they possess some peculiar merit, or
cliaraeteristics, not common to other and more widely
cnltivated sorts.

Austin or Shaker.— Old, but still retained in a few
collections.

Cctywayo. — A pistillate variety from Ulster Co., N. Y.
Promising for market.

('hamiMon of Richmond. — From Cumberland Co., Pa.
Has only a local reputation.

" Chorllon's Proliflc. — Productive, but too small, r.nd
poor in llavor.

Col. Ellsworth. — Of large size, but second-rate in
quality.

Crimson Favorite,— Of extra fine flavor, but unpro-
ductive.

Cutter's Seedllni^. — Small, and of poor flavor.

Diadem. — Soft, acid, and unproductive.

Durand's Beauty. — Xew, promising.

Early Adela. — Early, but too small.

Eclipse. {Prince.) — Pi'oba1)ly obsolete at the present
time.

Emily. (lTiUitsinan''s.) — Raised some fifteen years ago,
l)ut I douljt if it was ever disseminated beyond the orig-
inator's gardens in Flushing, L. I.

Endii'ott. — Xew and untried.

Finch's Prolific. — From Ohio.

French's Seedlinj?. — Old, but still retained in a few

collections.

J0g SMALL PRUIT CULTURIST.

Frasaria liicida.-An old California variety, admired
for its beautiful foliage.

(ieorsia MammotU.-Small, but the plants are vigorouB
and prolitic.

Golden diieen.-IIas proved to bo Trollope's Victoria,
^ foreign variety.

Hart's Miinicsota.-IIiglily endorsed by Truman M.
Smith, President of the Minnesota Horticultural Society.
Fruit large, but second-rate in quality.

Ida. (Co6l-Zui.)-Has been superseded by better sorts.
lowa.-Once famous, but probably not now in cultivar
tion.

Kerr's Prolific— Has a local reputation, but is not m
general cultivation.

Kramer's Seedluis.-Originated at Dnbnque, Iowa, in

1863, and a few years later sent out at eight dollars pel

hundred ; but it is now almost if not quite extinct.

Kirkwood.-New, but its value is not yet determined.

Le Baron.-Once considered valuable, but has been

superseded.

Mammoth Bush.-A pistillate variety, with only a local

rcDutation.

Meade's Seedling .-A handsome, good-flavored berry,

but too small.

Metcalf 's Early.-Once a popular variety in Michigan,
now very generally discarded.

Monitor.-One of the "Tribune" prize varieties;

obsolete.
Mount Vernon.-Supposed to be identical with Kirk-

wood.

Panic— New ; proP.i^es to be a valuable variety.

STRAWIJEURY. 109

Philadelphia. — Old, l)uf, is still retained in a few col-
lections. Pistillate.

Piper's Seedling. — I have no information in regard to
this variety further than that it is named in a few
nurserymen's lists.

Reed's Kansas Mammoth. — New and little known.

Russell's Advance. — A good berry but a feeble plant.

Sucker State. — New and promising.

Walden. — New and untested.

Warren. — New ; originated with Mr. H. L. Webb,
Bowling Green, Ky.

Wilding. — New; originated with Mr. A. N. Jones,
Troy, N. Y.
Wieland* — New and untested.

FOREIGN VA.RIETIES.

During the past dozen years there has been a very
marked change in the opinion of our Strawberry culti-
vators regarding the value of foreign varieties. Novel-
ties in European catalogues are no longer sought so
eagerly as formerly ; in fact, the importation of Straw-
berry plants is now confined almost wholly to amateurs,
and I am inclined to think that but few of these gentle-
men indulge in the once common practice of sending
orders out to Europe for the latest novelties mentioned
in the catalogues of English and Continental growers of
this fruit. It is not because new varieties are not pro-
duced as abundantly as ever, but simply because our
horticulturists nave learned from experience that few
European sorts will succeed in this country, and that, at
best, they are inferior on the whole to our new improved
native varieties. The old Triomphe de Gand and Jucunda
still hold a place in the catalogues and grounds of both
amateurs and professional cultivators, but beyond these,
it is seldom that foreign varieties are exhibited at our fairs

no

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

or seen in market, with the exception of forced fruit. Of
hite the forcing of Strawberries under glass, in order to
have the fruit ripen during winter, has become a business
of considerable importance in the suburbs of nearly all
our larger cities, and for this purpose some of the foreign
sorts are said to be preferable to the native, owing in part
to their mild flavor, when raised under these artificial
conditions. For the above reasons, I have thought best
to retain the foreign list very much as it was in the first
edition of this work. Many new varieties might be added,
but little is known of them, and their merits would have
to be taken on trust, while those here named have been
pretty thoroughly tested by myself and other cultivators
in this country.

Ambrosia. {JSPlcholson.) — Large, roundish, dark red,
eweet and very good, moderately vigorous and productive.

Admiral Duudas. ( Myatt.) — Very large, irregular, of-
ten flattened, pale scarlet, very juicy, and brisk flavored.

Baron Bemau de Liuuick. {Makoy.) — Very large,
oblate or tiat-
teiied cone, light
scarlet ; seeds
prominent; flesh
pink, solid, sAveet
and perfumed.

Boulc d'Or.

( Boisselot. ) —
Very large,
roundish, flat-
tened, figure 45 ;
color a bright,
glossy, orange Fig. 45.— boule d'or.

scarlet; seeds prominent; flesh white, sweet and good;
plant robust and moderately productive.

Bonte de St. Julicn. {Carre.) — Medium to large, coni-

STRAW nKRRY. Ill

eal, dark crimson, sweet and good ; plant quite vigoroui
and very productive.

Bijou* (De JongJie.) — Fruit large, regular, bright,
flossy red ; flesh vory solid, sweet and crisp ; plant a
very dwarf grower, and with me very unproductive.

Bicolor. {De Jonghe.) — Medium, conical, liglit criiii
son, sweet and good. A poor grower.

Belle de Vibcrt. ( Vlhert.) — Large, conical, light crim*
Bon, sweet, but not rich ; flesh firm. A handsome berry ;
Bucceeds poorly, except in a very few localities.

Belle Ariesienne. {Demay.) — Very large, conical, dark
crimson, poor quality, and usually unproductive.

Carnolia illagna. {Be Jonghe.) — ^Large, oval, bright,
glossy Vermillion; seeds projecting; flesh solid, pink,
often hollow at the core, juicy and sweet ; productive.

Deptfor4 Pine. (Myatt.) — ^Large, pale orange scarlet,
almost white in the shade, very sweet ; the plant a vigor-
ous grower, but unproductive.

Duke de Malakofl*. (Gloede.) — Very large, irregular,
dark, dull red, poor flavor, and unproductive.

Eliza. (Myatts.) — See rejected list

Emma. (De Jonghe.) — Large, obtuse-conical, bright
Bcarlet, sweet and good ; plant hardy and moderately
productive. A new variety that promises well

Elton Improved. — Raised at the royal garden at Frog«
more, England. Large, conical, bright, glossy crimson;
seeds prominent ; flesh solid, sweet, and good.

Empress Eugenie. {K^ievett.) — Veiy large, irregular,
flattened, dull crimson, poor flavor, unproductive.

Frogmore Late Pine. {Ingram.) — Very large, conical,
sometimes flattened, bnlliant crimson, firm flesh, and of
good quality. A magnificent berry, but the plant bumi
badly in summer, and is unproductive,
6*

112

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

Goliath. [Kittley^s.) — An old variety placed in the re-
jected list by the American Poniological Society in 1858,
but still praised by a few growers. It is worthless.

Gwentvcr. {Mrs. Clements.) — Medium, roundish or
flattened, bright scarlet ; flesli })ink, juicy and sweet ;
vigorous, moderately productive and early.

Haquiu. {Ilaquin.) — Fruit large, flattened cone, bright
red ; seeds prominent ; flesh solid, white, juicy and sweet ;
plant hardy, requires very high culture and a moist soil
to insure even a moderate crop.

Hero* {De Jo7ighe.) — Large, of a regular, globular
shape, bright red ; flesh carmine, very sweet ; early.

Ilillnian. — Medium to large, oval, bright scarlet. New ;
from Germany; not fully tested.

Jucunda. {Salter.) — Large, conical, bright light crim-
son or dark scarlet, excellent flavor ; a good grower, but

rather tender ; moderately
productive. Figure 46. This
variety has lately been reviv-
ed under the name of Knox's
700, and it is said to be
very prolific in Mr. Knox's
grounds at Pittsburgh, Pa.
I have cultivated it for six
or seven years, but it has
never proved to be any more
productive than the mass of
foreign kinds which I have
Fig. 46.— JUCUNDA. tried. If it should prove

valuable at the West, it will only be another instance
among the many where the success of a variety is only
local.

Kate* {Mrs. Clements.) — Medium, conical, bright
glossy red, solid, juicy, sweet, but sprightly ; very early.

BTRAWBKRET.

KImbcrlcy Pine. {Kimherley) — Large, irregular, oval
or flattened, bright crimson; seeds very prominent; fiesh
very solid, red, juicy and brisk; productive, and late in
ripening.

La Constante* (De Jonghe.) — Large, regular, conical,
bright crimson, fine flavor ; flesli firm ; ripens late. One
of the most beautiful Strawberries known. The plant is
a dwarf grower, and requires a moist, rich soil, and even
under the highest culture it is not very productive.

La Sultanne* (De Jonghe.) — Large, conical, bright
deep scarlet, of excellent flavor, but the plant a poor
grower, and unproductive.

Lucida Perfecta. {Gloede.) — Said to be a cross be-
tween the British Queen and the Frag aria lucida of Cal-
ifornia. Large, round, bright salmon color ; flesh solid,
Bweet and rich. It is worthless with me, but it is said to
do well in some localities.

Lorenz Booth* (De Jonghe.) — Large, oval, bright
glossy red ; flesh dark crimson, solid, sweet, but sprightly ;
hardy.

Leon de Saint Laumer. {Dupuy Jamin.) — Large,

conical, bright pale scarlet; fle^jh carmine, rich, juicy and
sweet ; moderately prolific.

Lucas* {De Jonghe.) — Large, roundish, oval, glossy
crimson ; flesh hard, firm and crisp ; good flavor, and a
very good grower.

Marguerite* (Le Breton,) — Very large, long, conical,
pale scarlet, sweet, but rather insipid. With extra culti
vation it is quite productive, but the plant is naturally
feeble. A very fine show fruit.

IVapoleon III. — Fruit large, of a brilliant crimson;
flesh firm, juicy ; plant vigorous. The Austin has been
Bent out from several establishments in this country undei
this name.

JU

SMALL Flic IT CULTURIST.

Oscar. {Bradley.) — Large, slightly conical, dark crim.'
son, sweet, rich :nul good. A very handsome variety, re-
quirini;- extra culture.

Prince's Frederick William. (JVivin.) — Large, round-
ish, often flattened, light crimson,
sweet, of fair quality, early, moderate-
ly productive ; plant quite tender.

Souvenir de KieflT. (De Jonghe.) —

Very huge, thit cone ; seeds very pro-
minent ; bright glossy crimson ; flesh
solid, pale red, juicy and good.

Sabreur. {Mrs. Clements.) — Medi
um, conical (see fig. 47) ; color brigh;
orange scarlet ; seeds very prominent ;
flesh solid, Avhite, sweet, and of high
flavor; ])roductive. Fi--. 4;.-^abueur.

Topsy. {De Jonghe.) — Medium, elongated, conical,
(see figure 48,) bright light scarlet, sweet, sprightly and
good; plant moderately vigorous and productive.

Fig. 48.— TOPST. Fig. 40.— tkiomphe de gand.

Triomplie de Gand, — Very la-.-ge, irregular, conical,

STKAWREIIRY.

but often flattened, as in figure 40, bright crimson ; flesh
firm, cris]), not rich, riiiher mild flavor. This variety has
probably been more extensively cultivated and given l)et-
ter satisfiu'lion than any other fi)reign variety ever intro-
duced. Among the hundreds I liave tried, this has pleased
me most, because with good culture it has never failed to
give a large crop.

Viroinptessc Ilericart de Thcury. {Jamln and Du~
rand.) — Lai-ge, irregular, conical, sometimes flattened,
dark scarlet or liglit crimson ; flesh firm, sweet, lich and
excellent ; early and productive. This variety, like the
Triomplie, has been cultivated and widely disseminated,
and may be placed as second to none of the foreign kinds.

Vincuse de Nantes. {Boisselot.) — Medium to large,
flattened, figure 50, bright glossy crimson; seeds very
prominent ; flesh red, sohd and sweet, with a peculiar vin'
ous flavor.

- • . - f ;, -,

Fi":. 50. — VINEUSE DE NANTES.

Fiff. 51.— VICTORIA.

Victoria. {Trollo2:)e''s) — Figure 51. Yery large, round'
ish-conical, light pale scarlet ; seeds slightly imbedded,
and set wide apart ; flesh nearly white, juicy, but not rich,
often insipid. The productiveness of this variety is ex-
tremely variable ; in some soils it is very prolific, while in
others, apparently as rich, it is unproductive. It is au

SMALL FRUrr CULTUBI8T.

old English variety, discarded by neariy every cultivatoi
in the country, yet it has been frequently brought out un-
der a new name. Trerably's Union proved to be thii
variety, and was so declared by several fruit growert
when it was first exhibited. The Golden Queen of
liochester, N. Y., is also said to be the Victoria.

I might add a hundred varieties more to this list, but it
would be only increasing the number of names without ad-
ding any merit, and it is very likely that before these
pages are read by fruit growers there will be another list
of new kinds announced.

ALPINE STRAWBERRIES.

Alpine Redt (American Alpine, Berancon, De JHow
Preuil a Fiiiit Rouge, De Montreuil a Marteau, Fressant^
Dent de Cheval, De Ville de Dots.) — Medium, conical;
seeds projecting; liglit crimson or dark scarlet, mild sub-
acid, not rich, but good ; plant very hardy, and moder-
ately productive.

Alpine Red, Monthly. [Autumnal Galande, Des Ah
pes a Fruit Rouge, Des Alpes de tous les Mois a FVuii
Rouge, Des Alpes de deux Saisons a Fruit Rouge, Deh
Alpes de quatre Saisovs, Alpine Rouge, Scarlet Alpine^
ProlijiG Alpine, Poitou Alpine Monthly, Versailles AU
•pine Monthly, La Mendonaise, Glory de Nancy Alpine,
cfec, c&c.) — Similar to the common Red Alpine, but pro-
duces a continuous crop throughout the entire summer.
Requires high culture.

Alpine White. {Alpine Blanc, De Montreuil a Fruit
Blanc.) —Same as tlie first, except in color of fruit, >vhich
is white, and the leaves are of a lisrhter jxi'een.

Alpine White, Monthly. {Alpine Blanc, Des Alpes a
Fruit Blanc, Des Alpes de quatre Saisons, <&c,) — Same as
the common White Alpine, except that it bears a continu-
DUB crop through the summer.

i

STRAWBERRT. 117

Bnsh Alpine, Red. {Wood Strawberry, Buisson a
Fruit Rouge, Commun sans Filets, Sa?i8 Coulans Or-
di/iaire, JSa7is Filets^ Ordinaire, De Gaillon a Fruit
Rouge, €&c.) — Medium, roundish-ovate, sub-acid, rather
dry, agreeable ; plant produces few or no runners ; propa^
t^ated by dividing the plants. Suitable for edgings of
ivalks, or cultivating in pots or in very small gardens.

Bush Alpine, WllitCi ( White Wood Strawberry, BuiS'
tons dea Alpes Blanc, Buissons a Fruit Blanc, <fcc.) —
Same as the last, except in color of fruit. There are two
other varieties, one with red and the other with white
fruit, similar in every respect to the above, except they
continue in bearing all the season.

Green Alpine. (Be Bargemont, Breslinge d^ Angle-
terre, Caucasian, Green Pine Apple, Green Wood, Pow-
dered Pine, Yerte d'' Angleterre^ Frasier Vert, William's
Green Pine, Gilberts Large Brown, <jtc.) — This variety
is by some supposed to be a distinct species, but the ap«
pearance of the plant and fruit show it to be a true Al-
pine. Fruit small, roundish, depressed, greenish brown ;
flesh green, with a somewhat musky flavor. Cultivated
more as a curiosity than for its fruit.

One Leaved Alpine. (Fragaria monophylla.) — Leaves
simple, not divided ; fruit same as the last. Raised in
France in 1761 by Duchesne. Figured and described in
Curtis' Botanical Magazine, vol. 2, 1788, plate 63. Prob-
ably not now in cultivation,

HAUTBOIS STRAWBERRIES.

Belle Bordelais. — Roundish-oval, dark brownish pur
pie ; flesh white, juicy, sweet, with a strong musky flavor.
Said to produce a second crop in autumn, but has not
with me, although I have given it good culture for the
Dast six years.

Common Uautbois. (Fragaria elatior, Bioecimts Haut-

118 SMALL PRinT CtrLTTTRIST.

boiSy Musky HautboiSy <jbc.) — Medium, roundish or ovatc^
reddish green, strong musky flavor ; fruit stems projects
ing above the leaves. Hence the name Hautboy or High-
wood.

There are several varieties, the diffeience between them
being very slight. The most conitnon are :

Black Hautbois. — ^ledium, ovate, dark reddish brown.

Globe llautbois. — Roundish ovate, reddish green.

Lonff Fruited illiiSfatelle.— Oblong, rather small, late.

Prolific llautbois. {Double Bearing, Ilerrn aphrodite,
Regenfa Dwarf , Sacomhe, Sir Joseph DanJcs, Caperon
Royaly t&c.) — Conical ; large for this class ; flowers quite
large. One of the best,

Monstrous llautbois. — New. Said to be very large for
one of its class. There is a variety being disseminated
under this name, which does not belong to th« Hautboia
species.

The Hautbois varieties are very little cultivated in thia
country, as there are very few Americans who like ^heif
peculiar musky flavor.

CHAPTER m.

•—*•

BASPBEREY.

NATURAL FAMILY ROSACEiS.

[BuBUfl.— The Latin name for the Raspberry and Blackberry derived from tha
eeltic rub, red ; French name, Framboisier ; German, Himbeeren Strcmch ; Datch,
Framboot ; Italian, Bova-ideo ; Spanish, Frambueso ; the old English name ii
Uaspis or Sindberrsf.]

GENERAL CHARACTERS.

Perennial herbs, or somewhat shrubby plants, with
biennial, and, in a few species, perennial woody stems ;
flowers, white or red ; petals, five deciduous ; stamens,
many ; seeds collected on a spongy, succulent receptacle,
becoming small drupes. In the Raspberry, that which is
called the fruit, is a collective mass of drupes, which
readily parts from the dry receptacle when ripe.

SPECIES.

Our native species are divided into three classes by Dr.
Gray, as follows :

Class 1. — Leaves simple ; flowers large, prickles none •
fi^it and receptacle flat.

Rubus odoratus* — Purple Flowering Raspberry. — Stem
shrubby, three to five feet high ; branches, stalks and ca-
lyx bristly, with glandular, clammy hairs ; leaves three to
five lobed ; the lobes pointed and minutely toothed, the
middle one prolonged ; peduncles many flowered, purple
rose-oolored ; fruit variable in size, fi:om two or three
119

120 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

grains to nearly an inch in diameter, red, with a rather
dry, musky flavor. Common, in most of the Northern
States, in high rocky places. It is sometimes called
Thinibleberry, Mulberry, etc.

Rubus \utkaiiiis. — White Flowering Raspberry. —
Leaves almost equally five-lobed, scarcely bristly; petals
oval, white, very much like the last, and probably only a
variety of R. odoratas. Northern Michigan and west-
ward, and northward to Alaska. The California Salmon-
berry {R. veliitinus, llook.) is now regarded as only a
variety of this.

K. ('hauicTmorus. — Cloudberry. — Herbaceous, low; dioe-
cious ; stem simple ; two to three-leaved ; one-flowered ;
leaves roundish, kidney form, somewliat five-lobed ; petals
white ; grains few, amber color. Native of Europe, par-
ticuhirly in the more northern portions, also in the high
mountains of Maine and New Hampshire, and in the
Canadas.

Class 2. — Leaves three-foliate, «ometimes simple, but
rarely five-foliate. Stems soft, woody, and somewhat
prickly.

R. spectabilis, — Showy Raspberry. — Stems robust, five
to ten feet high, bearing a few straight, stout prickles ;
leaflets ovate, accuminate double incised -serrate and often
two or three-lobed ; veins beneath as well as petioles,
sparingly villous-pubescent ; flowers mostly solitary, red,
large, and showy ; fruit large ovoid, red, or yellow. Com-
mon on the Pacific coast from California northward to
Alaska. Var. Menziesii — Is more tomentose and silky,
but otherwise resembles the species.

Class 3. — Leaves compound, of three to five leaflets.
Stems annual, herbaceous, not prickly ; fruit of a few
separate grains.

Ri pedatus. — Bird's-foot Raspberry. — Stems slender,

RASPBERRY. l£l

pubescent ; lea\«os smooth or slightly villous ; leaflets
cuneate-oboviite, al)out an inch lonir, incisely toothed.
Flowers often solitary, on loni:;- slender peduncles, Avhite,
suceeeded by fruit consisting of from three to six largo
red, puli)y drui)elets. Pacific coast.

K. t rid or us. — Dwarf Raspberry. — Stems erect, six to
twelve inches high or trailing ; leaflets three ; rhombic-
ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute at both ends, coarsely
doubly serrate, thin, smooth ; peduncles one to three-
flowered. Woody hill-sides throughout the Northern
States. Not in cultivation, and no improved varieties
known.

Class 4. — Leaves as in Class 3. Stems biennial and
woody, prickly ; receptacle oblong ; fruit hemispherical.

R. Icciioderinis. — White-stemmed Raspberry. — Stem
erect, but ends bending over, as usual with all the black-
cap Raspberries ; glaucous, armed with stout, mostly re-
curved prickles ; leaves three-foliate, or sometimes pe-
dately five-foliate, never simple; leaflets ovate to lanceolate,
acuminate, double serrate, white-tomentose beneath, veins
and petioles prickly ; fruit large, but variable in color,
from a yellowish brown to black, usually with consider-
able bloom. This species was first described by Douglas
some fifty years ago, and recently in the Botany of Cali-
fornia, but from long acquaintance with it, not only in its
native habitats in the Rocky Mountains, and with plants
from various sources cultivated in my garden, I cannot
see why it should be separated as a distinct species from
the R. occidentidis.

R. striffOSiis. — Wild Red Raspberry. — Stems upright,
beset with stiff, straight bristles ; leaflets three to five,
oblong, ovate, pointed, cut serrate, whitish-downy under-
neath ; fruit light red, finely flavored. Common ev^jry*
where, and many varieties of it in cultivation.
6

122

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

R. occideiitalis— Black Raspberry. — Stems recurved,
armed with hooked prickles ; leaflets three, sometimes
five, ovate, pointed, coarsely serrate, whitened under-
neath ; fruit purple or black, occasionally yellowish-white.
A variable species.

R. Idseus. — European Raspberry. — Stems erect, woody,
prickles, slender, straight ; leaves trifoliate ; leaflets ovate,
deeply serrate, wliitish-tomentose beneath, green above;
flowers white ; fruit red or yellowish-white ; root peren-
nial, creeping, producing numerous suckers. Common
garden Raspberry. Native of various portions of Europe,
and probably of Asia. It derived the name Idseus from
Mount Ida — tliis name being given it by the Greeks.

There are many other species of the Raspberry, natives
of different portions of the world. In fact, there is
scarcely a country with which we have any communica-
tion that does not possess one or more species. Many of
these have been introduced, but so far none have proved
of sufficient value to be worthy of cultivation.

The E. Japonicus, which was disseminated some years
ago from the experimental garden at Washington, was
supposed at the time to be of value, but it proved to be
too tender for open air culture at the North, and we have
no accounts of it from the South.

The E. Idceus has given thus far all varieties from
abroad worthy of cultivation. But from our native spe-
cies, Eubus strigosus and E. occidentalism a number of
very valuable varieties have been produced.

HISTORY.

Pliny, the elder, who is supposed to have written his
natural history about the year 45, mentions the Raspberr,*
as one of the wild brambles, which the Greeks called Idae^

EABPBERRT. l23

Palladins, a Roman agricultural writer, wLo flourished
in the fourth century, or about fourteen liundred yearti
ago, mentions the Raspberry as one of the cultivated
fruits of his time.

Tusser, Gerarde and Parkinson mention the Red Rasp-
berry, and Miller adds the White as among the varieties
of his tima

But like most of the other small fruits, very little im
provement was made until within the past century, as th
old gardeners depended mainly upon the wild plants,
which they obtained from the woods of their own o?
some foreign country,

PROPAGATION.

By Seeps. — Growing from seed is only tj be recom-
mended for the purpose of producing new varieties.
Gather the fruit when fully ripe, and either dry it and
preserve the seeds in this manner until wanted for plant-
ing, or wash the seed from the pulp and preserve in sand,
or sow them immediately in the open ground. Raspberry
seeds possess great vitality, and may be kept sound for
years in any cool dry place. If sown in the fall they will
germinate early in spring, and usually produce canes suf-
ficiently strong to fruit the second year. If the seed is
from a tender variety, then the young plants should be
protected in winter, either by being taken up and heeled-in,
or by bending down and covering with soiL It is usually
better to take up the seedlings in the fall and heel them
in until spring, then plant again, cutting them down close
to the ground at the time. This will cause them to throw
up strong canes, that will produce fniit the next (third)
year in sufficient quantities to enable the grower to deter-
mine very nearly its relative value to other kinds.

By Roots and Root Cuttings. — A larger portion of
(he varieties of the Raspberry in cultivation produce

124 SMALL FBUrr CULTUBISX

Bnckers from the roots, or what may be properly called
underorround stems.

There is, however, one species, and its varieties, which
does not, as a rule, multiply in this manner, but as this it
only a single exception, I will give the method of its prop-
agation under the head of layers.

Some varieties produce suckers in great abundance,
vv hile others do so sparingly. This manner of propagation
being a natural one, we take advantage of it, and not only
allow the plants to produce suckers naturally, but dig up
the roots and cut them into small pieces, and force each to
produce a plant, thus increasing the number many fold.

To save repetition I will give a rule which will apply to
all of the members of this great family of plants, whether
it be the Rose, Raspberry, Blackberry, Apple, Pear, Plum,
&c., &c., and that is, any of them which naturally pro-
duce suckers from the roots may be readily propagated
from cuttmgs of the same. Those which produce them
most abundantly are the most readily multiplied in this
manner. Whether it would be advisable to employ this
means of propagation upon every variety or species which
is susceptible of it, is an open question, but upon the spe-
cies now under consideration, there is scarcely a doubt of
its utility ; therefore I will give the manner in which I
usually })ropagate those varieties of Raspberries which
naturally produce suckers, as w^ell as all of the varieties
and spejies of the Blackberry. I follow the same plan
for both, and with equally good results.

Take up the roots when the plants have ceased growing,
and cut them into pieces of from one to three inches in
length. Then prepare some boxes, by boring holes in the
bottom to insure a good drainage, and place a layer of
straw over the holes to prevent the soil from fiilling
through ; put on an inch or two of soil, over this a layer of
roots, then a layer of soil, and so on until the box is fiill

KASPBEIIKY. 125

Bury the boxes eontainiiig tlio roots on a dry knoll or
pl'iLrlit olovjition in tlic garden, ])ank thern np with soil,
and cover so deeply that the roots will not })v. frozen. In

addition to this, it is
well to cover the
whole with boards
to carry off the Ava-
ter, and if the soil is
naturally tenacious
Fi<?. 52.— BOX OF CUTTINGS. and wet, a small ex-

cavation should be made at a point that will be under the
center of the box when put in place, as shown in figure 52.
■ This arrangement will allow any surplus moisture which
may accumulate in the boxes to drain off. Early in spring,
as soon as the w^eather and soil will permit, take out the
roots and plant them in good rich soil, placing the pieces
about three or four inches apart, in drills, and covering
two to four inches deep, according to the nature of the
soil. If it is a heavy one, two inches will be sufficient.
When the plants are to be cultivated with the plow or
cultivator, the drills should be three feet apart ; but the
best method is to place them not more than eighteen
inches or two feet apart, and cultivate entirely with the
hoe or fork. In a naturally dry and porous soil, it is a
good plan to cover the entire surface, at the time of plant-
ing, with a liberal dressing of some coarse material as a
mulch. This will insure a supply of moisture, and often
save a large portion of the cuttings, if not the entire
stock. Cuttings made in the fjxll, and placed w^here they
will not freeze during winter, have an advantage over
those made in the spring, from the fact that the peculiar
process which always precedes the formation of roots,
called the callus, has sufficient time for full development
before actual root growth commences. The new roots are
usually emitted from the ends of the cuttings where the
callus appears. The callus is always produced first, roots

126 SMALL FBUIT CULTUIUST.

succeed it, but what relation the callus bears to the root
is not fully known ; it appears to hold the same relation
to it that the cotyledons of some seeds do to the germ,
I. e,y it supplies the roots with the necessary food until
they are able to extract it from the soil themselves.

The buds from which the stems are produced are dis-
tinctly adventitious, that is, they do not arise from any
previously formed or latent bud, but are developed from
the matter between the bark and wood. From this point
the bud originates ; first, by a very minute aggregation
of cells, which assumes a conical shape, pressing outward
through the bark and up to the surface, where the leaves
are spread out to the light and air. Sometimes several
buds will be produced on a very small piece of root ; but
when this occurs all will be comparatively feeble if they
continue to grow. In a majority of such cases the
stron crest of them will take the lead and the others fail

Figure 53 shows a piece of root with two shoots, one of
which has reached the surface, and the leaves expanding.
Plants jrrown in this manner are much better than those
produced in the natural maimer from suckers, because
they are more abundantly supplied with fibrous roots.
Root cuttings of from one to three inches in length, plant-
ed in crood soil, will make plants one to three feet high
the first season. Plants may also be taken up, and the
roots made into cuttings, in the spring, and planted in the
same manner as described for those made in the fall.

When the variety is very scarce, then any small roots
may be used for propagating, but in such cases it is best
not to attempt it in the open ground, but place them in a
propagating house. Cut the roots into pieces of from one-
half to one inch long, mix with sand, and place in a warm
situation, but not in so high a temperature as to force the
formation of buds. When the callus is formed, and buds
begin to show themselves upon the surface, which they
should do in four to six weeks, place them in soil conor

RASri'.KKKV.

127

posed of equal ])arts of leaf mold and sand, and in a posi-
tion wliere tliev will receive a lieat of seventy-five to
niiu'ty deixrees.

\\'lien the ])lants have made a growth of four to six
inches, they may be potted singly, or planted out into the
open ground, provided the weather is warm and there is
no danger of their hecoiniiig checked by cold.

Fii;. 53. — ROOT cuttlng.

Root cuttings, however, produce the very best plants,
and the number that can be made from the roots of one
large stool, if given proper care, is much greater than
one would suppose who has never tried it.

There will be occasionally a variety whose roots will
develop buds very slowly with ordinary care, and. they
require a little forcing. With such kinds I have some-
times found it beneficial to place the boxes of roots in a

e

1^8

SMAIX FllUIT CULTUIilST.

warm cellar or room, during winter, being careful not to
keep iheni so Avet as to cause tbem to rot, nor so dry tliat
they will shrivel. In a warm situation, and with jjroper
care in keeping them just moist and no more, both buds
and roots are sure to be produced by planting time in
spring.

Layers. — Layering, as a means of propagating the
Raspberry or lUackberry, is seldom practiced, neither is
it to be recommon«led, except in cases of extreme scarcity.
To succeed with this mode, the layers must be put down

Fig. 54 —MANNER OP GROWTH Oi 1 h.V 1- uAi'.

early in the season, so soon as the young canes are of suf-
ficient size to be conveniently liandled. A tongue should
be made on the layer as with hard wooded plants, al-
though with some varieties of tlie H. occidentalism this is
not necessary, as every portion of the branch that is cov-
ered will readily emit roots. Most of the varieties of this
species grow in the form shown in figure 54. The canes
grow very strong and stocky at the base, gradually becom-
ing slender, and the ends bending down to the ground
and taking root as shown, thus form a natural layer.
The extreme point of the cane generally, after entering
the ground, turns up, forming a large bud, from which the
cane for the next season is produced.

KASrBKliKY,

12'J

130 eiiALL FBUIT CULTUBIfiT.

In figure 55 is shown what may be called a well-rooted
plant, produced from the tip of one of the canes. When
\hese young plants are taken up, a foot or more of the
cane may be left on them for convenience in liandluig, but
when planted again this should be cut off close to the
•oots, and but the one bud {A.) allowed to grow.

Occasionally more than one plant will be produced upon
a single cane, because after the extreme end of the main
cane has taken root, one or more of the buds immediately
above it will push into growth, and being but a few inches
off the ground they soon reach it and become rooted, as
shown in figure 56. Sometimes the roots will become so
interlaced that they are separated with difficulty, although
in the engraving they are shown with very few roots.

If a foot or more of the cane is covered with soil, late
in the summer, when the wood has become somewhat
firm, roots will be emitted from every portion of it, and
when taken up it may be separated, and each bud become
a plant. The plants obtained in this manner are not gen-
erally as good as those produced from the extreme tip of
the canes. It will very often be necessary to go over the
plantation and cover the tips of the canes to insure their
producing roots. If the plants are grown where the wind
is constantly moving the canes about, their tips will not
root, because they do not remain long enough in one place
to allow the roots to penetrate the soil. All that is neces-
sary is to throw a small quantity of soil on to the extreme
end of each cane. A garden trowel is a good implement
for this purpose, putting on just soil enough to keep the
end of the cane steady in one place, and no more.

The time of performing this operation will vary in dif
ferent locations and soils. In the latitude of New York
City, the last of August to the middle of September u
the usual time of covering or layering the canes. But
care should be observed in not covering too early, as weU
as deferring it until too late.

KASrBERRY,

131

The canes will usually sliow indications of becoming
rooted, such as a slight enlargement near the end, a ceac

Fig. 56. — END OF STEM FORMING SEVERAL PLANTS.

sation of growth, &c., before it is really necessary or safe
to cover them. If covered too early, and before the canes

132 BMALL FBUn OULTU&IST.

have begun to ripen, they will rot, and no plant will bt
produced.

The roots will continue to grow until the ground freezes,
and if the canes are in a proper state when covered, they
will generally become well rooted in two or three weeks.

It is so little trouble to cover the tips, and thereby in-
sure their taking root, that it is seldom advisable to neg*
lect it, if the plants are wanted. All of the tips will not
be in the same condition at one time, so that it will be
necessary to go over the plants at least twice, covering a
portion each time.

The same theory has been advanced by some cultivators
in regard to the plants produced from the ends of the
canes, as that which I have mentioned in a previous chap*
ter, relative to the runners of the Strawberry. And there
is just as much truth in one as the other ; the only differ-
ence, in fact, lies in the strength of the plants, and should
the last tip reach a lump of manure or richer soil than the
first one, it would become a better rooted plant than the
first, and superior to it in every respect.

There is another theory in regard to the production of
plants of this class of Raspberry that has been accepted
by many, and may be worthy of a passing remark.

The theory referred to was promulgated by Mr. Doo-
little, the introducer of the Jocelyn or Doolittle Black
Raspberry, and is this : "The first growth from the young
plants only nmst be used for propagation." To carry out
this plan, the young plants may be allowed to take root at
the ends the first season, but thereafter, no plants must be
taken from them, but new plants must be put out every
season for the purpose of propagation.

Mr. Doolittle claims that great improvement can be, and
bas been, made by following this system for several years
in succession, and if it is not followed,the plants degener'
*te. But facts do not substantiate the theory, because
we have varieties that have been as many years in culti

BASPBEBBY.

133

vuion as the one sent out by Mr. Doolittlc, and although
ni'vor subjected to this system, they liave not deteriorated.

And furl-hcr, there is not one grower of the Black Rasp
horry in a liundred who attempts to follow Mr. Doolittle's
plan, hut they propagate from the same stools from year to
year, and yet tiiis variety appears to be just as large, pro-
ductive and good as it was when first disseminated.

Mr. Doolittle's theory is contrary to the one usually ac-
cepted in regard to fruit trees, for with them we generally
select wood for propagation from fully developed speci-
mens, believing that by doing so we are more likely to in-
sure productive and healthy plants, than by pursuing an
opposite course.

Young plants may sometimes produce better ones than
old, because when planted on fresh soil, and the stem be
ing entirely removed, they start early, making a compara-
tively small plant the first season — the ends of the branches
reach the ground earlier, and become rooted before they
would from older stools. Just so long as the old plants
can be kept growing vigorously, and the young canes re-
main healthy, they may be used for propagation without
danger of deterioration.

All of the varieties of the Black Raspberry are more or
less subject to producing what are generally called sports,
that is, the plants vary from the usual type very often
without any apparent cause. Sometimes the plant will as
bume a very different character from the normal one, becom-
ing barren, leaves smaller, canes of a different color, &c^
while in other instances these sports will be a decided im-
provement upon the original, the fruit becoming larger
and produced in greater quantity, or two crops will be
borne in a season instead of one.

These changes may be the result of neglect in culture,
diseases, or from extra care, which causes a more rapid
and full development than usual.

134

81LJLLL FBUTT CULTUBIST.

By CiTTTiNas. — There are but few varieties of the Rasp
berry that can be successfully grown from ripe wood cut-
tings. Soma of tlie Black Raspberry class will succeed
if the cuttings are made early in the f dl, and then placed
in a propagating house, but, as a rule, there is nothing
gained in endeavoring to propagate them in this manner
Green wood cuttings, however, grow very readily by the
«anie process used by propagators in multiplying grapes
and other plants.

The cuttings may be taken from plants gromng in the
open air, but it is better to take them up in the autumn
and pot them, and place in a propagating house, and then
take otf the young growth from time to time as it appears.

All the varieties and species of the Raspberry and
Blackberry may be successfully propagated in this manner
whenever it is desirable; although there being so many
other methods of multiplying them, that it will seldom be
necessary to resort to this one.

Single bud cuttings may be made of the mature wood
in the fall, always selecting the medium sized branches and
those that have not become very hard.

In making these single bud cuttings, cut off the cane
about half an inch above the bud, and the same distance

below, and then divide the cut-
ting through the middle length
wise, preserving the half that
Fig. 57.-SINOLK BUDcuTTiNo. coutaius the bud (fig. 57). Plant

them in boxes or pots, about an inch apart, covering
about half an inch deep ; then place them where they
will be in a temperature of from 75 to 100 degrees.
This is not quite so certain a method as the others, still
with some varieties very good plants can be produced by
an experienced propagator. When propagating the Black,
berry from single bud cuttings, the dividing of the stem
lengthwise may be omitted, but with the Raspberry it if
better than leaving them entire.

RASPBERRY. 135

By Suckers. — While, as T have previously stated, there
are some varieties whieii naturally i)r()<luce suckers in
aT)un(hince, there are also others that do so very sparingly;
and still these kinds do not multiply in nny other way if
left entirely to themselves. It is also true that those kinds
whieh produce few suckers are more difficult to propau^ate
from cuttings of the roots; consequently we must find
some method of forcing the roots to produce a greater
number of suckers than they do naturally.

This may be accomplished in the following manner:
Late in autumn, or very early in spring, dig up the old
stools by cutting off with a spade all the roots within a
foot of the base of the stem.

In figure 58 is shown a plant of the Philadelphia Rasp-
berry, the simi-circular white line showing the point where

the roots are severed. The Phila-
delphia, Catawissa, ji^nd similar
kinds, which do not sucker freely,
are often treated in this manner.
If more plants are wanted than
may be expected if the roots are
left entire, then another incision
may be made in the same way
one foot outside of the first, but
in making it, no soil should be
j^/^j thrown out, the spade being
thrust down hito the soil its en-
tire length, to separate the roots,
— '"' . ^_ ^^-^ and then withdrawn. After the

ri-.58.-c. iTiNa THE ROOTS, roots have been divided, the sur^
face of the soil should be harrowed over and made level.
If a liberal supply of manure is applied as a top dressing,
it will assist the growth of the plants very much. The
roots remaining in the ground will usually throw up
suckers in abundance, and make excellent plants.

6*

136 SMALL FRUIT CULTTJRI8T.

SOIL AND LOCATIONS.

For the purpose of giving a general rule (exceptioiu
included), I will divide the Raspberries into two classes,
without regard to species :

Class 1. — The common Red and White kinds, taking
the Antwerps as the foreign branch, and the wild Red as
the native type. These require a deep rich moist soil, and
one that is rather compact, such as a heavy loam or clay.
These succeed very poorly in a sandy soil, unless it be in
the extreme North.

Class 2. — ^The Black Raspberry {R. occidentalis) and
its varieties succeed in both light and heavy soils (although
they prefer the former), and in the most Northern as well
as in the Southern States.

To this peculiarity of the varieties of the two classes,
we owe, in a great measure, the diversity of opinion so
often expressed by fruit growers from the different sections
of the country.

The Antwerp class, as a whole, do not succeed upon
light soils south of latitude forty-one, and they sometimes
fail even to the north of this. In the sandy soils of New
Jersey, and farther South, their leaves burn in summer,
which prevents the canes maturing; consequently they
die in winter whether covered or otherwise.

This has been one of the great obstacles to Raspberry
culture, as this class has been the one chiefly recommended,
for the very good reason that the fruit was of superior
quality, although the plants were delicate.

North of the latitude named, very few of the varieties
cultivated are hardy, and protection in winter is required.
A few of the native Red kinds will withstand the cold of
winter at the North, but for some cause they have not aa
yet become very popular. These few kinds, which arf
hardy at the North, often fail at the South from the cause
named^ and the canes winter-kill even in a very mild

BASPBEBBT.

alimato. The fact that one class succeeds bettor in a
heavy soil than a liglit one should not be overlooked, even
at the South, but taken advantage of whenever practicable

SELECTION OF PLANTS.

The canes of all the varieties of Kaspberries are only
biennial, that is, canes are produced one year, bear fruit
♦.he next, and then die ; therefore there is no such thing
as two or three year old plants, as with trees and vinea^
when we refer to the stems, but the roots may be several
years old, as they are perennial. One year old plants are
the best for transplanting in all cases. Suckers are con-
sidered the best plants with those kinds which produce
them, but plants grown from root cuttings, if the opera-
tion is properly performed, are equally as good, and some-
times they are really superior, because furnished with a
larger number of fibrous roots. The same may be said of
those grown from cuttings of the stems ; they may be of
first rate quality or otiierwise.

The old stools may also be taken up and divided and
planted again, but such plants are not to be recommended,
and should never be used if it can be avoided. With
those kinds which produce plants from the tips of the
canes, it is more important to select none older than one
season, because the old plants produce new fibers very
slowly at the best, and when transplanted they are very
likely to fail, even with the best of care.

PLANTING AND CULTURE.

Thorough preparation of the soil before planting is jua
^ important with the Raspberry as with other fruits.

Planting in rows and then restricting the plants to hilla
or stools, as it is termed, is tlie usual method.

The rows should be four to six feet apart, according to
the variety cultivated. With the Antwerp, and similar
varieties, four feet each way is the usual distance, but witb

138 SMALL FRUIT CULTUEIST.

the stronger growing kinds the rows should De at 1ea«t
six feet apart, and the plants four or five feet apart in thi
rows.

In planting the smaller growing kinds, two plants may
be set in a hill, placing them about six inches apart ; for
in this way we double the chances of securing a uniform
plantation, because one may die and tlie other live ; and
if both should grow, a large stool will be secured in less
time than if the plants were placed singly. The first cost
of the plant is not usually of so much importance as the
loss of a crop, or of a year in time, which would be the
result wherever the plants should die and have to be re-
placed. Spring is the usual time in the Northern States
for planting the Raspberry, and the fall for sections where
the ground does not freeze very deeply.

Select plants that have plenty of small fibrous roots,
and set them no deeper than they were before removaL
The upper tier of roots is usually about four inches below
the surface, but in some instances tliey will be at a faf
greater depth. It is not advisable, however, to plant
deeply, because the suckers which spring from the stem
below ground, or from the lateral roots, will not come up
BO freely when the plants are set deep as when shallow.
At the time of planting, cut the canes down close to the
surface of the soil, because if they are left entire, it will
require nearly, if not quite, all the strength of the root to
force the buds on them into growth. These will produce
a few weak shoots, and perhaps some fruit, and then the
sanes will die down to the root and no farther.

The entire forces of the plant are required the first sea-
eon to produce canes, if anything like a crop of fruit U
expected the next.

In some sections of the country the soil is naturally
very poor, and it may also be very difficult to obtain sui
ficient manure to enrich the whole of it before planting.
Under such circumstances, the plants may be manured ii

SABPBERBT. 139

the hill by mixinpj a shovel full or more with the soil at
the point marked for the plants before setting thenL

Aflerwarda manure may be applied to the surface of thfe
soil, and worked in with plow or cultivator. If barn-yard
manure, or a compost of it, and other materials cannot be
obtained, then bone, poudrette, or some other kind may
be applied.

A plow or cultivator may be used among the plants for
keeping the weeds down in summer, but keep the soil as
nearly level as possible ; never bank up the plants and let
them remain in this situation for any considerable time.
A small plow may be used to break up the soil between
the rows whenever it is necessary, but the cultivator
should be passed over it soon after, to level it down again.

If the variety cultivated is one that increases by suckers,
allow but one or two from each root to grow the first sea-
son, and not more than six to eight from one stool in any
one year thereafter, unless the production of plants is more
important than that of fruit.

The fruiting canes will not always remain in one place,
as the suckers will come up more freely upon one side
than upon another, and the uniform distances between the
stools will soon be lost, and some will be six feet apart
while others not more than two. A little care given a1
the time the suckers are making their appearance in early
summer, by cutting out where they are likely to be
crowded, and preserving all where they are thin, will ena-
ble the grower to preserve the required number of bear-
ing canes in each row.

It will often be necessary to use the hoe among the
plants, because the dIow or cultivator cannot be used to
advantage, except in passing lengthwise of the rows,
except for the first year or two, and not then unless great
care was observed in planting, so that the rows are placed
in direct lines each way.

Clean cultivation is important, because if the plants b»

14:0 BMAix FRirrr culturist.

come choked with grass and weeds, it will cliect then
growth, and not only the fruiting canes will suffer for
moisture, but those intended for the next season's crop.

With varieties which produce no suckers from lateral
roots, but only from the crowns of the main root, greatef
uniformity can bo preserved in their cultivation. The
^nly precaution necessary is to see that too many caiiea
do not grow ; three or four are sufficient, all others should
be cut oflf when they first appear.

PRUNING.

Very little pruning is necessary with the Raspberry, and
in general field culture none is given, except to go over the
plantation after fruiting and cut out close to the ground
all of the old canes. Some defer this operation until win-
ter or the following spring, but it is better to do it soon
after the fruit is gathered, so that the young canes shall
not be crowded by the old ones. Because no other pru-
ning is generally practiced, it is no sufficient reason why it is
not necessary, or that it would not be beneficial. The bear-
ing canes should be pruned in the spring by heading back
the leading shoots, and shortening the lateral ones. This
operation is particularly beneficial to the Black Raspberry,
Purple Cane, and otliers of this class, inasmuch as they
produce such long slender canes that they would be
broken or bent to the ground by the weight of fruit un-
less peverely pruned.

The principal canes, as well as the lateral ones, should be
slioiteued to about one-third their original length. Wlien
pruned in this manner the fruit will be much larger, and
the plant will yield as many quarts as though the canes
were left, their full length. Besides, the plants will very
often set more fruit when left unpinned than they can
mature, and all is lost.

There are a few varieties in cultivation which prodaof
(wo crops iu a season ; that is, the year old canes throw

RASPBKEEY. 141

oai Iriteril fruitinc^ brnnclies the same as other kinds, and
the new canes of tlie season bear fruit on their terminal
point or branches in autumn. This second crop, or what
is really the first crop of the cane, is usually not a very
abundant one, although highly prized by some persons,
)>ecaase produced at other than the usual season for such
fruit. If it is desirable to increase the late crop, then the
entire plants should be cut down at the time of the annual
pruning. This will cause the young canes to start early,
and having the whole root for their support, they will
come into bearing earlier in the fall, and bear more abun-
dantly than if two crops were produced.

TRAINING.

In general field culture the usual mode is to train to
stakes, but many cultivators are now dispensing with
these artificial aids, and by close pruning they endeavor
to make the canes sustain their fruit without assistance.

I think, however, that it is questionable at least whether
there is really anything saved by not using stakes, because
many of the canes will be blown down by the wind, others
will be broken by the weight of fruit, while the lateral
branches will fall upon the ground, and the fruit become
splashed with soil, thus making it unfit for use. The cost
of stakes is but a trifle in comparison to the value of the
fruit lost when they are not used, especially when it com-
mands so large a price as it does in most of our eastern
mai kets.

Chestnut stakes five feet long and two to three inches in
diameter, made from large trees, cost me less than two
cents each, and my location is within twenty miles of New
York City, and where timber of all kinds commands a
large price. I cannot afford to grow Raspberries without
staking, because every stake will save on an average ten
cents worth of fniit, and in maoy instances three time«
Ihiit amount.

143

SMAIX FRUIT CULTURIST.

In the great Raspberry plantations of New York, stakes
are used, and every fruiting cane is tied up^ early in spring.
The stakes used are four or live feet long, one being driven
near each stool, and the canes tied loosely to it. After the
crop has been gathered, the stakes are all taken up and
put away under cover until wanted the next season. The
old canes are all removed in the full, and all suckers not
Avanted for fruiting are taken up, preparatory to givmg
winter protection to those that remain.

WINTER PROTECTION.

Until within a very few years, the varieties principally
cultivated for market were those of foreign origin. Oc-
casionally one would be introduced that was quite hardy

Fig. 59. — LAYING DOWN THE CANES.

even in the Northern States, but as a whole they required
protection to insure a full crop. INIany different methods
for protecting the plants in Avinter have been suggested
and tried, but there is probably none so simple or cheap
as that of laying down the i)lants and covering with soil.
To perform this operation rapidly,it requires two men, one
to bend down the plants Avhile the other throws a shovel
full of soil upon them, or just enough to keep them in
place. The canes should be bent down lengthwise of the
row, as shown in figure 59. When the plants have all
been laid down, a plow is passed along on each side of the
row, turning the soil upon them. In this manner an acre

RASPBRBBT. 143

may be coverecl at a cost not exceeding fifteen dollars.
The plants should not be covered until the approach of
cold weather, usually deferring the o})eration as long as it
can be with safety. If the canes are covered while the
weather is warm, or before they are fully ripe, they will
decay.

In the spring, after all danger of severe freezing is past,
take up the canes by passing a fork under them, gently
lifting and shaking off the soil. Drive down the stakes
and tie the canes to them as before. Cut off all dead and
broken canes, and shorten all others. When the canes are
rery tall, a foot or more may be pruned off with benefit to
that which remains. All side or lateral branches should
be shortened at least one-half, and sometimes if two-thirds
of their length were cut away, it would be still better.

GARDEN CULTURE.

The same general systems adapted to field culture are
also applicable to the garden, but usually more care will be
bestowed upon a few plants than upon a larger number.
When only a few are grown, they may be watered, or the
ground covered with a mulch, either of which operations
will assist very much in the full development of the fruit.

The plants may also be allowed to bear the first season,
if fruit is very desirable, for by giving extra care, new
canes for the next year may be produced from the same
root, besides supporting the fruiting cane. It is, however,
the safest plan to set three or four plants in a hill, and cut
one or two of them down to the ground, and leave the
others with canes about two feet long. Sometimes quite
a large crop will be produced on plants set in spring, and
though it usually prevents the root throwing up suckers
Btrong enough to bear the ensuing year, still, with plants
\hat cost but a few cents each, there is nothing lost even
£ they die outright after fruiting. With those who are
ju»t commencing a garden, it is sometimes qiiite an object to

i'A

SMALL FRUIT CULTUKJST.

have fruit the first season, even if there is no profit in the op-
eration. A ditlerent system of training may also be adopted,
and instead of stakes, a simple and cheap trellis may be made
by setting strong stakes about twenty feet apart along the
rows, and then stretch a wire from one to the other, and

Fij^, CO.— RASPBERRY TRELLIS.

to this tie the fruit in 2; canes, as shown in figure 60. If
the variety cultivated is tender, then bend down and cover
the canes with soil in Avintcr, using a spade or shovel in-
stead of the plow.

Fis^. 61.— TRAINING TO STAKES.

Another method is shown in figure 61. In this the
stakes are driven on opposite sides of the stools and about
two feet distant, the bearing canes are bent over and tied
in the manner shown. The young shoots of the season
will not always grow up in the center as represented in the
engraving, but that is the place wheie it would be desira-
ble to have them grow to enable us to carry out this

RASPIIEIIKT.

145

soniONvhat ideal system. The bearini^ canes arc cut away
after the iVuit is u^athered, and tlie next spring the four
young canes shown in an upright position, are hent down
ill the same manner as those of the previous year.

Training within a hoop is a very pretty plan for small
gardens. This is done by driving two stakes, one on each
side of the stool, and about a foot
from it ; then take a common barrel
hoop and nail it to the stakes, as in
figure 62. The canes are trained up
withhi the hoop and tied to it at
regular distances apart, thereby sup-
porting the canes and prevcnthig
them from being blown about by
the winds and injuring the fruit.

There are many other very neat
and convenient systems of training
the Raspberry in use among amateur
cultivators, but those already named will give the reader a
very good idea of their general scope, besides suggesting
other modes, such as training upon walls, fences, along
the sides of walks or as a khid of a hedge, also planting and
training in a half shady situation, with a northern exposure
for a late crop, and in one of an opposite character for an
early one.

So various are tjie changes that can be made in every
department of fruit-culture, that to give them all in detail
would require one or more large volumes for each species
in cultivation.

Fi.

62. — HOOP TRAIK-
ING.

DURATION OF PLANTS.

The duration of a Raspberry plantation will depend
very much upon the variety cultivated, as well as upon the
nature of the soil and care given the plants. Ten to four-
teen years is about the average under good culture, but
sometimes they -will remain productive for twenty years.

14G SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST,

No rule or set time should be heeded in this mutter, but
so soon as the 2)laiits fail to produce remuuenitive crops,
plow them up and plant some other crop upon the soil,
for two or three years, after which it may again be planted
with Kaspberries if it is desirable.

DISEASES AND INSECTS.

The diseases affecting the Raspberry are principally
those known by the common names of rust and blight.
They are microscopic fungi or parasitic plants of a low
order, which seem to thrive best under conditions inimi-
cal to their victims. If plantations of the Raspberry are
neglected, and weeds are permitted to grow and ab-
sorb the moisture and fertility of the soil, some of the
many species of rusts are pretty certain to ajopear, and
aid in the destruction of the plants. A cold, wet, or dry
season, over-bearing of the plants, exhaustion of the fer-
tility of the soil, ill Tact, any condition unfavorable to
the growth of the Raspberry canes, is usually followed by
the appearance of blight or rust. A peculiar species of
red or orange-colored rust has, of late years, been very
prevalent among both Raspberry and Blackberry planta-
tions of the Eastern States, but appears to be more
abundant and injurious to Black-cap Raspberries than
other species. It has received tlie scientific name of
TJredo rubrorum. Various remedies haye been recom-
mojided, and while some may answer, together with good
cultivation, the safest plan is to dig up and burn every
infested plant as soon as it is discovered in one's grounds.
Applications of lime, salt^ ashes, soot, and similar ferti-
lizers, may in some instances ward off attacks of fungoid
diseases, but when they once become prevalent, the cul-
tivator had better spend his time in setting out new
plantations on fresh soil, than in attempting to renovate
those that are old and diseased.

RASPBERRY.

147

"With insects the cultivator has a better chance of ob-
taining the mastery than with the microscopic fungi,
ultliougli with some of the smaller and more numerous
s])ec'ies of insects, he has enough to do if they are kept
in check. Some kinds infest both the Raspberry and
Blackberry, and as it would not be strange to find almost
any of the species passing from the plants of one to the
other, I shall treat of the enemies of both in tliis place.

The common cutworms are sometimes very destructive
to the young suckers about the old plants, these pests
severing them as they appear above the surface. In old
and well-established plantations, the loss of a few hun-
dreds or thousands of new shoots will not be missed, for
others soon appear from the subterranean stems and roots ;
but in newly set plantations, the destruction of the first
young shoots frequently causes the roots to die, and re-
planting becomes necessary. I have found the cutworms
a great pest, when setting out Black-cap tips, they ap-
pearing to be very fond of the young sprouts, and if left
undisturbed will very soon destroy the plants. The only
certain method of destruction of cutworms is to search
about the hills or plants daily, and crush
all that are found. They usually hide
just under the surface, and not many
inches from the plants they have attack-
ed, or are about to prey upon. There
are also several leaf-cutting pests which
occasionally infest Raspberry plants, but
with all these, dusting the plants with
lime, ashes, and similar insecticides, will
usually prove effectual. Among the in-
sects affecting the canes, the common Raspberry-Borer, oi
Red-necked Buprcstis {Agrilus riificolUs), figure 63, is
probably the most injurious, at least in the Western
States. It is a small beetle of the form shown in the en-
graving, with a red thorax or neck. The larva bores th©

Fiff. 63.— RASP-

BERBY-BORER.

/48 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

c.mes in summer, causing large excrescences or galls, check-
ing tlie flow of sap, and causing the death of the cane.

The Snowy Tree-Cricket {CEcanthus ni veils), figure G4,
is another insect pest that appears to prefer the canes of
the Raspberry as a nidus fur its eggs, to the twigs of other
shrubs and trees. It will, however, if there are no Rasp-
berry plants handy, de-
posit its eggs in the
Grape, Willow, Peach,
and other kinds of trees.

Fi'^. 61. — SNOWY TREE-CRICKET. ti i it

its long, slender eggs
are deposited in a close compact row, each egg i)laced at
a slight angle, and deep enough to reach the pith of the
cane or twig. This weakens the canes, and they are often
broken off by the wind. Tins breaking of the stems is
not a serious loss, but the perfect insect has the very bad
habit of cutting off the leaves of various plants in sum-
mer ; and sometimes extends its mischievous work from
Raspberry plants to Grape Vines, from which it cuts both
leaves and fruit ; working at night when perfectly safe
from observation. To get rid of the mature insect, I
advise gathering the egg-infested canes and twigs in win-
ter and early spring, and burning them. Of the insect
enemies of the Blackberry, the Bramble Flea-Louse (Psylla
tripunctata. Fitch; P, rvh., Riley) has been, perhaps,
the most formidable of late years. The appearance of
this insect in our Blackberry plantations, in sufficient
number to do any considerable damage, is quite recent,
probably within the past ten years. It is a small in-
sect, and is quite closely allied to the Green Fly or Plant-
Louse [Aphis), but is distinguished from that by a differ-
ent veining of the wings, and by having knobbed antennae,
somewhat like those of the butterfly. These insects jump
as briskly as a flea, from which characteristic they derive
their scientific name. The presence of this pest in a
Blackberry plantation is readily detected by the leaves of

RAsminiRY. 149

ilio infested shoots in snmmcr being twisted and curled
up, and tlie ends of tlie young canes also curl over and
frecjuently assume a singular fasciated form. In the fall
the leaves on the infested canes do not drop off, but curl
up, and remain attached to the diseased stems. This
pest appears to be on the increase, especially in the Eastern
States, and every one having Blackberry plants in his
garden should be on the look-out for it, and, when found,
it should be gathered and burned. This operation should
be performed either early iii the morning or during the
cool wet weather, else many of the insects will escape,
and at the same time the shoots, as severed, should be
immediately dropped into bags, and then carried to the
place where they are to be burned.

Several species of borers infest the Blackberry ; one of
the most common is a red-necked beetle, the Oherea per-
spicillata of Haldcman, figure 65. The small
eyeless grubs bore the pith of the canes, causing
them to die prematurel}^, or so weakening
them that they are broken down by the wind.
As there are some fourteen or fifteen species
of the Oherea described in our entomological
works, it may be that more than one infest f^J' !t*^^

- rt 1 BLACKBER-R X

the canes of the Blackberry and Easpberry. bush borek.

The Blackberry is subject to the attacks of several
species of gall-insects. A fuzzy, prickly gall on the twigs
is produced by a four-winged fly {Diastrophus cuscufcd-
formU 0. S). Another species of the same genus {Dias-
trophus nehulosus 0. S.) produces a large pithy gall on
the canes, but both of these gall-makers have very formid-
able parasitic enemies which keep them in check. There
are also a few leaf-eating beetles, slugs, and caterpillars,
that sometimes attack the Blackberry, but they are sel-
dom sufficiently numerous or injurious to attract much
attention. The larger species are readily destroyed by

160 SMALL FRUIT CI LTUKIST.

hand-gathering, an 1 the smaller ones can usually be
driven off by dusting the i)lants with lime.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.
NATIVE SPECIES AND VARIETIES.

Class I. — The Black Caps {Ruhus occidentalis).

Ainerican Klack. (Black Raspberries, Black Cap
Raspberry, Thimble Berry). — Fruit medium, slightly
oval, black with bloom ; sweet pleasant flavor ; there is but
little juice, a greater portion of the berry being seeds.
The plant roots from the ends of the young canes. In its
Avild state one of the most variable species known. Com-
mon in all parts of the United States.

American White Cap, (Yellow Cap, Golden Cap.) —
Fruit one-half to iive-eighths of an inch broad ; slightly
oval ; grains larger than in the preceding variety ; pale
or deep yellow, covered with a white bloom ; sweet, juicy,
rather musky, but agreeable ; canes light yellow, slightly
glaucous, very strong, stocky, with a few short spines ;
only moderately productive. This variety is also found
wild from Maine to the Mississippi River, and probably
farther West. I have received it from nearly all the
Northern States, and from the southern portion of the
State of Dela\\are.

American Improved. (Doolittle's Black Cap, Joslyn's
Improved, Improved Black Cap Raspberry). — Large,
black, with slight bloom ; sweet, juicy, of the same flavor
as the Wild Black Raspberry ; canes very vigorous, with
numerous strong-hooked prickles. The extremely thorny
character of the plant is its greatest fault, as it is equally
as disagreeable a subject to work among as the Blackberry.
Very productive and hardy. Found growing wild by
Leander Joslyn, of Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y.

RASPBERRY. 161

raroliiie. — Very lar^^^c ; globular ; pale buff or yellow,
<\'itli sli<;lit bloom ; juicy, witli a sub-acid flavor. Ex-
cellent for one of its class. This is claimed to be a bybrid
between the Catawissii aiul Brinckle's Orange, but I think
this is doubtful, as it is far more hardy and vigorous than
either of the alleged parents, and the canes and leaves
show it to be a genuine offspring of Ruhus occidentalis.
It is certainly one of the best, if not the very best, of the
Yellow Cap varieties. The plants produce a few suckers
from the roots, and this characteristic is cited as proof of
its being a hybrid. Originated with Mr. E. W. Carpen-
ter, of Rye, N. Y.

Davison's Thornless. {Thornless Blach C«^jo.}~- About
the same size and shape as the American Improved, but a
week or ten days earlier. Canes strong and quite stocky,
smooth, except a very few small straight spines near the
base and an occasional one on the leaf-stalk. The thorn-
less character of the plant is certainly a decided improve-
ment upon those which produce thorns in such abundance
as do some others. Originated in the garden of Mrs.
Mercy Davison, in the village of Growanda, N. Y. ; intro-
duced to the public in 1866, by Joseph Sinton, Angola>
Erie County, N. Y.

Gre^ff. — Berry very large ; black, with bloom ; flavor
about the same as that of all the best sorts, but not supe-
rior ; ripens late, and with the McCormick ; plant vig-
orous and productive. Found growing wild in a ravine
on the Gregg farm, Ohio Co., Indiana, in 1866. This
variety has been highly extolled, and while I am ready
to admit that it is a valuable variety of Black-cap Rasp-
berry, I fail to see that it is in any way superior to many
other older and well known sorts.

llcCormick. {Large Miami. Mammoth Cluster.) —
Very large ; black, covered with a whitish bloom. One
of the very largest and best sorts in cultivation, ripening

152 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

some two weeks later than tlio Doolittle, and a week or
more later than the Seneca. Plants very strong, vigor-
ous, and productive. An old variety, found in Ohio some
thirty years ago, but re-named and brought out as new
since the first edition of this work was issued. There
seems to have been two varieties known as Miami. The
large and small ; the first, however, was known locally
as McCormick, being named from the man who first cul-
tivated and distributed the plants to his neighbors.

Miami Black Cap. — Large ; dark brown, almost black ;
sweet, juic}', and good. A little later than the American
Improved, and the spines not so numerous. Hardy, pro-
ductive, and valuable. From the Miami Valley, Ohio.

Ohio Everbearing. {Motithhj Black Cap.) — Large;
black ; sweet, and moderately juicy ; canes strong, and
rather more upright than some others ; spines strong,
hooked, and numerous ; very productive. The young
canes produce a moderate crop in autumn. Cultivated
among the Quakers in Ohio, and introduced to public
notice many years ago, by N. Long worth, of Cincinnati.

Seueca. — Large ; black, with slight bloom, and good
flavor ; plants vigorous and productive. An excellent
sort to fill up the season between the earliest and latest
varieties. A good market variety.

Suiuiuit Yellow Cap. — Medium size ; pale pink or nearly
white in the shade ; rather dry, but very sweet ; ripens a
little later than the Common Black Cap ; canes strong
and vigorous, pale-orange yellow, with considerable bloom ;
spines short, slightly hooked, and rather numerous. From
Summit Township, Crawford County, Pa.

Surprise. — Very similar to the American Improved,
but the berries are larger, more conical, and covered with
a thick bloom ; sweet, sprightly, and good ; a valuable
variety. Found growing wild in Missouri.

RASriJERRY. ITj'.}

Class II. —Purple Cane Family.

A portion at least of tlic followin^:^ kinds are supposed
to belong to the same species as the common Black Cap
Raspberry (R. occidentalis.) But as they have a few
characteristics in common, which are not found in the
wild Black Raspberry, nor in any other species, I have
placed them in a list by themselves.

This separation is not claimed to be a strictly scientific
one, but as a matter of convenience.

The old Purple Cane Raspberry is so well known that
I have selected it as the type or representative of this
class.

The principal difference between the varieties of the
Black Cap and the Purple Cane is in the fruit. The first,
as is well known, have a rather dry, tough fruit, with a pe-
culiar flavor. Its grains numerous, and very irregular in
size. The fruit of Purple Cane, as a rule, is rather soft,
juicy, often very brittle, the grains separating very readily.
Color, varying from light red to dark brownish-purple,
but never black ; the flavor mild and agreeable, but en-
tirely distinct from those of the true Black Raspberry.

Tatawissa. — Medium, round, dark reddish-purple,
rather brittle and soft, juicy, moderately good, canes
strong, very branching, bark dark brown, and few hooked
spines. Produces a second crop in autumn. If the whole
stool is cut down in spring, the young canes of the season
will come into fruit early, and continue bearing until
winter. The fruit is borne principally on the ends of the
shoots of those which do not bend down and take root.
Suckers are also produced very sparingly, but if the stools
are taken up, and tlie roots left in the ground, a greater
number will grow than otherwice. The plant is quite
tender in the Northern States, and even in the locality
where it was discovered, it is sometimes winter-killed.

164

SMALL FRUIT CULTTJRIST.

Fig. 66. — LEAP OF PHILADELPHIA RASPBERRY.

RASPBERRY. 155

I have cultivated this variety about ten years, and have
never as yet had a plant survive the winter unless protected.
It is of IK) particular value unless for the purpose of pro-
ducing a late crop, and to insure this tlie entire plant
must be cut down early in spring. This variety was found
in a graveyard, in the Village of Catawissa, Columbia
County, Pa.

Kllisdule. — Large, roundish-oval, grains medium to
large, quite regular in size ; color, light crimson or dark
scarlet; rather firm and of good flavor ; canes very strong,
light red, smooth, with a few straight spines near the
base, and an occasional hooked one on the upper portion.
The plant produces no suckers from its lateral roots, but
propagates from the tips of the canes, the same as the
Purple Cane. New, not thoroughly tested at the East,
but considered as a very valuable variety in the locality
where it originated. Found in 1856, by Mr. J. E. John-
son, growing on the EUisdale farm, in Pottawatomie
County, Iowa. The stock was placed in the hands of
H. A. Terry, of Crescent City, Iowa, for propagation and
dissemination.

Gardiner. ^A very large, coarse growing sort, with
large, dark, dull red, poor flavored fruit. I tested a few
plants when it was first sent out, some fifteen years ago,
and then dug them up. I am inclined to think that it
received no better treatment from other growers, as it ap-
pears to have dropped out of sight and cultivation.

(lanarqua. — This is another variety of the Gardiner
class, and having had a brief notoriety is passing out of
cultivation. The fruit is rather large, well flavored, and
attractive in appearance. This was claimed to be a hybrid
when first disseminated.

Purple Cane. {American Red Ca?ie.) — Medium, or
small, roundish, dark dull red, with bloom; grains large,
soft, sweet, very good ; canes very strong ; growing eight

156

SMALL FRUIT CULTl RIST.

to twelve feet long, smooth, with a few straight spines at
the base, and a few liooked spines above ; vigorous and
productive, fruit good for home use, but too soft for
market. This variety has been in cultivation in the vicin-
ity of New York for at least fifty years. Propagates from
the tips of the young canes, and produces no suckers.

Philadelphia. — Medium to large, globular, dark red,
scarcely any bloom, moderately firm, sub-acid, not rich.

fig. 67.— PHILADELrtlli..

nor very juicy; grains large, ad'aci-e mcie firmly than those
of the Purple Cane; cane*; t3rect, strong, and stocky, dark
red or purple, branching ; spines very small, straight, and
scattering, almost spineless; leaves large, dark green above,
lighter beneath, very thick and tough, have a peculiar
wavy appearance on the upper side, finely serrated.

RASPBERRY. 157

Figure GO shows the goiicnil furm of the leaf, and fi^^unf
GT, a cluster of fruit of the average size under common
field culture. Tlie canes do not bend over iind root from
the tips, like the Puri)le Cane, but produce suckers,
although rather sparingly ; very liardy and wonderfully
prochictive. Found growing within the present limits of
the City of Philadelphia, some thirty or more years ago.
It has Lately become very popular as a market variety, and
for some soils and locations is unexcelled. This is par-
ticularly the case in the sandy soils of New Jersey, where
all of the finest foreign varieties fail, and no amount of
care will enable the growers to secure a remunerative
crop. It has been widely disseminated in the past few
years, and very favorable reports are being received from
all parts of the country in regard to its hardiness and
productiveness.

Reliance. — This is said to be a seedling of the Phila-
delphia, and resembles its parent, but, as usual, it is
claimed to be far superior. I have not seen it, therefore
cannot speak from experience as to its value, but those
who saw this variety when exhibited a few years ago at
Philadelphia, speak of it as strongly resembling its parent,
the Philadelphia, with the same dull color.

Class 3. — Varieties of Kubus strigosus.

(Wild Bed Raspherry.)

The common Wild Red Raspberry of our country pos-
sesses many valuable qualities, even in its normal state,
as every boy in the rural districts knows. Yv^ithout any
thought of varieties, he is aware that a certain locality,
the bushes along a certain road, for example, give
him better fruit than he can find elsewhere. But
to produce new and improved varieties from it has

158

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

selcloin been attempted, because foreign kinds were at
hand that apparently possessed qualities superior to our
own ; consequently we have very few native kinds wortliy
of cultivation. This is certainly to be regretted ; inas-
much as the foreign va-
rieties are usually ten-
der, while our native
kinds are quite hardy,
and there can scarcely
be a doubt that if the
same persistent efforts
had been })ut forth to
improve them, as have
been expended upon the
foreign sorts, we would
now have vaiieties of
the native species far
superior to any that A\'e
have obtained from
abroad.

The variableness of
the Huhus strigosus is
worthy of being particu-.
larly noticed by those
who may attempt its im^
Fig. 68. — STEM OF WILD RED. provcmcut. Some of the

wild varieties produce an immense number of suckers,
others but very few. Some have very smooth canes,
others are covered with close set spines or bristly
hairs, as shown in figure 68. The fruit is also variable
in color, from a dark red to a light bright crimson ;
globular or conical in shape, and of medium size. Figure
69 shows a fruit of about the average size w^hen grown
in good soil.

Figure 6o shows a fruit branch when coming into bloom,
and figure 64, a leaf, both somewhat reduced in size. The

RASPHERKY.

150

leaves arc ln'iglit green and w liilisli-downy iiiulerncatli,
l)ul not so imu'h so as in som(> of \\\o. foreign varieties.

Allfirs INmI rrolifir. — ^Medium, glol)ular, liglit crim-
Fon, separates lively from tlie core, juiey, ])ut mild
flavor ; canes strong, erect, reddish purple when mature ;

Fie:. 69. — fruit of wild red.

spines white, long, slender, very few and scattering ; leaves
thin, oblong, ])ointed, evenly serrated, not toothed. Not
very prolific, and produces suckers rather freely, but not
BO abundant as the next.

Allen's Antwerp. — Similar in size, shape, color and

ICO

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

quality to the last, tlie leaves clce[)ly serrated or toothed,
and of more substauce ; spines very numerous, and of a

Fig. 70.— FLOWERING STEM OF WILD RED.

reddish-purple color. Both this and the preceding variety
were sent out by L. F. Allen, Black Rock, N. Y., about

RASPIJEUK^'.

Iti

ten years

ars .go,l.«t they have Wen placed on the rejeeted

Fiff. 71.— I'EAF OF WILD RED.

Ust hy the American Pomological Society, and almost uni-

C*

162 SMALL FRUIT CULTUltlST,

vorsally discarded by fruit growers. They were not
cluiirjcd to be seedlings by Mr. Allen, but merely acci-
dental varieties of tlie wild Red Kaspberry of his locality.
I have been more particular in giving them a description,
because it is very probable that they will again be brought
forward by other parties as new and valual)le varieties.

Braildyu'iac. (Susqueoo. Wilmington.) — Medium to
large ; round ; bright scarlet ; firm, and of agreeable
flavor ; canes stocky, but rather short, of a reddish color,
bearing a few light-colored spines or prickles ; plants
productive, and very hardy. An excellent market variety,
but because of its rather dwarfish growth it requires a
strong, rich soil. Origin unknown, but supposed to have
been found near Wilmington, Del.

Cuthbert. {Queen of the Market.) — Large ; roundish-
conical; bright red; firm, but juicy, with a sprightly,
agreeable flavor ; canes strong and stocky, well beset
with small straight prickles ; leaves firm, dark green,
and resisting the hot sun as well as any of our native
sorts. Very hardy and productive, and altogether one of
the very best of our native red Raspberries. Originated
m the grounds of the late Thomas Cuthbert, at Riverdale,
N. J., and disseminated by Mr. I. J. Simonson, of Staten
Island, to whom I am indebted for plants, kindly sent me
several years ago. It has been suggested that the Cuth-
bert is a chance seedling of the Hudson River Antwerp ;
I can see no evidence of any such parentage, but believe
it to be a true and pure Rubus strigosus.

Kirtlaud* — Medium ; nearly round ; light bright-crim-
son ; separates freely from the receptacle ; moderately
firm, sweet, of the same flavor as the wild Red ; canes
vory erect, nearly smooth, pale red at maturity ; produces
a large number of suckers, quite productive, and the
earliest of the class. The canes are also quite hardy. One
of the best of the native varieties. Originated with Prof.
J. 1'. Ilirtland, Cleveland, Ohio.

raspberry. 1g3

Class 4. — Foreign Varieties and Their Seedlings.

Tlic f^ivator part of the following kinds ])olong to tho
foreign s])eeies {Rubiis Jclwus), but many of them origi-
nated in this country from seed of the foreign varieties.

The fact of their being produced here does not make
them any the less or more valuable than those imported,
although it will be conceded by most of our fruit groweis
that some of the varieties raised in this country are equal,
if not far superior, to any that have been obtained from
abroad. As a class, the varieties of the E. Idceus are
larger and better flavored than those of our native spe-
cies, R. strigosus, but there are very few of them that
are hardy in the Northern States, and their leaves burn
more or less at the South.

Antwerp Red. {True Red Antwerp, Old Red Antwerp,
KnevetVs Antwerp, Rowland's Antwerp, Biirleifs Ant-
werp, English Antioerp.) — Fruit large, nearly globular,
dark red, with bloom ; grains large ; juicy, sprightly
flavor ; canes strong and tall ; seines light red and nu-
merous. An old variety seldom cultivated at the present
time, as it has been superseded by the following :

Antwerp. [Hudson River, New Red Ayitwerp.) —
Large, nearly conical, firm, of a pleasant, sweet, but
sprightly flavor ; canes short, stocky growth, with few
spines ; the bark on the mature canes is of a peculiar
grayish color ; very productive, but requires winter pro-
tection. This is the great market berry which is so ex-
tensively cultivated in the eastern portion of the State of
New York. Origin unknown, but supposed to have
been procured in England, and brought to this country
fifty years ago by Mr. Briggs, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

Antwerp Yellow. {White Antiverp, Double Bearing
Yellow. — Large, conical, pale yellow, sweet, but not high
flavored ; canes strong and vigorous, light yellow ; the

164

SMALL FRUIT CULTUillST.

leaves are pale green; spines long, slender, white, on
some canes very numerous, but scarcely auy on others.
Rather more liardy than the red, but not sutliciently so
to omit protecting. Of European origin, and but little
cultivated, as it is not so productive or good as some
others of a similar color.

Barnet. (Lord ExmoutJi, Large Red, Cornwall's
Seedlinysy CornwalVs Prolific^ Barnefs Antiuerp.) —
Large, obtuse-conical, bright purplish-red, sprightly,
pleasant flavor; canes tall, very branching, yellowish
green. An old English variety of little value.

Brentford Cane. — Small to medium, obtuse-conical,
dark red, inferior flavor. An old English variety of
little or no value. Placed among the inferior varieties
in the nurserymen's catalogues of forty years ago.

Belle dc Fonteiiay . {Amazon. ) — Very large, irregular,
long-conical, deep crimson, with a thin bloom,
separates freely from the core, moderately firm,
rather acid, but good ; canes very
strong and stocky, branching ; leaves
thick, dark green above and silvery-
white beneath; spines reddisli -purple,
short and stiff ; very hardy and pro-
ductive. Produces a second crop in
autumn ; the best of the autumn-
bearing varieties. It produces a
great number of suckers, the larger
portion of which should be removed
as soon as they appear to insure a
good crop of fruit. This has fre-
quently been confounded with Mer-
vielle des quartre Saisons, but it is distinct. Originated
in France. Figure 72 represents a berry of this variety
rather below the average size which it attains under or-
dinary culture. It is very probable that the engraver

Fig. 72.— BELLE DB
FONTENAY.

RASPBERRY.

165

has ratlior reduced than enlarged the illustration of spoc-
inuMis J laced in his hands.

nriiuklc-s Orange— Sec Orange.

Hurliiigtoii* — Large ; same color as the Red Antwerp.
Originated by the late Benjamin Prosser, of Burlington,
New Jersey.

Belle dc Palliiau.— (Fig. 73. ) —Very large ; obtuse-
conical ; grains large, regular ; light bright crimson,

separates freely from
the core, sub-acid, juicy,
very good, moderately
firm; canes very strong;
spines short, purple, not
very numerous ; leaves
medium, deep green ;
lobes broadly ovate ;
Fig. 73.-BELLE DE PALLUAu. gcrraturcs very regular

and sharp pointed; very productive, and will probably
become a valuable market variety. Requires j^rotection
in winter. From France.

Clarke. — (Fig. 74.) — Large; roundish-conical; light
crimson ; grains medium ; very sweet, rich, and high
flavored ; parts freely from the
core ; moderately firm ; canes
very strong and stocky, erect,
more or less branching ; spines
white, the ends slightly colored,
rigid, numerous at the base of the
canes, scattering, and few above ;
leaves very large, thick, rather
flat, deep green above, and silvery
white beneath, coarsely and un-
evenly serrate ; very productive ;
moderately hardy. Raised from seed by £. E. Clarke,
New Haven, Conn., in 1856.

Fig. 74.— CLARKE.

lOG SMALL FRUIT CULTURISJ.

Cretan Rod. — SmuU ; conical ; crimson or deep red ;
sub-iieitl, poor ihivor, not very productive. A very old
foreign variety. Placed on the rejected list by tlio
American Pomological Society.

Cope. — Large ; obtuse-conical ; light crimson ; parts
freely from the core ; rather firm, sweet, and good ; canes
ni;)d.'rately strong ; spines purple, short, and numerous ;
productive, but not eipial to some other varieties. Origi-
nated with the late Dr. Wm. D. Brinckle, of Philadel-
phia, Pa., to whom we are also indebted for many valu-
able varieties of the Raspberry.

Col. Wilder. — Large ; roundish-conical ; yellowish white
or cream color ; very sweet, juicy, and good, but rather
soft ; canes strong and vigorous ; spines white ; leaves
dark greon, somewhat crimped or wavy. Raised from the
Pastoltf by Dr. Brinckle, and named in honor of Marshall
P. Wilder, the distinguished pomologist of Boston, Mass.

CllslliilS^. — Large ; roundish-conical ; light crimson ;
very regular in form ; grains small, compact ; separates
f roely from the core ; juicy, sprightly flavor, and good ;
•pines brownish-purple, stiff, and rather numerous ;
icavci largo and thin, irregularly and coarsely serrated or
tjothod ; moderately vigorous and productive. Raised
by Dr. Brinckle, and named in honor of J. P. Gushing,
of AYatertown, Mass.

Cutbush's I'rincc of Wales. — Large ; very regular ; ob-
tuse-conical ; light crims;)u ; rather dry, sub-acid flavor ;
c inos strong and vigorous ; spines purple, long, and
slondLU-, numerous ; productive. An English variety of
no particular value, as many others are far better.

Double lieariii!)^. — An old variety, which has been dls*
carded by the American Pomological Society.

Oowiiinsf. — Large ; regular, conical ; grains medium ;
bright crimson ; juicy, sweet, and rich ; firm, parts freely
from the core ; canes strong, erect ; spines vory short and

RASPBERRY.

1G7

Btout., pjilo i^rccn ; Icivcs very large, dooj) greon, nearly
flat when fully developed; quite i)ro(luctive. A good
market variety. Ke(iuires protection in winter the samo
as the Antwerp. A seedling of the Orange, raised by
Charles Downing, Newburgh, N. Y., who has no plants
of any kind for sale.

Duliriug. — Large ; roundish-conical ; bright red ; firm,
rich, and excellent flavor. A strong and vigorous grower,
and said to be very productive and hardy. New ; not
fully tested. Supposed to be a seedling of the Hornet.
Originated on the grounds of Henry Duhring, Esq., Bel-
mont, near Philadelphia, Pa.

Emily. — Large ; roundish-conical ; pale yellow ; spines
white ; vigorous and productive. One of Dr. Brinckle's
seedlings, which proved unworthy of dissemination.

Fastolff. — Large ; obtuse, or roundish-conical ; crim-
son ; grains large, soft, sweet, and rich ; one of the best
in flavor ; adheres so firmly to the core that the berries
are often broken in picking ; canes moderately strong and
rather crooked ; spines purple, stiff, and quite numerous ;
very productive. An excellent variety for home use, but
too soft for market. An old English variety ; its name
said to be from an old castle in Great Yarmoutli, England.

Fillbaskct* {Northumherlcmd Fill-
laskel.) — Large ; obtuse - conical ;
crimson ; grains large, with thin
bloom ; firm, sweet, not very juicy,
but good ; canes strong, with purp-
lish spines, which are quite abund-
ant en the entire length of the cane;
leaves large, thick, not so deep green
as some ; the leaflets broadly ovate ;
quite productive. An English varie-
ty, inti-odiu'od about ten years since.

Fraucoiiia. (Fig. '^io.)— Naomi.—

Fig. 75. — FRAXCONIA.

h'.\i'zQ ; obtuse-coni-

168 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

cal ; dark pnrplisli-red, or crimson ; firm, with a rich,
sprightly fhivor ; canes strong, branching ; spines purple,
stout, scattering ; leaves large, deep green, rather Hat
when fully developed. A valuahle market variety. Ke-
quires protection in winter.

French* ( Vice President French. ) — Medium to large ;
obtuse-conical ; crimson ; grains large : firm, sweet, rich,
and excellent ; one of the best ; canes very strong, erect ;
spines purple, stout, and numerous ; very productive.
A valuable variety. Supposed to be a seedling of the Fas-
tolff. Raised by Dr. Brinckle, and named in honor of B.
V. French, Vice President of the Mass. Horticultural Soc.

Fulton* — A large, crimson variety, raised by Dr. Brinc-
kle. Probably lost, as nothing has been heard of it lately.

General Patterson* — Large ; round ; crimson ; adheres
firmly to the core. One of Dr. Brinckle's seedlings.

llerstine's Seedlins^s. — The late D. W. Herstine, of
Philadelphia, raised a large number of seedling Rasp-
berries, and as some of them gave promise of excellence,
he invited several prominent horticulturists of New York,
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, to visit his grounds and
examine the plants while in bearing and full of fruit.
The invited gentlemen responded to the request of Mr.
Herstine, and visited his grounds on July Gth, 1870.
Mr. Herstine had not performed any of the usual opera-
tions of crossing or hybridizing, in order to produce these
varieties, but merely gathered seeds from what was said
to be the Allen, growing near the Philadelphia, as well as
some of the foreign varieties. He thought that his seed-
lings were a cross between the Allen and Philadelphia,
but, as time has shown, this was doubtless an error, at
least so far as relates to the parentage of the varieties
selected and sent out as "Herstine's Seedlings." The
four varieties selected and described at the date named,
are here given, instead of distributing them in alphabet!-

RASPBERRY. IGO

cal ord.n'. I will iidd tliiit there is an iimiamcd sccdlin;^
of Mr. llerstiuo's in cultivation in .several gardens in
Bergen Co., which lias the ap[)earance of being a cross
between the Allen and the Philadel])liia. I received a few
plants of it from Mr. Ilcrstine, in 187^, labelled ^^Ilers-
tine's 0.," and the plants have been distributed among
my neighbors, some of whom i)rizc it highly as a market
variety. Canes are red, quite distinct. Fruit of good
size, and of a bright cririison color.

Ilcrstine. — Plant vigorous ; an early and abundant
bearer ; canes strong, of a light color, covered with a
whitish bloom ; spines green, but not abundant ; foliage
abundant, of a light green color ; fruit large ; conical,
with small grains, and of a crimson color ; flavor sub-
acid, but good. This is the best of the four sorts dis-
seminated by Mr. Herstine.

Elizabeth. — A strong grower, and productive in favor-
able soils and localities ; canes green, with some purple
shadmgs ; spines small, but very numerous ; leaves light
green, and quite large ; fruit very large, nearly globular,
and of a bright crimson color ; grains large ; flavor ex-
cellent.

Ruby. — A free grower; canes moderately vigorous;
spines few, and small ; leaves largo, light green, whitish
underneath ; fruit of good size ; nearly round ; dark
crimson ; grains large ; quality good.

Saunders. — Moderately vigorous and productive, pro-
ducing a large number of suckers; canes green, with a
shade of purple ; spines abundant ; leaves large, and of
good substance ; light green ; fruit large ; globular ; of a
crimson color ; quality excellent.

Much was expected of the Herstine Raspberries, when
first disseminated, but they seem to have failed in most
localities. The firsts or Herstine, is now considered the
best of the four.
8

170 SMALL FUUIT CULTURIST.

Ilornet. — Very large; conical; deop crimson; grains
Variable in size, juicy, sub-acid, good ; moderately firm ;

canes very strong, erect ; spines
short, i)urplish ; fruit stems
very long ; i)roductive, and
promises to be a good market
variety. Originated in France,
with ^[. Souchet, of Bagnolet,
near Paris.

Iliintsmaii*s (*iaiit. — In size,

shape, and ({uality, very similar

^ to the Franconia, but the canes

Fig. 76.— HORNET. 1 i ,1 1 ,

grow much taller, and when
fully mature have a pecuhar grayish-white bark. A
seedUng of the Franconia, very productive, and continues
a long time in fruit. Eaised by Prof. T. W. Huntsman,
Flushing, N. Y.

Imperial. — This is another French variety resembling
the Hornet.

Jouct. — Medium to large ; light pale yellow ; canes
feeble ; spines very numerous ; nearly white. Not worth
cultivating, as we have several others of the same color
which are far superior to it in every respect.

KucYCt's iiiailt. — Large, or very large ; globular ; light
crimson ; adheres rather firmly to the core ; juicy and
good ; canes very strong ; spines short, purplish, very few,
and scattering ; very productive. An English variety of
considerable merit.

F.argc Fruited I>Ioiilhly. (Rivers' Neio Monthly.) —
Medium to large ; roundish-conical ; crimson ; soft, sweet,
and juicy, good ; canes strong ; spines red, stout. Some-
times it produces a very fair crop, but not equal to Belle
de Fontenay for a late one. Kaised by Thomas Rivers,
Sawbridgeworth, England.

Ma^uuui Bonuiu. — \'ery similar, if not the same as the

RASPBERRY. 171

Yellow Antwerp. Introduced from England many years
asj^o.

Merveillc do i^iialrc Saisons, {Marrrl of the Four
Seasons.) — Medium to large; obtuse-conical; crimson;
soft, sweet, and good ; canes erect, rather slender ; spines
purple, short, and (juite numerous ; leaves flat, i)!de green
underneath, and not so dark green above as the Belle de
Fontenay, wliich is often sold for this variety. The
leaves are finely and evenly serrated. Very hardy, and
pi-oduces an immense number of suckers. There is a va-
riety witli yellow fruit, but very unproductive.

Moiitclair. — Medium to large ; globular; grains large ;
dark, and rather dull red when fully rij)e ; firm, and
somewhat brittle ; sub-acid, not rich, but would be called
good ; canes strong, vigorous, branching ; leaves dark
green, and of good substance ; productive and hardy.
Originated with E. & J. C. Williams, Montclair, N. J.

OranJ^C. {Bri)ickle's Orange.) — Large ; obtuse-conical ;
orange ; sweat, rich, and delicious flavor ; canes strong,
with small, white spines ; plant vigorous, and very pro-
ductive. This is one of the best varieties in cultivation.
Plant requires protection in winter. Originated by the
late Dr. Brinckle, in 1845.

Pilate. — Large; long-conical; grains small, compact ;
dark red ; firm, juicy, sub-acid, only passably good ; canes
not very vigorous ; spines fiumerous, purplish red ; pro-
ductive. A French variety, highly extolled, but inferior
to many of those produced in this country.

Rivers' Seedlini^s, — Mr. Thomas Eivers, the late veteran
pomologist of England, paid considerable attention to the
Raspberry, and has produced many hundreds of seedlings.
Some of them have reached this country, but there ap-
pears to be considerable confusion in regard to tlielr iden-
tity and names. The one known as Rivers' Black Rasp-
berry does not belong to the Black Raspberry family of this
country. It is a dark purple fruit, with a white bloom.

172 SMALL FRUIT CULTUEIST.

rather soft, of peculiar rich flavor, hut not particularly
valuable. Another, received under the name of Rivers'
Seedling, is a large, roundish-conical berry, deep crimson,
with a thin bloom, quite acid and not rich; canes very
vigorous, })ranching, of a reddish color, spines purple, short,
and very strong; produces very few suckers. Perfectly
hardy and very productive ; will probably be a good mar-
ket variety. Mr. Rivers exhibited a new variety at one of
the Horticultural shows in England a few years since,
which he claimed to be a hybrid between the Raspberry
and Blackberry, but I am not aware of its success.

Russell's Red Raspberry. — Large, roundish-conical,
dark red, moderately firm, juicy, sweet and good; canes
strong, erect ; spines white, straight, few and scattering.
Supposed to be hybrid between the Purple Cane and White
Antwerp; very hardy and productive ; propagated by
suckers. Originated in the garden
of Dr. G. W. Russell, Hartford,
Conn., and named by the Hartford
Co. Horticultural Soc, in 1858.

Soiichettii. (White Transpar-
ent.)— (Fig. 77.) — Large, conical,
somewhat irregular in form ; pale
yellow, firm but juicy, sweet and
very good ; canes vigorous ; spines
nearly white and few; leaves large
and wavy, thin, light green. A pro- Fi-;. TT.-souchettii.
dut'tive variety, raised by Mr. Souchet.

Semper Fid ells. — Large, irregular-conical, dull crimson,
rather firm and dry, sub-acid ; second rate in quality ; canes
strong, spines purple, short and stiff, numerous; leaves
large, evenly serrated ; very productive. A new variety
from England, where it is highly extolled.

Walker. — Large, round, deep crimson, soft, juicy,
sprightly flavor, good; canes strong with a. few stiff, pup

RASPBKBBY. 173

^iBh spines; very productiva One of Dr. Brinokle'i

ieedlings.

Yellow Chili. — Large, conical, pale yellow, slightly
tinged with orange, very soft, sweet and juicy; canes
strong, branching, spines long, slender, white. A French
variety which I received about ten years since. Not valu-
able, and inferior to several others of similar color.

Miscellaneous Varieties. — The following list comprises
the new and old varieties of which little is known at the
present time. Some of them have been merely announced
in the nurserymen's catalogues, or in some of the various
Horticultural Journals, while others are old foreign varie-
ties that have been superseded by better kinds. I have
added whatever information I possessed in regard to each.
Plants of some of the new ones have been received, but not
tested, consequently I cannot give a description, nor de-
cide upon their merits :

Bromley Hill. — An old, red, English variety, of fair
quality, but not productive.

Beehive. — Large red. (Prince's Catalogue, 1844.)

Cornish. — An old discarded English variety.

Chili Monthly. — An old foreign variety.

Cox's Honey. — An old white variety.

Early Prolific. — Poor flavor; an old variety from
England.

Jillards's Seedling. — An English variety of very good

quality.

Keystone. — Originated with A. L. Felton, Philadelphia,
Pa. Described as very large, crimson. An excellent
variety, although the canes are tender.

Longworth. — Large, round, deep crimson. One of Dr.
Brinckle's seedlings.

Mrs. Ingersoll. — Large, yellow, of fair quality. Raised
by Dr. Brinckle.

174 8MAIX FEUTT CUT-TURIST.

Mrs. Wilder.— A seedling of the Colonel Wilder, simi
lar in color. Named by Dr. Brinckle.

Mote's Seedling. — New, from Ohio, of the Rulnu Oo
cidentdlis species.

\0ttiil«^haDl Scarlet.— Rejected by the American Po-
jiological Society.

\ew Everbearinfi:. — Noticed in tlie Proceedings of the
Cincinnati Horticultural Society, Dec, 1861.

Princess Alice. — A new, English va/iety, raised by Cut-
bush & Son, Ilighgate, England.

Richardson.— Noticed in Gardeners' Monthly, 1862,
p. 339.

St. Louis. — Fruit large, bright red, sweet, and of the
best Raspberry flavor; plant hardy. — Coleman^ a Rural
World.

Surpasse Merveille. — Seedling of the Old Merveille de»
Quartre Saisons, yellow, same color and habit, but said to
be superior to its parent ; new. Raised by Simon Louis.
Announced in the French Catalogues, in 1862.

Spring Grove. — Very prolific but poor flavor. An old
foreign variety.

Superb. — A poor flavored, old, foreign variety.

Superb d'Angleterre. — Large, red. Andre Leroy'a
Qitalogue, 1862.

Taylor's Paragon. — Poor flavor, old. Discarded
European variety.

Wilmot's Early Red. — An old English variety, of small
•ize, deep red, and poor quality.

Woodward's Red Globe.— Small, red, poor flavor; old.
Cultivated in England about forty years ago.

Woodward. — Small, round, crimson; veryeaily; ppines
red. One of Dr. Brinckle's seedlings.

Selectioi^ of Foueign" Varieties. — For family use,
where they will succeed, I would select the following
varieties : Brinckle's Orange, Clarke, Franconia, Eastolft',
and French.

RASPHKIIKT. 175

Native VAurETiE.s. — For a few lianly njitivc yarieties,
Jikely to succeed in light as well as heavy soils, and over
a wide range of country, I would name among the bright
red sorts : Cuthbcrt and Turner ; for a yellow, Caroline ;
for ])urple or dark red, Keliance and Philadelphia ; and
for black, Doolittle and Gregg.

For ^[arket. — Hudson Kiver Antwerp, Franconia, for
particular locations ; and where these do not succeed,
Cuthbcrt. Turner, Wilmington, and almost any of the
score of Black-caps in cultivation. The Davison's Thorn-
less, and Doolittle, are the earliest, and McCormick and
Gregg the latest and largest.

CHAPTER IV.

BLACKBERRY.
RUBUS.— Bramble.

The Blackberry belongs to the same family and gen of
AS the Raspberry. The fruit in this case is a collective
mass of drupes attached to the juicy receptacle — not
Bep3 rating as in the Raspberry, but falling off whole. Id
fonn, the berries aie mostly ovate or oblong, brown or
blackish, occasionally yellowish-white.

There are about one hundred and fifty species of the
Blackberry known to botanists, and, like the Raspberry,
they are distributed over a greater portion of the world.

Few of the species possess any particular merit worthy
of the attention of fruit growers of the present time, con-
gequently I shall confine myself mainly to the indigenous
species and their varieties. The following six species are
natives of the United States :

Rubus TillOSUS. — Common High Blackberry. — Stems
shrubby, two to eight feet high, furrowed, upright or re-
clining, armed with stout curved prickles; lower surface
of the leaves hairy and glandular; leaflets three or pe-
dately five, ovate, pointed, unequally serrate; plant vari»
176

nLACKnKRRT.

'^rn

\>-

able in si/o and in its p^oncral appearance. Figure 78
bIiows a section of the stem of the well known New Ko-

chelle l>lackl)erry, which is a variety of

tills sj)ecies.

R. Canadensis. — Low Blackberry,
Dewberry. — Shrubby, trailing slightly,
prickly; leaflets three or pedately five to
seven, oval or ovate-lanceolate, mostly
pointed, thin, nearly smooth ; flowers in
racemes with leaf-like bracts ; fruit mostly
round, with large grains, sweet and
pleasant flavor, ripens earlier than H. ViU
losus. Very common in dry sandy soils.

R. hispidus. — Running Swamp Black-
berry.— Stems slender, shrubby, mostly
trailing, ^\\t\\ numerous, small, reflexed
prickles ; leaflets three, rarely five, smooth,
obovate, coarsely serrate, entire toward
the base ; flower small, borne on a leafless
peduncle ; fruit purple or shining black,
grains large and few; generally very
acid. Common in the Northern States,
in low, damp woods.
R, CUncifolillS. — Sand Blackberry. — One to three feet

high, shrul)by, upright, ai'med with stout, recurved prickles;

branchlets and lower surface of the leaf, whitish, woolly ;

leaflets three to five, wedge-obovate, thickish, serrate above ;

peduncles two to four flowered ; petals large ; fruit medium

size, of good flavor, black, ripens late. Common in New

Jersey and southward, in sandy soils.

R. trivialis. — Low Bush Blackberry. — Stems shrubby,
trailing, bristly and prickly ; leaves evergreen, coriaceous,
nearly glabrous; leaflets three or pedately five, ovate-
oblong, or lanceolate, sharj^ly serrate, peduncles one to
three flowered. Sandy soils, from Virginia southward.
8

Fig. 78.

178

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

R. Spectal)lis. — Flowers solitary, of a beautiful purple
color ; stems without prickles. Native of northwest
coast of America, on the hanks of the Columbia Kiver.

R« frilticoSiiS. — Stems straggling, arched, angular and
rather tomentose; prickles recurved, fruit dark purple

Fis:. 79. — EUROPEAN BLACKBERRY.

with a peculiar mawkish flavor. Common European Black-
jberry or Bramble.

There are several species of the Blackberry found in
South America, West Indies, and Mexico, but we have no
cultivated varieties of theni, neither do they possess any
qualities superior to those found in the United States.

Very little attention is paid to the cultivation of this

BLACKBERRT. '179

fruit except in this country, consequently we have no su*
perior foreign varieties, nor can we find any practical in-
fomiation in regard to their cultivation, in any European
work on gardening. The Blackberry has no separate his*
tory from that of the Raspberry, as they are both called
Brambles in the old works ; and it is evident that it has
never been considered worthy of any special care in any
country except our own.

Cnltivation, Propagation, &c. — The same method of
cultivation recommended for the Raspberry is also appli-
cable to ihe Blackberry. In selecting a soil, a rather dry
one is preferable to one that is very moist or wet ; neither
should the soil be as rich as for the Raspberry, because
the varieties generally cultivated are large, coarse growing
plants, and if the soil is too rich the canes will grow very
/arge and succulent, and will neither be so hardy nor pro-
ductive as those of a moderate growth. It is also a good
plan to pinch off the terminal shoots the last of August or
first of September, to check the growth, and cause the
canes to more fully ripen than if allowed to grow undis-
turbed. The plants should also be given more room than
the Raspberry, as they usually grow more branching and
make larger stools. The rows should be at least six feet
apart, and eight would be still better for the larger grow-
ing kinds. Staking the plants may be dispensed with if
they are severely pruned so as to enable them to sustain
the fruit. Many cultivators, however, always stake and
tie up their plants, or build cheap trellises with posts and
wire to which the canes are fastened in the spring at the
time of pruning. It would be better to take out the old
bearing canes soon after the fruit is gathered, but this
would make it necessary to go over the plants twice, while
If the old canes can be cut out and the young ones pruned
at the same time, considerable labor is saved. One annual
pruning is the usual method, choosing the early spring for
performing this operatioa. For taking oit the old canes ^

180

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

pair of ftliears with long handles (Fig. 80) is used, cutting

them as near to the ground as
possible. A siin[)le and ecjually e^
cient j)riinlng implement is made
by attaching a liooked knife to a
handle of convenient length, as
shown in fig. 81. The m inner of
using it is sufiiciently ob-
vious. The young canes
should be headed back to
four or five feet, and the
lateral brandies to a foot
or eiorhteen inclies. If too
many suckeis have grown,
so that they are likely to
crowal, then remo^'e a por-
tion of them, as directed
for the Raspberry. All va-
rieties of the Blackberry
produce suckers very free-
ly, and, unless they are
Avanted, all should be destroyed
as soon as they appear, except those
reserved for next season's crop.
The Blackberry may be propagated as directed for

the Raspberry, cuttings of the roots usually making the

best plants.

VARIETIES.

Fig. 81.

Fig. 80.

Cut-Leaved. — Fruit roundish, black, grains large, sweet,
with a sliL»htly musky flavor ; borne in loose panicles,
stems nearly round, more or less trailing, fertile ones
erect ; prickles small at the base, but recurved and strong
above, very numerous ; leaves dissected and sharply serrate,
as shown in figure 82 ; flowers white or rose color. A

BLACKUKRKY.

I8l

viiriely of llie Kuropoiin JJhickbcrry, II. frutlroi^us^ .'irid
is fouiid in tlio Cat;ilogucs as It. laciniaftis, and also as
the Parsley-leaved Blackberry. It has been sparingly

S£#i^^

•P'

Fig. 82.— CUT-LEAVED BLACKBERRY.

cultivated in Europe for many years, also in this country
for twenty years or more. It is scarcely worth growing,
except as a curiosity.

183

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

rillllborlaud. — ^fcdium size, >)la(*k, sweet and trood,
quite early, and matures the whole erop in a eoniparatively

^
"^^i«

Fig. 83. — ^LEAF OF DORCHESTER.

short thne ; plant quite hardy and productive. This
variety is Uirgely cultivated by J. Cox, of Bridgeton, N. J«
and but little known elsewhere.

HLAOKBERBT. 1 <S3

CtpC May. — Very largw, sweet, but quite soft, black
when first ripe, but soon changes to a dull red. A very
good variety for home use, but too tender for market.

Dorchester. — Fruit large, oblong, oval, slightly pointed,
black, sweet, rich and excellent, with considerable of th«
wild Blackberry flavor ; leaves broad, oval, with a sharp
point, as shown in figure 83 ; ripens early, and the berries
quite firm. An excellent market variety. The canes are
very vigorous, and usually quite hardy. Not so produc-
tive as some, but sufficiently so to make it worthy of ex-
tensive cultivation. Introduced to public notice by the
late Josiah Lovett, of Beverly, Mass., in 1850 ; he having
procured the plants of a gentleman in Dorchester, Mass.,
about 1842.

Felton. — ^Very large, long, slightly conical, sweet and
good; the berries often very defective; ripens early
rather of a spreading growth, and not so upright and com
pact as some. This was at one time supposed to be the
same as the Wilson's Early, but it has lately been decided
by several gentleman of Southern New Jersey, who are
familiar with both varieties, that it is distinct, and not
equal to the Wilson's Early in productiveness. Intro-
duced a few years since by Oscar F. Felton, of Camden,
New Jei*sey.

Holcomb. — ^Large, roundish-oval, black, sweet, rich and
excellent ; plant strong, vigorous and productive, similar to
the Dorchester in size and productiveness, commencing
lo ripen about the same time, and continues in fruit for
several weeks. Introduced to public notice by E. A. IIol*
comb, of Granby, Conn., in 1855.

Kittatinny. — Large to very large, slightly conical, deep
shining black, moderately firm, sweet, rich and excellent ;
figure 84 is a fair representation of a well grown cluster ;
leaves ovate, with rather a long point, as shown in figur«

184 SMALL FEUIT CULTUltliiT.

Fig. 84.— KITTATINNT.

BLACKBERRY.

185

S5, finely and unevenly serrate; ])laiit a stroni^ and vii^or-
0118 grower, and very productive. The liuit begins to ripea

Fiff. 85.— LEAF OF KITTATINNT.

a few days earlier than the New Rochelle, and continues
for four or five weeks. This is an old variety, although
8*

18G

SMALL I'llL'IT CULTJIIIST.

new to the public, as it was not extensively disseminated
until last year, but, so far as known, it is very hardy, and
promises to be one of the very best varieties known.
Found, about twenty years ago, by a ^Ir. Wolverton,
growing wild in the woods near the Kittatinny Moun-
tains, in Warren County, New Jersey.

Xew Rochollo. (Seacor^s Mummoth, Zaioton.) — Very
large, irregular, roundish-oval, black, very juicy, and mod-
erately sweet when fully ripe, but it does not reach this
point until several days after the fruit has become black,
at which time it is very soft. A strong and vigorous
grower, and very productive. The fruit commences ripen-
ing rather late, and continues for a long time,
and unless the soil is naturally moist, or the
ground covered with a mulch, many of the
late berries will fail to come to matuiity.
The canes are also rather tender, often win-
, ter-killing, even in the vicinity where it origi-
jl|,l^ nated. The New Rochelle Blackberry has
probably done more to make this class of
fruits popular than any other variety, but some
of the kinds lately introduced are likely to
supersede it. Found by Lewns A. Seacor in
the town of New Rochelle, Westchester
County, N. Y.

Newman's Thornless. — Medium, roundish-
oval, black, rather acid, but good when fully
ripe ; canes slender, nearly round, growing
only three or four feet high ; spines small,
short, as shown in figure 86 ; some of the
canes almost smooth. It is usually very un-
productive, but occasionally it will produce
quite a large crop. Discovered growing wild,

and introduced by Jonas Newman, Ulster County, New

York.

Fiff. 86.

BLACKBERRY. 187

Ai^awnni. — A new variety, of wliich little is known.
Larger than the Snyder, and Ancient Briton, but the
phmts are not so hardy.

Ancient Itriton. — A very small wild berry from Wiu-
consin. Sweet, juicy, and of excellent ({uality, and the
plants are very productive. Valuable only where larger
and better sorts will not thrive.

Barnard. — A new variety, found in Iowa. Recom-
mended on account of the hardiness of the plants.

Dodge's Thornless. — From N. E. Dodge, Fredonia, N.
Y. This was tried and found wanting some ten years
ago. Plants feeble, and nearly destitute of both thorns
and fruit.

Early Burnton. — Very small ; sweet ; scarcely worth
cultivating.

Hoosac Thornless. — This is another wild sort, picked
up in the woods of New England. Not worth describing
or cultivating.

Knox. — New, and scarcely known among fruit growers,
except a small number in Central New York.

Missonri Mammoth. — This is a wild variety, or, I might
with truth say, several varieties, dug up from the fields
and woods of Missouri, and disseminated by one who had
good reasons for changing his name occasionally to avoid
unpleasant exposures. It cost me one hundred dollars
to get my first box of plants of these sorts, and to learn
that I had been cheated. If there is any true or genuine
Missouri Mammoth Blackberry in cultivation, it is un-
known to me.

Sable Queen. — Fruit large ; oblong ; glossy black ;
grains quite large ; firm, sweet, and excellent ; canes very
vigorous ; har€y, and usually quite productive. Found
growing wild about thirty years ago, in Essex Co., Mass.,

188 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

cond introduced to the public notice by J. W. Manning,
Heading, Mass.

Su} der. — A small variety, found growing wild near La
Porte, IniL, thirty years ago, but it attracted no attention
until quite recently, when it was discovered that the
plants were exceedingly hardy. If the plants are given
good cultivation, and close pruned, the fruit may be in-
creased in size to a point where it would probably rank
in the medium class, but with ordinary care, it is too
small to command much attention. It ripens early, and
is of good quality, and is valuable in localities where the
larger sorts are tender. One of the most populj'r varieties
in the West on account of its hardiness.

Taylor's Prolific— A new Western variety, of medium
size and good flavor. Recommended mainly on account
of the hardiness of the canes, which are said to withstand
a temperature of thirty degrees below zero without injury.

WacliiiSPtt Thornlcss.— This has been much praised on
account of the scarcity of thorns on its canes. Fruit
medium size and of fair quality, while the plants are
vigorous and hardy, but not very prolific. Found grow-
ing wild in the Monadnock Mountains, in 18G4, and in-
troduced to public notice by R. R. Fletcher, Groton Junc-
tion, Mass.

Western Triumph.— A very large, irregular-shaped
berry; very soft, juicy, and s^eet; plants wonderfully
vigorous, productive, and hardy. Owing to the softness
of the berry, it has not attracted much attention from
those who raise fruit for market, although it is a valuable
one for the amateur cultivator. A chance seedling, found
upon the open prairie in Lake Co., 111., in 1858, by Mr.
Biddle, of Waukegan.

Ncedliam's White. — A variety sent out several years
since, but it is unproductive, and not worth cultivpUng

BLACKBERRY. 189

Wilson's I^arly. — Very lar^^e ; oblong, oval, slightly
pointeil ; black ; (luito firm, sweet, rich, and good ; canes
strong, roundish, not so deeply corrugated as the New
Koehelle or Dorchester. It is prol)ably a s[)ort of tho
trailing Rhiokberry, or a cross between it and the high-
bush. Although the plant is naturally an erect grower,
still, occasionally, a cane will grow for several feet along
tho ground, and the tip take root, as is usual with the
common creeping Blackberry, or Dewberry, as it is gen-
erally called. The fruit ripens very early, and the entire
crop matures in about two weeks. This peculiarity in
ripening gives the grower of it an opportunity of sending
the entire crop to market before other varieties are ripe.
Discovered by John Wilson, of Burlington, N. J., about
1854.

The following kinds I have not fruited, neither have I
any very reliable information in regard to their merits :

Albion. — Found growing wild at Albion, Edwards Co.,
Illinois. The fruit is largo, of a pink color.

Claret, — A new variety, found by D. L. Adair, of
Hawesville, Ky. Fruit large, of a glossy claret color.

Col. Wilder. — Fruit bright cream color. Kaised by
John B. Orange, of Albion, Illinois, and named in honor
of the veteran pomologist, M. P. Wilder, of Boston, Mass.

Crystal White. — A variety from the West. Fruit yel-
lowish-white, and of excellent quality. The foliage of this
variety is very peculiar, inasmuch as the leaflets are very
narrow, almost oblong-lanceolate ; plants rather tender.

Dr. Warder. — Color a dark rosy-red. Raised from seed
by Mr. Orange, the originator of the Col. Wilder, and
named in honor of Dr. Warder, of Ohio.

PROFITS OF CULTURE.

The profits derived from the cultivation of the Rasp-
berry and Blackberry are extremely variable. The first

190 SMALL FKUIT CL'LTURIST.

thing to be ascertained by those who intend planting
these fruits extensively is, whether there is a good mar-
ket, and one that is not likely to he overstocked. Then
find out what kinds are the best suited to the location.

For instance, if one is located in a section where the
Red Antwerp and similar foreign varieties succeed, then
it would be safe and perhaps preferable to plant them in-
stead of others, because their fruit always commands the
highest price in the market.

In many places at the West, as well as at the East,
these varieties succeed, if protected in winter, and two to
six hundred dollars per acre is no uncomm'^n amount to
be derived for the fruit ; still there are many locations
where no amount of care will make them yield enough to
pay for their culture, consequently other varieties must
be selected, or Raspberry culture be abandoned.

The Blackberry, as a general thing, does not bring
quite so large a price in market as the Raspberry, but the
yield per acre is often greater, so that the returns will be
about equal, although, as a rule, they are not generally
considered as profitable a fruit as the Raspberry. When-
ever Peaches are plentiful, then late varieties of the Black-
berry sell at a very low price. The cost of cultivation,
gathering, and marketing these berries, is usually from
one-fourth to 0B<5-third of the gross receipts obtained for
the fruit.

CHAPTER V.

DWARF CHERRY.

NATURAL FAMILY ROSACEA.

PRUNU8. SuB-GKNUs, CERASUS.— Thb Cherry.

The Cherries, as a class, do not come within the prOi
posed scope of this work. But there is at least one native
species that is worthy of being placed among the smaU
fruits, and I have introduced it here for the purpose of
calling the attention of our horticulturists to it, hoping
that through their efforts a new, distinct, and valuable
class of Cherries will be originated.

All of the varieties of the Cherry commonly cultivat-
ed, are of foreign origin, and the native species have so
far resisted all attempts at improvement; as a general
thing, there appears to be no affinity between those
of the eastern and western continent. They will neithei
hybridize, nor the wood unite when worked one upon the
other. Thus the door seems to be closed against the in*
termingling of the superior and the inferior, and progress
only possible by raising seedlings of the native kinds
without foreign aid.

There ve, however, two indigenous species which appear
U> be Doarly related to the foreign, at least sufficiently so, to
191

SMALL FEU IT CCLTURIST.

idmit of being hybridized with it, as the flowers are very
similar and the wood of the two unites very readily. One
of these y Primus Penn8ylva7iica/\s a tall species, and doci
not come within the scope of this work; but a dwarf one,
P. pumila^ described by Dr. Gray as follows:

*' Smooth, depressed and trailing, six to eighteen inches
high; leaves obovate-Iaiiceolate, tapering to the base
somewhat toothed near the apex, pale anderneath ; flow
ers two to four together; fruit ovoid, dark red. Rocks oi
Bandy banks; Massachusetts northward to Wisconsin, and
south to Virginia along the mountains."

The above is merely a geneial description of the species,
but it varies considerably in different locations and soils.

It is thirty-five years since I first became acquainted
with this species while examining the wild fruits of North-
ern Michigan, and by referring to my diary of 1846, I
find the folk)wiiig notes :

** August 3d, 1846. Thunder Bay Islands, Lake Huron.
— Visited Hat Island, and found Dwarf Cherry, {CerasuB
pumila^) very abundant. The plants growing on the
beach in almost pure sand ; bearing stems depressed with
the weight of fruit ; wonderfully productive.

Fruit one-half inch long, and three-eighths broad ; dark
purple, nearly black, sweet, but rather insipid. Suckers
abundant from the underground stems or roots."

At the time referred to above, I supposed this speciei
was confined to the shores of the lakes, but have since
learned that it is widely distributed over the Northern
States. A few years ago, through the kindness of Prof
George Thurber, I received some Cherry seeds from Utah
Territory, and from them raised plants which appear to be
of the same species as the one described by Dr. Gray, as
P. pymila^ and also found by myself at Hat Island.
There is, however, considerable difierence in the growth
of the plants ; the one grown from the seeds obtained
from TTtah ^^oina: uiore erect, none of the branches trailing

imERRT. 193

as in the speoies. Tliis peculiarity of growth may not bo
different from the wild plants found in some localities.

I liave some specimens now four years from seed. They
are about three feet high; stem stocky, but the branches
quite slender, cylindrical and smooth. The bark brown and
shining on the small twigs, grayish when old. Fruit ovoid
about a half-inch long, dark purple, nearly black, sweet,
with little flavor. I do not consider tiiis Cherry of any
particular value ae it is found in its normal condition; but
if we could obiain an improved variety of a similar growth,
and as hardy and productive, it would certainly be a
great acquisition. There is no reason wliy this should not
be accomplis ed, for, as I have said, it is nearly related to
our cultivated varieties, and a hybrid can, and probably
will be, produced between them.

The Prunus pumila should be selected for the parent
to supply the seed, and the pollen, for fertiliziDg its flow-
ers, taken from the other species. It blooms rather later
than the Bigarreau, or Morello varieties, but can easily be
hastened by planting in a warm situation or under glass.

To produce a hybrid between this Dwarf Cherry and
the larger-growing kinds, requires no gieater mechanical
skill than to cross two varieties of the Strawberry ; an
operation which I have already described. The stamena
and pistils in the flowers of the Cherry are large and con-
spicuous, and cross fertilization a very simple operation.

Here is an opportunity for the enterprising and skillful
horticulturist to revolutionize Ciierry culture, and he who
first produces a fruit equal to the Great Bigarreau, or
Early Richmond Cherry, and borne upon a shrub no larger
than a Currant bush, will not only have his name handed
down to posterity, but will be very likely to gather golden
harvests for his labor,

9

CHAPTER VI.

THE CUREANT.

NATURAL FAMILY OROSSULACEiK.

RIBES. — The Currant asd Gooseberry.

[Ft«nch name, OroseiUer commun ; German, Oemeine JohannUbeert ; DstCA
AiilbesMboofn ; Italian, Ribes rosso ; Spanish, Orossella.]

GENERAL CHARACTERS.

Low, deciduous shrubs, with smooth stems; leavei
variable, more or less lobed, in some species nearly heartr
ihaped ; flowers small, greenish-yellow in the commonly
cultivated varieties, in others yellow, crimson, or white.

SPECIES.

Ribes prostratrum. — Fetid Currant. — Stems reclined
leaves deeply heart-shaped, five to seven-lobed, smooth
fruit pale red. In cold, damp woods in most of i'ue North
ern States.

Ribes floridum. — Wild Black Currant. — Leaves sprink-
led with resinous dots, slightly heart-shaped, three to
five-lobed, doubly serrate ; fruit round-ovoid, black,
smooth, with a slight musky flavor ; leaves also scented
Common in low grounds throughout the Northern Statei
and Canada^
194

I

CUBRANT. 195

R!b0S rnbnim,. — "Red Currant. — Stems straggling or
reclined ; loaves somewhat hcart-sliaped, obtusely three
to five-lobcd, downy beneath when young ; racemes from
lateral buds distinct from the leaf buds, drooping ; calyx
flat, greenish or purplish ; fruit globose, smooth, red. In
cold, damp woods and bogs from New England to Oregon,
Native of Europe, and probably the same species as our
common Red and White Currants of tlie gardens.

Ribes aureum* — Missouri Currant. — Stems very strong,
erect, with light colored bark ; leaves deeply and irregu-
larly lobed, usually more or less toothed flowers yellow
in clusters or short racemes ; fruit large, globular, black,
violet or deep yellow. Native of our Northwestern
States and Teriitories.

Ribes san^uincum. — Red Flowering Currant. — Native
of the Rocky Mountains and California. Cultivated for
Drnament. Fruit more or less insipid ; not valuable as an
edible fruit.

Ribes nigrum « — Black Currant. — ^Leaves three to five-
lobed ; racemes loose ; flowers greenish-white ; calyx often
of a rich brownish color ; berries globular, smooth, black ;
leaves and fruit strongly scented. Native of Northern
Europe, even to the sub-Alpine regions of Siberia.

Many other species of Currants are known, but as we
have no varieties of them cultivated for their fruit, I have
not thought it advisable to describe them. Those species
found in Mexico, Chili, Straits of Magellan, and other
Southern countries, would probably not be hardy in thu
United States.

HISTORY.

The species ol the Currant, from which our cultivated
varieties originated, are probably native of Northern Eu-
rope, as we do not find them mentioned by any of the old
Greek or Romar writers, who were generally so particii'
Ai to name every fruit known in their day.

196 SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

The English name Currant, or Corrans, as they wen
formerly called, was given them, because of their resem-
blance to the little Zante Grape, whicli is called Corinthi
in the English markets, as it was formerly almost en-
tirely imported from Corinth.

The Black, Red and White Currant, although known
to the inhabitants of Northern Europe for centuries, a^
tracted very little attention until within the past hundred
years.

Turner, in 1557, does not name them in his list of culti-
vated fruits. Gerarde, in 1597, calls the Currant a smooth-
stemmed Gooseberry. The Black Currant was formerly
known as the Squinancy berry, because used to cure the
qumsie.

The people of Siberia use the leaves of the Black Cur-
rant for making a drink, the same as we use tea. Loudon
says that the leaves, when dried, are an excellent substi-
tute for green tea, and that few persons can detect the
difference. The Red, White and Black Currants, one va-
riety of eacli, were the only kinds known in cultivatioi
until the beginning of the present century. Since that
time considerable im|)rovement has been made, and nu'
merous varieties introduced.

PROPAGATION.

By Seeds. — This method is seldom employed, excepA
for the ])urj)ose of producing new varieties. The fruit
should be gathered when fully ripe, alwa} s selecting the
largest berries, and from the earliest and mildest fla
vored kinds, as the Currant being naturally a very acid
fruit, the aim should be to produce sweeter varieties.

The berries may be dried, and the seeds preserved in
the pulp until wanted, or be crushed ..nd the seeds washed
out, as recommended for Strawberries. They will grow
more readily if not allowed to become diy, although dry
ing is not so injurious to them as it is to many other seed^

CUKRANT.

107

The following plan is one that I have followed with
■access :

Gather the fruit when ripe and wash out the seeds, then
mix them with ])ure sand, and put in boxes or pots, and
bury them in a shady place, such as the north side of
some building or fence, where they will remain cool or
frozen until the ground, in which they are to be sown, if
in a condition to receive them. If they are placed in a
situation where the sun will reach them, they are very
likely to germinate either during winter or as soon as the
frost leaves them in tlie spring, often before the ground
will admit of their being planted. If the seeds are frozen
after they have sprouted, it will usually destroy the germ
and prevent further growth. With many persons the
cause of failure in growing the Currant and Gooseberry
from seed is, that they either place them in a situation
where they sprout and cannot grow, or where too warm
and wet, and when the seeds are taken out to be sown in
spring they appear to be sound, yet their vitality is gone.

The seeds of all the species of Ribes will germinate at
a very low temperature, and if w^e keep them moist, and
where they do not freeze, they are very liable to start be-
fore the open ground is in a condition to receive them.
The seeds may be sown immediately after being taken
from the fruit, but in sections of the country where the
weather is very changeable, and the ground is frequently
frozen and thawed, there is more or less danger of injury
from causes above stated. If the seeds are kept dry dur-
ing winter, they should be soaked in warm water for two
or three days before sowing.

Sow in single or wide drills, covering the seed one-half
of an inch deep with fine soil. Keep them clear of weeds,
and if the weather is dry, give them occasionally a good
Boaking with water.

Transplant, when one year old, into rows three feel
%part, and the plants two feet apart in the rows.

198

SMALL FRUIT CULTUEIST.

Propagatiox by Cuttings. — Cuttings of the ripe wood
may be made at any time, from the falling of tlie leaf in
autumn until the i)laMts eoninience growth in spring.
But when the best possible results are desired, they should
be taken otf as soon as the wood is fully ripe.

Select good strong wood of the present season's growth,
and make the cuttings about six inches long, cutting them
otf smooth, just at the base of a bud. Figures 87 and 88
show two cuttings (much reduced in size)
as prepared for planting. Figure 81 is a
cutting of the common Black Cunant,
and figure 82 a cutting of the Cherry
Currant. The first has much larger and
more prominent buds than the latter.
If all the buds, except two or three of
the upper ones, are cut out before setting,
the plant will not produce as many suck-
ers as though tliey were allowed to re-
main. The advisability of this plan will
depend entirely ui)on the manner in which
the plants are to be grown, whether in
tree or stool ; if in the former, disbud, if
not, plant them entire.

When the cuttings are prepared, plant
as directed for other ripe wood cuttings,
in chapter 11. The cuttings should be
covered with straw or some similar ma-
terial, sufiicient to keep out the frost, or,
Fig. 87. Fig. 88. ^^ jg^^^^ ^^ prevent the ground from

frequently freezing and thawing during winter. Re-
move the covering at the return of warm weather, or
enough of it to allow the young shoots to grow through
without hindrance. Cuttings planted early in fall Avill
usually become rooted by the time winter sets in, and
this too, without their buds pushing into leaf The next
season they Avill make a far better growth than if their

CURRAIJT. 109

planting is deferred until flprinc^. Fall planting of Cur
rant cuttings is practiced by most of our leading nursery
men of the present time, especially by tliose whose nur
series are upon soils or in sections of the country where
the Currant ripens its wood early in autumn. The cut-
tings may be made in the fall ; if it is not convenient to
plant them then, they may be tied in bundles, and buried
in the open ground or cellar until spring- but as the
Currant is one of the earliest plants to show its leaves, the
cuttings should be planted as early as possible.

When a variety is scarce and valuable, the cuttings may
be made very short, — two or three inches in length will
answer the purpose, but they require a little more care in
handling and planting, as well as keeping the ground
moist, until they become rooted.

Another method is to make cuttings of one bud, with
a small portion of wood attached, say half an inch above
the bud and the same below, planting in pots or boxes of
sand or sandy loam, laying the cuttings down with the
eye or bud on the upper side, covering them about half an
inch deep. After the cuttings have been placed in the
soil, the pots should be set where the temperature will
not be above fifty, and keep moist for a few weeks, until
the callus is formed. Then put them in a propagating
house or hot-bed, where they will receive a steady heat,
but not above 75 or 80 degrees. As soon as well rooted,
pot them off into small thumb pots, and after these have
become well filled with roots, either shift into larger ones
or plant into the open ground, being careful not to break
the ball of earth which contains the roots.

The single bud cuttings will sometimes grow quite
readily if planted in the open ground, provided the sur
face Df the soil above them is covered with a mulch — saw-
dust or tan-bark are better for mulching the cutting-bed
than straw or leaves.

The Currant may also be grown very readily from greeh

200 SHALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

cuttings takon from the plants as they grow in the open
ground. Tliey sliould be taken otf as soon ad the plant!
have made a growtli of two or three inches. Slip off the
young growth close to the old wood, and plant the same
as other green wood cuttings in a frame, propagating
house, or under bell glasses.

These green cuttings require but a moderate degree of
heat, and will often succeed in a half shady situation in
the open ground if covered with glass. It is better, how-
ever, with very rare kinds, to take up the plants in fall,
and put them in a pot and set in a proi)agating house ;
then take off the young wood, as soon as it is large enough
for cuttings ; in this manner every shoot that appears can
be made a strong plant by spring.

Propagation by Suckers. — This was formerly a more
common method of prop-igating than at present, but
plants produced in this manner are not usually as good as
those from cuttings. The suckers that spring from the
roots are slipped off close at their base, and then planted
out, as usual with other plants.

Propagation by Layers. — Branches, when bent down
and covered with soil, or even pegged to the surface and
then covered with a mulch, will readily take root.

The spring is the best time to perform this operation,
because the layer will bifiome well rooted by autumn.
Leave the end of the branch uncovered, only burying that
portion on which it is desirable to produce roots.

In the fall, separate the layer from the parent plant, and
heel-in until spring. Cuttings grow so readily, that the
last two named methods of propagation are but seldom
practiced with the Currant.

SOIL AND CULTIVATION.

The Currant is a plant that possesses great vitality, aa6
will grow in almost any kind of soil or situation, but to
brmg it to perfection, and make its culture profitablsj it

CTTRRANT. 20l

req aires good culture, and a deep ricli Boil. It succeed*
bettor in a lieavy lo.un, approaching a clay, than in a light
Randy soil, l^ut, whatever tlie charact(ir of the soil, two
things are important for j)rodncing the best results, — a
deep soil and a rich one. It being what may be called
a gross feeder, manure of almost any kind may be applied
with impunity, and in almost any quantity.

To a few persons this may seem to be a singular recom-
mendation, inasmuch as we usually see, in traveling
through the country, Currant bushes growing in the fenco
corners, or in rows where the grass has taken ])ossession
of the soil and formed a tough sod about the plants, and
still they live and bear fruit. Yet, while I admit that the
Currant will live under such treatment, and in quite poor
soils, it never produces as large or as much fruit as when
it has good culture and a rich soil.

For field culture the plants sliould be set in rows four
or five feet apart, and about four feet in the row.

Clean cultivation is required as with other plants, and
if the whole surface of the soil is covered with mulch dur-
ing summer, it will not only insure the maturing of the
crop, but will materially increase the size of the fruit.

North of the latitude of New York City, there is but
little trouble in obtnining a full crop of Currants almost
every season, but South of this, and particularly on sandy
soils, the dry weather often begins so early that the planta
ripen, and the leaves fall before the fruit comes to maturi-
ty. Deep rich soil and mulching are the best methods for
preventing this.

PRUNING AND TRAINING

The most common modes of training are what is termed
the bush or stool form, and the tree shape. To grow the
bushes in the stool form, it is only necessary to set out
the plants singly, and allow them to throw up suckers
(rc>m the main stem or roots, which all the varietiea
9

502 SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

■Dd species do quite readily. The young shoots may b«
ahortened or entirely renioved, for the purpose of giving
the bush a regular shape, and make it open or compact,
as desired.

The varieties of the Ribes rubruniy to which species our
.ommon Red and White kinds belong, are usually growD
n this form, especially when cultivated in large quantities,
ind for market purposes.

The fruit is mainly produced on the wood two or more
years old, and when a branch has borne two or three
crops, it is best to remove it and allow a new one to take
its plac*, as young wood generally produces larger fruit
than that which is very old.

About all the pruning that is necessary is to cut out, oc»
casionally, the old wood, and shorten the most vigorous
of the young growth.

If too many young shoots or suckers appear, and thej
are likely to become crowded, a portion of them should
be cut out, so that the air and sun may have free access
to those that remain.

All dead or diseased shoots should be annually removed,
and only the best and most luxuriant ones preserved. If
the ends of the growing shoots are pinched off during the
summer, it will cause them to become more stocky and
fully ripe, while at the same time it will increase the size
of the truit which may be on the bianck below.

The main object should be to properly develop every
portion of the plant, and this cannot be done if it becomes
\rowded, either with old or new wood.

A half dozen large, vigorous shoots will give more and
arger fruit than double that number of weak and imma-
ture ones.

When the plants are so be trained with single atoms,
the system should be commenced with the cutting, dis-
budding that portion which is placed below ground, and
when those above ground push, rub ff all but one, v>(J

CURRANT. 203

train that erect ; the next season cut it back to within a
foot or eighteen inches of the ground. Allow three to
bIx shoots to grow the second season, and at equal distanccR
around the stem, if possible. The third season, shorten
these branches, and allow six to twelve shoots to be pro-
duced, and so on from year to year, pruning out and head-
ing in, keeping the head open and the branches arranged
in a vase form, or as near it as convenient. In some soils
single stem plants will live and produce abundantly for
eight to ten years, and while young, the fruit will be larger
than when grown in thick, compact bushes. For amateurs
the single stem system is a very convenient and pretty
method, and if a plant fails, it may be replaced without
any particular loss, but for field culture I prefer the clump
or bush form, because it is less trouble, and there is dan-
ger of the plants being killed by the Currant Borer, for if
one of these gets into the single stemmed plant it destroys
it, and a new one must be planted or trained up from one
of the many suckers which will usually start from the
roots after the main stem has been removed.

With the Black Currant the case is somewhat different ;
being naturally a much stronger grower, the stems becom-
ing quite large and coarse, they will live for many years,
and there is but little danger of insects injuring them
Neither do these require so much pruning as other varie-
ties; still, enough should be done to give the bush a regu-
lar, open head, as well as to cut out all small, weak shoots.
The young, one year old shoots should not be shortened so
severely as with other varieties, unless it is necessary for
the purpose of giving the plant some particular form, be»
cause fruit is produced on the one year old wood as well
a8 upon small spur-like shoots on the old. The varieties
of the Ribes nigrum^ (European Black Currant,) and the
Rlbea floridum^ and R. aureun^ form much larger bushes
than any of the other species ; consequently they should
oe allowed more room. If planted in rows, they should

204 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST*

be five to six feet apart, if it is desirable to have thera
grow to full size, although they are readily kept withia
a much less space, but much fruit will be lost by severe
pruning. These coarse-growing species usually produce
better and larger fruit on old plants than on the young,
provided they are given good culture, and all little, weak
shoots are annually cut out, so that those remaining will
be fully developed.

The tree form is preferable to the bush or clump for
all the varieties of the species last named.

INSECTS AND DISEASES.

It is only within the past twenty or thirty years that
insects injurious to the Currant and Gooseberry have be-
come so numerous as to attract much attention. In 1847,
the late Dr. Asa Fitch, in his Keport as State Entomolo-
gist of New York, mentioned an insect which had become
very destructive to the Currant in the central part of the
State, and as it somewhat resembled the European Cur-
rant and Gooseberry moth [Ahraxis grossulariata)^ he re-
ferred this American pest to the same genus, and named
it Ahraxis ribearia. In figure 89, at the upper right-
hand side, is shown the male moth, and at the left the
female, while on the leaf above is shown the caterpillar, as
seen when feeding. Another of these caterpillars is seen
suspended from the edge of the leaf, as they appear when
letting themselves down to the ground, while below is its
pupa, in which form this insect passes through the winter.
Kecent investigations by other entomologists show that
this insect is a native of North America, and not of
Europe, as at one time supposed. Furthermore, Dr. A.
S. Packard considers the insect to be sufficiently distinct
to be separated from Ahraxis ; and he has placed it in a
genus to which he has given the name of Eiifitcliia, in
honor of its first discoverer, Dr. Fitch ; consequently its
scientific name becomes Eufitchia ribearia, instead of

CURRANT.

205

Ahm.ris, But tlio clianp^in;]; of its name has no effect
14)011 tlie liabit of this post, and it will i)robal)ly coniinue,
as fDi'inerly, to strip the leaves from our Currants and
Gooseberries, whenever left to have its own way. Tho
insect usually appears early in springs feeding upon tho
leaves, and is then readily destroyed by dusting powdered

Fig. 89. — CURRANT WORM {EiifitcMa ribearia).

White Hellebore over the plant, while wet with dew in the
morning. Tobacco water and lime, and similar applica-
tions are also used with good results, but the hellebore is
considered the most effective and certain.

Imported (urraut Worm. — This pest is the Nematus
ventricosus, King, a large fly, of the order Hymenopfero,
and family Teiithredinidce, There are very few insects

206 SMALL FRUIT CULTUEI8T.

of this order that injure our garden plants, but the ono
under consideration is an exception to the general rule.
It first appearance in this country was ahout 1857, and in
the vicinity of Rochester, N. Y. , and is supposed to have
been introduced with imported plants.

The flies come out of the ground early in spring, and
the females soon commence depositing their eggs ou the
underside of the leaves near the veins. The eggs hatch
in about a week, and immediately commence feeding upon
the soft part of the leaves. At each moult they change
color, but when fully grown they are about three-quarters
of an inch long, and of a grass-green color, witli minute
black spots scattered along the sides and on the back.
"When mature, they drop to the ground and hide under
the leaves, enclosing themselves in thin oval cocoons.
In the course of five or six weeks a second brood of the
flies appear, and go the same round of devastation as the
first one, unless checked or destroyed by application of
hellebore or similar insecticides. Hellebore is usually
applied while the fruit is green, and any that may remain
upon the fruit is washed off by the rain ; should any ad-
here to the ripe fruit it must be washed off.

The Native Currant Worm. — This is a closely allied in-
sect to the last, belonging to the same order and family,
but to another genus. It is the Pristiphora grossidaricB,
Walsh. Its habits are also similar to the imported worm,
and it may be destroyed with similar insecticides.

Trochiliuiu tipuliforiue. — European Currant Borer. —
This is quite common in the Eastern States, and we seldom
receive Currant bushes from Europe that do not contain
more or less of these pests. It is too well known to re-
quire a description. The moth is probably not so familiar,
and I give the description given it by Dr. Fitch, in the New
York Agricultural Report, 1859: ''A small moth, having
some resemblance to a wasp, its wings being clear and

CURRANT. 207

glossy, the fore pair opaque, yellowish at tlie tips, with a
black margin and band near the middle, and the abdomen
black, with three yellow bands situated one upon each
alternate segment ; width 0.65 to 0.85."

Trochilium caudatum. — Ilarris. — This species infcsti
our native wild Currant, (Hibea Jloridum,) and it reeem
bles somewhat the European species.

To destroy these borers, the plants should be examined
every fall or during winter, and every shoot that has a
borer in it will usually be of a brown color, or slightly
wilted; sometimes, when the shoots are very vigorous, no
difference can be observed, but by close inspection the
small hole where the worm entered can be found. All
phoots containing worms should be cut out, and the worm
destroyed. In this way they may be checked, if not en-
lirely eradicated.

In making cuttings, the same care should be given, and
every hollow stem examined for borers, and if found, de-
stroyed.

fARIETlES.
NATIVE SPECIES,

American Black. — Hibes floridum. — ^Fruit medium,
roundish-ovoid, black ; clusters small, tapering. Seldom
cultivated, but worthy of it, if for no other purpose than
to produce new varieties, as it is naturally a better flavored
fruit than the European Black Currant.

Deseret. — Mibes aureum. — Fruit very large, round,
black or dark violet, with a slight bloom, sub-acid and
agreeable flavor; flowers yellow; a strong and rapid
grower, and very productive when the plant attains its
fiill growth. A variety of the Missouri Currant (Hibes
aureum). It is highly valued by the Mormons at Salt Lake
City, from whence I received it a few years since. Thii

208 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

should become the parent of a new and valuable class of

Fig. 90. — LEAP OP DESEKET.

Currants, as it possesses many good qualities and few
defects. Figure 90 shows a leaf of this variety.

Golden. — Large, round, deep golden-yellow, very acid,
and slightly bitter; flowers yellow. Of no value for its
fruit, but might be improved. Native of the Rocky
Moimtains, and a variety of Ji. aureum.

illissouri Black.— Very large, jet black, hard, dry, and

CUUUANT.

209

bitter; of no vmIuc, except as an oni.'iincnlal Kliriib;
flowers yellow, fnigniiil. Thero is juiother resembling
this, except that the fruit is edible, but not very good.
All the varieties of the R. auremii have deeply lobed

i'x^. 91 — LBAT OF BIBE8 8AN0UINBITM.

leaves, while the R. sanguineum^ (Red Flowering Cur-
rant,) Avhich is found west of the Rocky Mountains, ha?
leaves of the form shown in fio^ure 91.

Sweet Fruited Missouri. — Large, black, roundish-ovoid ;
bunches small, containing few berries ; sweet, musky fla-
vor. A variety of R. florldum^ and not of the R.
aureum^ as its name would indicate. It is a very slight
improvement upon the common wild Black Currant,
which may be found in almost any low, moist woods.
9*

210 dMALL FEUIT CULTUEIBT.

The Mormons claim to have several valiiabU varieti'^B ni
live of the Salt Lake region, but whether they will prove
valuable or worthy of being extensively cultivated is very
anceriain. There is one thing quite certain, and that is
that v/e have native species that possess qualities equal, if
not superior, to those found in any other country, and
equally susceptible of improvement.

FOREIGN VARIETIES.

Before proceeding to describe the different kinds, I wiL
give a brief synopsis of the difficulties that I have met in
endeavorins: to ascertain which were distinct varieties.

It is well known that plants of similar kinds often be-
come intermingled through the carelessness of workmen.
Sometimes packages will become broken while being
transported from one portion of the country to another,
and several kinds become mixed toi^ether. Thus it will
be seen that mixed varieties become very common from
accidental causes.

Twenty-five years ago I commenced collecting the vari-
ous kinds of Currants with the express purpose of ascer-
taining their true merits, and to determine which were
really distinct varieties.

To do this has cost me infinitely more labor and
money tiian I shall be likely to receive from the proceeds
of this volume, and still I fear that the results will be less
satisfactory to the public than any other portion of the
work.

I have not depended upon varieties obtained from any
one source, either in Europe or America, but have gath-
ered them from the best nurseries of France, Prussia,
Germany, England, Ireland, and the United States.

In the prosecution of my labors and researches, I have
had the good fortune to be able to avail myself of the in-
valuable experience and extensive collection of Mr. ChA&
Downing. His experience extends over a period ot mort

CUIIIIANT.

211

than fifty years, arifl when, a few years since, I informed
him of my purpose of writinu:; this l)ook, and requested
liis assistance p;irtieul;irly upon the Currant and Jlasp-
berry, lie cheerfully took hold of tlie work, and in addi-
tion to his then very complete collection, he sent to the
different growers of Europe and of this country for speci-
mens of all the new, as well as old varieties. Not depend-
ing upon one importation, he has obtained a new set almost
every year, and by keeping them separate, we have had
an opportunity of determining which were really distinct
varieties. For a number of years we have met, at the
time the fruit was ripe, and gone over the entire collec-
tion, carefully comparing them, and the following list is
the result :

Fig. 92. — LEAF OF ATTRACTOR.

Attractor. — Large, yellowish-white ; bunch medium,
loose. A slow grower, but quite productive. Not equal

21'Z

SMALL FliriT CULTURIST.

to the Wliito Dutch in flavor. Tlie loaves are Rinall and

deeply lobed or toothed, as shown in figure U'Z. From

France.

BllhtS LoiiS-Biilu*lH'd Red, — Large, deep red, of similar

flavor as the Ited Dutch ; leaves large; and very thick ;

serratures shar[) - pointed ; a
stronfj and viirorous grower, and
very jjroductive. Originated
with R. Buist, Philadelj)hia, Pa.
( liampagiie. {Pheasa^it's Eye^

Figr. 93. — CHERRY currant.

Fijr. 94. — CHERRY currant.

Grosselller a Fndt coideur de chair.) — ^Ijargc, pale pink
or flesh color, quite acid, and not rich flavored ; bunches
medium, loose, slightly tapering ; vigorous and produc-
tive. Much admired for the pretty appearance of its
fruit. Ripens late.

Cherry. (Imperial Bouge, or Med Imperial^ Large Med
Anger 5, La Caitcase, Fertile d' Angers of Leroy, Irish
Grape J Macrocarpa, Napoleo.i Med.) — Very large, dark

CURRANT. 2K/

red, acid, not rich, only second rate ; bunch variable, from
ihort to quite long, scarcely tapering, figure 87, and figure
88 showing the variations on the same plant; leaves large,
deep green, bluntly lobed, thick and tough ; very distinct
irora the lied Dutch and its varieties. Plant a coarse
grower, the young shoots being very strong and stocky
very productive, but the old branches becoming naked,
often produce two or three crops. Tlio largest Red Cur-
rant in cultivation, and commands the highest price in
market. Some of the varieties placed as synonyms of
the Cherry were probably raised from seed, but as I have
not been able to discover wherein they difier, I think it
folly to call them by different names.

Versailles.— Very large; bunch, long, and slightly
tapering ; dark red, acid, and by many it is considered to
be a better flavored variety than the Cherry, but by others
very similar, if not identical.

The principal points of distinction claimed are, that the
Versailles is not so acid as the Cherry, and that the bunches
are more tapering. But like variations may be observed in
other well known varieties, and upon plants growing in
close proximity. At one time, I thought that there was
a difference in the growth and foliage of the two kinds,
but more experience has not confirmed me in this opinion.

Although I am not ready to say positively that there is
no distinct variety to which the name of Versailles be-
longs, still I have not as yet been able to obtain one in
which really distinct and permanent variations can be dis.
covered.

Since writing the above, thirteen years ago, I have con-
tinued my investigation in regard to the identity of these
two varieties of the Currant, without making any dis*
coveries which throw light upon the subject. 1 have
noticed, however, that several European authorities have
declared the Versailles to be identical Avith the Cherry, a
conclusion which I arrived at some fifteen years ago.

214

SMALL FRUIT OULTURIST.

Daiia^s White. — After various attempts to procure a

White Curniut under this name distinct from the White

Grape, I at hist procured a few plants from Mr. Dana,

but with no better success, as all jiroved to be the same.

Fertile de Pailuau. — Titirge, mul of same color as Ked

Dutch, but not so juicy or good.
A strong and vigorous grower, and
very productive. The leaves re-
semble the lied Dutch, but are
larger. Figure 95.

Cioudouiu Red. — Berry and
bunch medium size ; fruit light red,
of I'ather })oor flavor ; foliage large,
coarse, light green ; serratures of
leaf sharp, coarsely veined, upper
surface sliglitly wavy. A very vig-
orous growler, and may prove to
be the Red Provence.

Ciondouiu White. — I have been
unable to obtain a distinct variety
under this name, White Grape be-
ing tlie one usually received.

Oloire des Sablons. — Fruit and
bunch small, white, distinctly strip-
ed with red, acid, poor flavor; of
no value, except as a curiosity;
plant a strong, upright and vigor-
ous grower, not very productive.

(iros Roiis^e dMu^ers. {Large
Red A/i(/ers.) — See Cherry.

Holland Lon^ Grape. — The one

received from L. Leroy, of France, is the Victoria, and
one from Andre Leroy, the Red Provence.

Imperial Yellow. {ImperhdJtmne, White Imperial.)
— Identical with the White Grape, with perhaps a slight

95. — FERTILE DE
PALLUAU.

cimEAjrr. 215

difference in the growth of the plant Tt appears to be a
more etocky and upright grower, at least while young
Imperial Koil^^e. — See Cherry Currant.

Knight's Larj^C Red. — Very similar to, if not identical
withjtlie Red Dutch.

Knight's Early Red. — Same as the last, and no earlier.

Knight's Sweet Red. — Large, very dark red; bunch
iong, tapering; similar in quality to the Red Dutch, but
apparently not quite so acid ; growth vigorous, upright
leaves dark green, of medium size, thick and coarsely ser-
rate. The general appearance of the plant distinct from
the Red Dutch. Moderately productive. This may have
been received under the wrong name, and perhaps it ia
the Knight's Large Red, which. Rivers says, is a valuable
variety.

La Uative. {La Hative de Bertin^ La Fertile.) — I am
not certain which of the above names should be placed
first, although the varieties received under each have all
proved to be the same. Evidently nearly related to the
Cherry Currant, as the general appearance of the plant
resembles it very much, but of a less vigorous growth.
Color of fi-uit and form of bunch same as Cherry, but
only about two-thirds the size ; ripens a few days earlier,
and is not quite so acid, yet too much so to be called good ;
productive.

Prince Albert. — ^Large, light red, sometimes slightly
Btriped with dark red ; bunch medium, tapering ; rather
acid, firm, of inferior quality, moderately vigorous, up-
right ; leaves small ; lobes long, pointed, sharply serrate
very productive.

Red Dutch. {Large Red Dutch, New Red Dutch, Long
Bunched Red, Morgan^ s Red, Grossellier Rouge a Grossi
Fruit.) — Large, deep red ; bunches long, tapering, rich,
juicy, good. One of the best. A vigorous, erect grower
and very productive. Well known.

216

SMALL FRUIT CULTURLST.

Red Carape. — Large, dark red; bunch compact, long,
slightly tuperiiig; foliage niediuui, not shining, as with
Red Dutch ; moderately vigorous, and of a ratlier stocky
growth.

Red Proveuce. — Small, dark red ; bunches long ; very
acid, liable to rot before ripening,
quite late, altogether inferior ; the
young shoots red. A very ram-
pant, coarse grower.

Striped Fruited. {Grosse Weiss-
iind Hothgestreifte Johannisbeere.)
— An old variety, with fruit same as
Gloire des Sablons, but the plant
a short, stocky grower ; the termi-
nal buds on the young shoots quite
conspicuous. Of no value.

Transparent H liite. — Claimed
to be a seedling of White Grape,
but, if so, it has assumed all the
characteristics of its ])arent, and I
am unable to see any difference.

Versailles. — See page ^205.

Victoria. — {M<(y"s Victoria,
Hougliton Castle^ Hahy Castle,
Goliath, Wilmofs Red Grape, and
Red Grape of some nurseries.) —
Large, ligiit, bright red ; bunch
(figure 96) very long, often six or
seven inches, tapering ; sprightly
acid, good flavor; leaves medium,
rather thin; lobes long; serratures
rounded, or with a short point ;
young branches rather slender, although vigorous, spread
ing ; very ])roduotive. A valuable variety for home usa

Fio;. 96. — VICTORIA.

OUIIRANT.

217

Wllilo (irapo. (White Antwerp^ White Transparent.)
— lj:irij:e, yt'llowisli-whitc, transparent; bunch medium,
sliiiilitly tiiperinu: (iiti;. 97) ; juicy,
sweet, ricli ; the best Wliite
Currant ; moderately vigorous,
sUmuUt, spreading habit ; leaves
medium size, sharply serrate,
with a grayish green color, not
shining ; very productive.

White Dutch. ( White Clin-
ton^ New White Dutch, Clarke^ s
Sweet. White Crystal, Reeves^
White, Morgan^ s White, White
Leghorn, White Transparent,
White Holland, White Pearl.)
— Large, yellowish- white, but
quite transparent ; bunches a
little shorter than the Red Dutch,
and berries larger, sweet, rich
and good ; a vigorous, upright
grower, and very productive.

White Provence, — Very
large, yellowish- white ; bunch
rather short, tapering. About
the same in quality as the White Dutch, but not quite
equal to White Grape. The most vi<>'orous of all the
White varieties, evidently of the White Dutch class.
Leaves large, thick, more or less edged with white, as
shown in figure 98; productive, but not equally so with
the White Grape.

Fis:. 91. — WUITE GRAPE.

BLACK CURRANTS.

{Bibes nigrum.)

Black Eni^lish. ( Common Black, Bang-up Blacky
Cassis a Fruit noir.) — Large, black, but few in a cluster.

218

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

Well known, ami but little cultivated at the present time,
having been superseded by the following:

Black Naples. ( Cassis Roydl of Na2)1e8.) — Very large,
often three-t'ourths of an inch in diameter, blaek, sweet,
but of mubky tiavor ; clusters are medium, tapering, loose \

Fig. 98. — LEAF OF WHITE PROVENCE.

very vigorous grower, and productive, when the plants
have attained considerable age and size ; leaves, stems and
fruit have a rank and musky scent, which is very disa-
greeable to many, but to others delightful.

Black Grape. {Ogden's Black 6^rap€.)— Fruit sam«

CURRANT. 210

as Black Naples, but the bush is more stocky, and not 80
tall a growcM*. A marked difference may be observed in
the hight of the plants when growing in adjoining rows.

Brown Fruited. {^Green Fruited^ Russian Green.) —
A variety of the Black English, with greenish-brown
fruit ; berries bard, dry, and rank flavored. Not wortb
.cultivating.

Lee's Prolific. — A new sort, of great promise. Berries
large, in compact clusters ; very similar in quality to tha
Black Naples, but the plants far more productive.

PROFITS OF CULTURE, USES, &0.

Currants are not, as a general thing, consumed in aa
large quantities as some other kinds of our small fruits.
Still there is scarcely a garden, however small, in city or
country, in which a few Currant bushes are not cultivated.

The extreme acidity of our more common varieties is
probably one reason why larger quantities of them ire not
used in their natural state. Currant jelly is one of tbe in-
dispensable conserves of whicb no good housekeeper neg-
lects to lay by a store at the proi)er time, but it has not
been known as an article of commerce until within ? very
recent period.

Our markets, as a general rule, have been very well sup-
plied, and often the price obtained for Currants has been
far below a profitable point. But of late years, since our
great fruit-preserving establishments have been started, the
demand has increased, and the supply is falling behind.
Here let me mention a fact which, I fear, some of our
fruit growers, as well as others, do not fully understand,
and it may also explain why the prices of certain kinds of
fruit appear tc increase m exact ratio to the supply. It
IS thic: When the proprietors of one of these large eS'
tabli&hments can go into market and purchase fifty thous-
and baskets of Strawberries, Raspberries, or other siuii'v

220 84UXL FEUIT CULTURIST.

fruits, he can afford to make a specialty of that one kind
for one, two or more clays, engaging the entire apparatm
and force of his establishinent upon it ; but, if oidy a few
hundred baskets can be obtained at any one time, then it
will not pay him to attempt to preserve any. Thus it
will be seen that we may supply or glut a market with a
few hundred baskets or pounds of a particular kind;
when, if tlie supply was thousands of baskets, or tons in-
stead, there would soon be a scarcity. Just as soon as it
is known that any good kind of fruit can be had in abun
dance, there will be means found for disposing of it, and
usually at a better price than when there is a compara-
tive scarcity. Capital is usually drawn into channels
where it can be employed continuously as well as profita-
bly. Gail Borden's process for condensing milk has been
successfully applied to the juice of the Currant, and a
similar substance to the common jelly manufactured with-
out sugar, and at less than half the cost. In the con-
densed form. Currant juice may be transported to any por-
tion of the globe, atid become an article of commerce.
When water is added, it again becomes a liquid — valuable
for medicinal purposes, as well as a luxury. Vessels start-
ing upon long voyages would do well to lay in a supply
of this article, for there are many diseases which are more
or less prevalent on ship-board, particularly when in tropi-
cal climates, in which a free use of Currant juice would be,
at least, beneficial to the patient, if not a curative.

The red Currants are more generally used for making
jellies than the white, but v/hy, it would be difficult to
telL Perhaps it is like many other anomalies we observe
in market, the cause of which can only be attributed to a
more general acquaintance with the kind, or to an attrac-
tive color. The white Currants, as a class, are of a richer
flavor and less acid than the Red.

The Black Currants are not so acid as the red and
white varieties, but their strong musky flavor is not> as i

CURRANT, 221

nile, agreeaWe to tlie American taste ; yet, like many
other fruits of strong flavor, it gradually becomes less ob«
jeclionable, until at last, through familiarity, a taste for it
is acquired^ and then it is appreciated and valued as highly
fts any other. Every year there appears to be an increas-
ing demand for the Black Currants, and the time will soon
come, if it has not already arrived, when they will com-
mand full prices and be sold in large quantities. Currant
wine made from the different kinds is a well known article
but whether its manufacture should be encouraged, or
otherwise, I will leave to the temperance societies to de-
cide. The price of Currants in our eastern markets varies
from four to fifteen cents per pound ; usually the largest
and best varieties will bring ten cents at w^holesale. At
the last named price, four to six hundred dollars per acre
can be obtained.

In planting the common red and white kinds, four feet
each way is sufiicient, thus giving 2,722 plants per acre.
If we estimate our crop at two pounds per plant, which is
not one-half the amount they should produce when fully
growTi, we will get 5,444 pounds per acre, or over two
tons and a half, and at two hundred dollars per ton it
amounts to over five hundred dollars. Then we have the
gathering, shipping, cultivation, and other incidental ex-
penses to deduct therefrom. But even then it can be seen
that it will be a very profitable crop. In case of great
abundance the prices might be somewhat reduced, but by
good cultivation the crop may be double the estimate
given above.

The Currant possesses many good qualities to recom-
mend it ; among which are its perfect hardiness, early cul-
ture, great productiveness, and almost the certainty of i
ftill crop every yeai

CHAPTER Vn.

GOOSEBERRY.

NATURAL FAMILY QROSSULACE^.

{RSms Otrwularta, of Botanists ; Bibes Uva Orispa, of Llnnseas ; Oro$stintr, ol
the French ; Stachdheere-strauch, Qerman ; Uva-spina, Italian ; OrosaeHa^ SpanUb ;
Entires, of the Datch.]

GENERAL CHARACTER.

Low, deciduous shrubs ; stems mostly bearing thorni
at the base of the leaf-stalks, in some the spines or prickles
scattered, usually more abundant at the base of the
stems than above ; leaves alternate, palmately lobed ;
fruit a one-celled berry, produced in small clusters, smooth
or prickly.

SPECIES.

The following are indigenous to the United States, a<v
wording to Dr. Gray and Chapman.

Ribes Cynosbati. — Wild Gooseberry. — Leaves pubes-
cent; peduncles slender, two to three flowered; spinel
strong ; berry large, armed with long prickles, like a burr,
'•arely smooth.

R. hirtellum. — Smooth Gooseberry. — Leaves somewhat
pubescent beneath ; peduncles very short, one to two
232

OOOBKBKRBY. 22«3

flowered ; Btems eitlier smooth or prickly, and with verj
short tliorns. Common in all the Northern States. The
well known Houghton's Seedling, of the nurseries, belongs
to this species.

R. rotundifolium. — Leaves nearly smooth, rounded, with
very short and blunt lobes; peduncles slender, one to
three flowered ; fruit smooth, pleasant flavored.

R* lacustrc. — Swamp Gooseberry. — Young stems with
bristly prickles and weak thorns ; leaves heart-shaped,
three to five-pointed, with lobes deeply cut ; fruit bristly.
Cold woods and swamps from New England to the West
and northward.

R. gracile. — Axillary spine very short ; leaves on a
slender petiole, pubescent on both sides ; the lobes acute,
incised and acutely toothed ; peduncles long, one to two
flowered. Mountains of Tennessee ; (Chapman in Flora
of the Southern States.)

There are several other species, or those described as
such, but as we have no cultivated varieties of them, it is
hardly necessary to give a full description. The following
are but a portion of those known :

R« oxycanthoides. — Native of Canada and Newfound

land, and to the northward.

R. diyaricatum* — Branches divaricate, bristly or naked;
berries black, smooth. Native of Northwest coast of
America.

R. microphyllnm. — Small Leaved Gooseberry. — ^Native
of the mountains of Mexico. Flowers red.

R* cnncifoliunii — Berry pale red, resembles the iJ. Uva
Crispa. Native of Peru, on the Andes.

FOREIGN SPECIES.

R. Grossularia. (Uva C'*'ispa, L.) — Leaves three to
five-lobed, rather villous; prickles two or three nndei
each bud ; branches otherwise smooth, spreading or erect

224 8MAIX Faurr culturiot,

berries smooth or covered with prickles, red, green or yel
low. Native of the whole of Northern Europe, and in
the woods of Britain. This species is the parent of all
the noted varieties of the English gardens.

Other species are known, but not possessing meriti
superior to the above, no attempt has been made to im-
prove them. The native species of America are really
superior to the H. Grossularia in its normal state. But m
England great attention has been paid to the cultivation
and improvement of this fruit, consequently varieties of
great size, beauty and excellence have been the result.

fflSTOKY.

The Gooseberry has no separate history from the Cur-
rant. It was, as we have before stated, not known as a
cultivated fruit until within the last two or three hundred
years. Parkinson, in 1640, mentions eight varieties, but
the varieties increased so rapidly in the next hundred
years, that Miller, in 1731, said that it was needless to un-
dertake to enumerate them.

If this was true in the days of Miller, it is certainly so
at the present time, because varieties have been constantly
increasing ever since, until some of the English nursery-
men enumerate three hundred kinds in tlmr catalogues.

In this country very little attention has been paid to
the Gooseberry, and the list of kinds grown from native
species is very small, which is very much to be regretted,
inasmuch as the European sorts do not, as a general thing
•ucoeed in America.

PROPAGATION.

The same methods recommended for the Currant, with
one or two exceptions, are equally applicable to tht
Gooseberry.

OOOSEBEBRT. 225

As a general thing, it does not ripen its wood so early
In the season as the Currant, and the planting of the out-
tings may be deferred until spring.

They are, liowever, more certain, if made in the fall after
the leaves have fallen, or when the young wood is fully
mature, than if the operation is deferred until spring.

The cuttings may be buried either in the open ground
or cellar, being careful not to allow them to become dry
and shrivelled or too wet. Growing from seed cannot be
too highly recommended at the present time, because we
are in great want of varieties suited to our climate, and it
is scarcely to be expected that we shall obtain them in
any other way than by growing seedlings from our native
species.

We have plenty of varieties which were produced from
the seeds of foreign kinds, but they are neither superior
in quality or size, nor any better suited to our climate
than the originals.

Native varieties from native species is the field in which
to labor for making permanent progress, and the general
success of the few varieties that have been produced, showe
the truth of this assertion.

PRUNING AND TRAINING.

The single stem system is probably the best one for
training the Gooseberry. The fruit is produced on short
spurs on the two and three years old wood, as well as on
that of the preceding year, and the directions given for the
Currant are applicable to the Gooseberry. If but little
fruit is desired, and that of large size, then prune close, and
leave but few branches, and the opposite course may be
followed for a large crop. The Gooseberry should be train-
ed with a very o))en head, more so than the Currant, be-
cause If the air does not have free access to every portion
of the plant, mildew is ahnost certain to destroy not only
the fruit, but the inside branches, if not the whole plant.
10

226 SMALL FEUIT CULTUHIST.

A proper distribution of the branches should be obserY"
ed, and be so arranged that they shall be at regular dis-
tances from each other. Then all little side shoots, that
may appear in summer, should be pruned off. The young
shoots should be annually shortened, but to what extent
will depend somewhat upon the amount of grovvth the
plants have made, as well as upon the quantity and quality
of fruit desired. Summer pruning, except to take out
small weak shoots or to check the rampant growth of a
particular branch which is attracting too much of the
strength of the plant, is not beneficial, inasmuch as it of-
ten causes young, weak, lateral shoots to be produced,
which often fail to come to maturity.

The Gooseberry may be trained as espaliers, or with a
single stem and side spurs, or in almost any manner that
one's fancy may suggest.

The regular annual pruning may be performed at any
time after the wood is fully matured in the fall, until the
buds swell in the spring.

SOIL AND CULTURE.

The Gooseberry likes a good, deep, moist soil, but one
that is not really wet. A rich soil is also essential, be-
cause it is only by keeping up a vigorous growth that
large fruit and abundant crops can be secured. An open,
airy situation is better than one that is confined, and in
many sections of the country the north side of a hill
would be far preferable to a southern exposure. The ex-
treme heat of our summer has been the greatest impedi-
ment to the successful cultivation of the English Goose-
berries, and to counteract this, the coolest available situa-
tion should be selected. Also, in enriching the ground,
use no fermenting manure ; apply none but that which is
old and well rotted. Cow manure is far belter than horse
manure, particularly on light, warm soils. Mulching the
plants in summer is very beneficial, and if tan bark of

GOOSKBERRT. 22

n

■pent hops from a brewery can be obtained, they should
be used in preference to hay or straw. Good culture if
required to produce good crops, the same as with other
fruits.

Mildew. — Tliis is the one great enemy to the Goose*
berry in the United States. It not only attacks the fruit,
but often extends over the whole plant, effectually check-
ing its growth.

So prevalent has this disease become, that the foreign
varieties are almost universally discarded, as there are few
locations where they will succeed.

There are many remedies which have been from time
to time recommended, and they often appear to be effectual,
while in otlier instances they are of no use whatever.

The following remedies against mildew are worth try-
ing, although they cannot be called radical cures :

Scatter flour of sulphur over the bushes soon after
the berries have set, and repeat the application occasion-
ally until the fruit is ripe.

Water the plants with strong soap-suds, or dissolve one
pound of potash in a barrel of water, and then sprinkle
the plants once a week with it.

Soak fi-esh mown or dry hay in brine for twelve hours ;
then cover the entire surface of the soil about the planta
with this, as a mulch. If hops, tan bark, or other mulch
has previously been applied, then sprinkle it with salt ; a
single handful to each plant will be sufficient.

All of these remedies will often fail, but still they are
worth trying. Old plants are more liable to suffer from
mildew than young ones, therefore it is best to keep a
supply of fresh plants always on hand; in fact, so long as
you can keep the plant growing vigorously, there is but
httle dangler from mildew.

I have often seen the foreign varieties doing splendidly
in a half shady situation, such as the north side of a wall
or fence, or in the shade of trees ; but such a situation

228 bHALL FKUIT i'ULTURIST.

cannot be recommended as the best, because mildew doei
destroy plants under just such circumstances. No effeo-
tual remedy can be given, nor the best location pointed out,
because the experiences of ditferent cultivators are so con-
flicting, that the one which appears to be the best in oc«
location, would seem to be the very poorest for another.
Wherever the foreign kinds will grow without being at-
tacked by mildew, they are certainly far preferable to any
of our native ones; but my own remedy against mildew
is, to cultivate none but the native varieties, for with these
I have never experienced the least trouble, nor as yet had
% berry affected by disease of any kind.

INSECTS.

The Gooseberry and Currant are so nearly related, that
many of the injuiious insects are common to both. The
Currant-moth, (Abraxis^) is equally destructive to the
Gooseberry, while the Currant-borer seldom, if ever, at-
tacks it. Harris, Fitch, and other entomologists, describe
quite a number of insects that are occasionally found upon
the Gooseberry, but thus far their ravages in this country
have not been very extensive. The following are occa-
sionally met, and if they should become numerous, would,
at the same time, become very injurious:

Lecanium Cynosbati. — Gooseberry Bark-louse. —
(Fitch,) — Attacking the stalks of the wild Gooseberry; a
hemispheric, smooth, shining resin-brown reale, commonly
freckled with dull yellow dots, and with a dull yellow
stripe along its middle. Remedy, close pruning, and an
application of potash dissolved in water; one pound to
eight gallons of water.

Pieciloptera pruinosa — Mealy Flata — {Saj/.) — A small
four- winged 11 y, of a dark bluish color, covered ^vith a
mealy white powder, which attacks the leaves late in the
■eason, puncturing the leaves and young shoots, sucking
the juices of the plant.

OOOSEBERBT

22is

Probably, dusting the plants with ashes or lime would
klestroy them, or at least prevent their attacks.

Cecidomyia Grossularlae — Gooseberry jMidge — (Mtch.)
— "The berricfl turning red prematurely and becoming
putrid, having in them small, bright yellow maggots, of
an oblong-oval form, and slightly divided into segments
by fine impressed transverse lines ; changing to pupaB in the
berries, and in the latter part of July giving out a small
two-winged fly, resembling a musquito, of beeswax yellow
color." The berries should be gathered so soon as they
show signs of premature ripening, and fed to hogs, or
otherwise destroyed.

In addition to the above, and the various insects in*
jurious to the Currant and Gooseberry, there are several
others which occasionally do some harm, either to the
leaves or fruit. There is a minute moth which breeds in
the fruit, the caterpillar eating out the center of the berry.
In wet seasons a species of Plant-Louse [Apliis rihis)
infests the Red Currant, but does not attack the black
varieties, or the Gooseberry, but none of these are very
destructive, and the cultivator can usually get rid of
them by the use of the simple insecticides usually at
hand. Those who are familiar with the habits of insects
can do much by removing the eggs, often laid in clus-
ters, and destroying them before they hatch, and the
brood is scattered.

PROFITS OF CULTURK

There is far less demand for the Gooseberry than almost
any other of our small fruits. It is generally gathered
before it is ripe, and sold for making pies, tarts, etc., con-
sequently, the demand for it is not so gieat as for other
fruits, which are used for a greater variety of purposes.

In the New York markets, the price varies from one to
three, or four dollars per bushel But whether the d*/-

230 SMALL FBUIT CUXTUBIST.

ruand would warrant a very extended culture, is uncertain,
at least. Each cultivator will have to be his own judge in
the matter, and if he can be sure of obtaining two dollari
per bushel, he can make Gooseberry culture profitable, at
least with the native varieties. Two to four hundred
bushels per acre can be grown of these kinds, and the
«08t of culture, gathering, marketing, etc., ought not to
be over fitly cents per bushel. I have grown the
Houghton Seedling, (which I do not consider the best or
most profitable,) and sold the fruit for one dollar and fifty
cents per bushel, and believe it was a profitable transac-
tion.

NATIVE VARIETIES.

Cluster. — {American Hed, Dutch Joe, Pale Hed, St.
Clair, Itoberts* Sweet Water, etc.) — Small, oval, about
three-fourths of an inch long; reddish purple; sweet,
juicy, and good. Bush, a strong, slender grower; leaves
light, bright green ; very productive.

Cluster Seedling.— Similar to its parent, but slightly
more upright in growth, and the leaves of a pale grayish-
green.

Downing. — Medium to large, oval, about f of an inch
long ; greenish- white ; excellent flavor. Plant, an upright
grower ; leaves deep shining green ; very productive j
probably the best native variety.

Originated with Charles Downing, New burgh, N. T.

noughton'S Seedling. — Fruit small to medium, round-
ish-oval, pale red, sweet, tender, and very good ; leaves
deep shining green. The young plants upright in growth,
but as they become old they assume a spreading, almost
weeping habit. A vigorous and productive variety, and
is seldom affected by mildew. Originated with Abel
Houghton, Lynn, Mass.

Mountain Seedling. — Large, roundish-oval, pale red;
ikin rather tough and thick, but of fair quality. The

GOOSEBBBRT. 2.3 {

iArgcRt of the native vnricties ; oflen over an inch in length,
Plant a coarse, spreading grower, with very strong spineit.
Productive and vahiable.
Originated with the Shakers, at Lebanon, Pa.

FOREIGN VARIETIES.

To attempt to give a list of the best foreign varieties,
would be the hight of folly on my part, inasmuch as tlvere
is no dozen or more sorts upon which any two of the
most experienced English growers would agree.

The number of really first class varieties known in
England is almost innumerable, and a host of new ones
are brought forward every season. To give some idea of
the attention which is paid to the culture of this fruit in
England, I will state that the Annual Gooseberry Grow-
ers' Register, for 1863, is a volume of over 200 pages, and
gives reports of one hundred and fifty-five Gooseberry
shows.

Wben the horticulturists of the United States will sup-
port as many exhibitions for the purpose of showing any
one or all the small fruits combined, then we shall have
no need of looking to other countries for new varieties.

Among the old varieties which have been known in this
country for twenty to forty years, and are still esteemed
as good as any, I will name the following :

Red. — Ironmonger, Warrington, Red Champagne, Red
Walnut.

Geeen. — Green Walnut, Green Globe, Green Gage,
White Smith.

Yellow. — Golden Drop, Sulphur, Conqueror, Yellow
Champagne, Hunt's, Tawny, Royal Sovereign.

White.— Large Crystal, Royal George, White Dutch,
White Walnut

233 SMALL FKCTT CTJLTURlfiT.

Among the very newest &n({ !arsjeat varieties whicb
have taken premiums at the great Gooseberry shows in
England, I give the following twelve as the heaviest nam-
ed in this record :

Red. — Leicester's Smoker, Brotherton's Foreman, Pilk-
inton's Farmer.

Green. — Prophet's Diadem, Becket's Bravo, Brother
ton's Birchen Lane.

Yellow. — Wilkinson's Oyster Girl, Eardlay's Hannah.

WuiTE. — Shingler's Edna, Miss Soars, Walton's Annie.

The heaviest berry weighed 29 dwt. 12 grs. ; and the
lightest 16 dwt. 2 grs.

But to produce berries of the weights given requires
extra care, more than probably any of our cultivators
would be likely to give to the Goodeberry, even if our
climate was as suitable to its culture as that of EoglaDd

./••

CHAPTER Vm.

CORNELIAN CHERRY.-(CoRNua.)

Natural Family Cornacks:. — (Dogwood or Cornel,)

[Name derived from Camu, a horn, alluding to the hardness of the wood. !■
French, CamouiOer ; Dutch, Komoeije ; German, Komd Kk-scke ; Italian, Cbry-
iu)lo; Spanish, Com^.^

GENERAL CHARACTERS.

The species constituting this genus are mainly deciduous
shrubs or small trees. Flowers small, inconspicuous, but
in some species they are surrounded by a large and showy
involucre, which is sometimes called the flower, as in one
of our native species, ( Cornua florida). There is but one
known species which produces fruit worthy of our atten-
tion.

f ornns mascula. — Cornelian Cherry. — Shrubs growing
>ien to twenty feet high, with smooth branches; leaves
K)Yal, acuminate, of a dull green color; flowers small, yel-
low, in clusters, produced early in spring, before the leaves ;
fruit oblong, about one inch in length and half an inch in
diameter ; color bright reddish-scarlet ; flesh firm, slightly
juicy when ripe, acid, not particularly agreeable in its raw
state ; fruit ripens in September, but remains a long tim«
on the bush, which makes it exceedingly ornamental
233

234

SMALL FRUIT CULTUKIST.

A variety of tliis species produces fruit of n bright yel
low color. The fruit is a little larger than the red, and not
quite so acid.

HISTORY.

The Cornel, as it is generally called in our older works
on gardening, is a native of the South of Europe and

Fig;. 99. — CORNELIAN CHERRT.

Eastern Asia. It is mentioned by nearly all of the ancient
w liters. Sometimes the fruit is named, while others praise
the quality of the wood, which is very hard. That it was
formerly used for arrows and javelins, we infer from the

CORNSUaN ClIKKBY. %

frequent allusions made to it in connection with imple-
ments of war. Homer, in the Odyssey, l^ook xiv, says :

"His cornel spear,
Ulysses waved to rouse the savage war."

It is also mentioned in a similar connection in Virgira
Georgics.

Theoi)lirastus and Pliny are supposed to refer to it when
gpoaking of some of the hard kinds of wood growing wild
in Italy. But these writers are generally so vague in their
descriptions, that it is difficult to determine what particular
trees or plants they were endeavoring to describe.

Nearly every English author, from Tusser, who, in hia
work written in 1557, called them Cornel Plums, down
to the present time, have mentioned the CorneL Some
eulogize the beauty as well as quality of the fruit, while
others refer to it as merely an ornamental plant. The
name Mascula or Mas was given it from the fact that
plants grown from seed produce only staminate or male
flowers for the first ten to fifteen years ; afterwards flowers
of both sexes appear, followed by fruit. It appears to
have derived the name of Dogwood from a wild species
found in Britai.i, which bears a small fruit, not edible.
Parkinson says this wild species was called hounds-tree,
(dog-berry tree,) because the fruit was not fit for the dogs ;
hence the name Dogwood, which has become the common
name of the whole genus. The Cornelian Cherry is not
very plentiful in the United States, although nearly every
nurseryman keeps the plants for sale. The long time
which it requires to bring seedling plants into bearing, haa
been one reason why we see so few in private gardens.

In the older nurseries and gardens near our eastern
cities, bearing plants are frequently seen, but they are not
90 common as their merits deserve.

The plants live to a great age, and there are specimens
m Europe, which are known to have been planted more
than two hundred years.

236 SMALL FBUIT CULTUEIST.

PROPAGATION.

By Seeds. — Plants are more generally grown from eeed
than otherwise ; consequently, for reasons previously stated,
ihey are a long time coining into beaiing. Tiio fruit
Bhould be gathered in the fall, and the seeds separated
from the pulp ; then mixed with earth, and buried where
they will keep moist, and not be disturbed until the ensu*
mg autumn. They will seldom, if ever, germinate the
first season ; consequently there is no use of sowing them
where it is desirable to have them grow, and be obliged to
cultivate the ground where there are no plants. When
the seeds have remained one season in the rot-heap, (to use
a gardener's phrase,) take them out and sow in drills, plac-
ing tlie seeds two or three inches apart, and cover two
inches deep. The seedlings produce a mass of small
fibrous roots, and can be rapidly transplanted in spring or
autumn. If bearing plants are at hand, from which buds
or grafts can be obtained, then it is better to u,se the seed-
lings as stock. In this case, they should be transplanted
from the seed-beds into rows four feet apart, j -lacing the
plants about a foot apart in the rows. The seefJhngs will
usually be large enough to work the third year.

Cuttings. — These should be made of the one year old
wood, and in the same manner as described in the preceding
chapter for the Barberry. Tlie cuttings do not root very
freely, and to insure even moderate success, tho ground
should be kept very moist during the early part of the
season, or until roots are produced. A deep, moist soil is
requisite, and if covered with mulch, so much the better.

Layers. — This is the most common mode of propagat-
ing from bearing plants. Put down the layers in early
spring, cutting them as usual with woody plants, and they
will generally be sufficiently rooted to be reifiove^ from
the parent plant in autumn.

Layers do not usually make as handsome plant* v B^^sd-

CORNELIAN CIIERET. 237

lings ; still thoy are preferable, because they will produce
fruit when quite young.

Budding. — This operation should be perfonned, in the
usual manner, so soon as good, well developed buds are to
be obtained from the young wood of the present season's
growth.

Grafting. — This should be done in the spring, just be-
fore the leaves start, and upon young stocks, such as seed-
lings of two to four years old ; the whip or splice graft is
preferable to the wedge.

CULTIVATION.

There is no particular skill required in cultivating the
Cornelian Cherry, as the plant is far from being a delicate
one. It will grow in almost any good, garden soil In
England, it is said to prefer a calcareous one, but the larg-
est and best plants, with which I am acquainted, are in a
compact loam, approaching a clay. An open, but some-
what sheltered situation is preferable on account of the
plant blooming so very early ; the flowers are often de-
stroyed by spring frosts, unless protected, or where there
is just sufficient circulation of air to prevent freezing. A
strong, direct current of air will often blast the flowers,
when the same degree of cold would not injure them if
the air was still, or only moved by a gentle breeze.

VARIETIES.

There are, it is said, other edible varieties besides the
two which I have named, but I have no personal knowl-
edge of their merits. There is a variegated leaved variety
which I have cultivated for several years, but up to the
present time it has produced no fruit.

Uses. — In former times, when better fruit was scarce,
Cornels were used for vanous conserves and to mix with

238 SMALL FRUIT CULTUBIST.

apples and pears for making cider. It is doubtful if it
will ever become a popul.ir fruit with us, unless better
varieties that those we now possess are produced. Its
beauty, however, commends it to the attention of every
one who possesses a garden.

DiSBisES AND Insects, — None, or so few as not to hg
wortb naming.

CHAPTER IX

CRANBERRY.— Vaoctnium.

Ericack^ or Heath Family.

[Vacdnhtm Oxycoccus, an ancient Latin name of obscnr* denratlon. French
name le lUrdU; German, Beidelbeerfi- ; and Mooreberrie. The bub-fami]y name,
Oxycoccii^, is derived (Tomoxus, sharp or acid, and kokkus, a ber /, in reference to
the acid taste of the berries. The name Cranberry is supposed by some authors
to have been given it because the fruit stem is croolted like a » rane's-bill, while
others state that it was because cranes were fond of the fruit.]

GENERAL CHARACTERS.

Low, trailing, evergreen shrubs, with ^^ry slender
oranches; fruit-bearing stems erect; flower bell-shaped,
white, or tinged with red ; berry usually four to five-cell-
ed ; seeds numerous.

SPECIES.

Taccinium OxycoccuSt — Small Cranberry. — Leaves
ovate, acute, with revolute margins ; stems very slender
berries very small, spotted when young, becoming red at
maturity. Grows in peat bogs in nearly all of the North-
em States, also in Northern Europe.

V. macrocarpon. — Common American Cranberry. —
Leaves oblong, obtuse, glaucous underneath, with slightly
revolute margins. Flower-stems erect ; fruit pale pinkish'
239

240

BHALL FKirrr CULTURTBT.

white to deep red, one half to one inch in diameter; varii
ble in sliape, from globular, ovoid, ovate-oblonej, belV
shape, etc.

V. erythrocarpoil. — Bush Cranberry. — Leaves decidu
ous, oblong-ovate, acuminate, bristly serrate ; stems erect,
flexible; two to four feet high; berry small, red, dry and
insipid. High mountains of Virginia and North Carolina

ICSrORY.

The Cranberry is almost exclusively a northern plant,
and was probably not known to the Romans until their
conquests in the North. In Northern Europe it has been
highly appreciated for centuries, and immense quantities
are annually brought into the English m-irkets from Russia
and Sweden, in addition to those produced in Britain.
The American Cranberry, FI macrocarpon^ was intro-
duced into England in 17G0, and, althougli acknowledged
to be superior to the common European species, still we
have no accounts of its being cultivated there to any con-
siderable extent.

The first settlers in America found the Cranberry in
such abundance that there was no necessity for cultivat-
ing it, until the population became so numerous that the
natural supply would not equal the demand. This point
was reached about thirty years ago, at which time nu-
merous experiments in its cultivation commenced at Cape
Cod, and in a few other places.

Previous to this time, however, an occasional plot had
been cultivated. Kenrick, in the New American Orchard-
ist, 1832, says : Capt. Henry Hall, of Barnstable, Mass.,
has cultivated the Cranberry for twenty years. In the
New England Farmer, Vol. IX, No. 18, is an account of
3 Mr. F. A. Ilayden, of Lincoln, ^lass., who, in 1830, sold
from his farm 400 bushels of Cranberries for six hundred
dollars. From these and a few other recorded instances

CBANBEBBT. 84 1

of Cranberry cultnro, we infer that there were very few
who attempted its cultivation previous to 1835 or 1840.
Since that time there lias been a steady iiicrjase, until, at
the present time, thousands of acres nre devoted to the
culture of this fruit. Not only have individuals turned
their attention to it, but companies have been formed
with abundant means to cultivate the Cranberry upon an
extensive scale.

In addition to the benefit derived from having our mar-
kets supplied with the fruit, its culture is a source of na-
tional wealtk, inasmuch as the land devoted to it was
previously uncultivated, neither enriching individuals by
its productions, nor yielding taxes to the State.

Many of our low, boggy wastes, which formerly were
sources of miasmatic diseases, have been changed into
healthful locations and fruitful fields.

PROPAGATION.

To propagate some of our cultivated fruits successfully,
requires more or less skill, but the Cranberry may be said
to propagate itself. The plant, as it creeps along over the
ground, throws out innumerable roots, fixing every por-
tion of the prostrate stems to the soil. If these branches
do not root as soon as desired, a little earth thrown over
them will hasten the process.

The plants may be taken up ?*nd planted whole, or be
divided into small pieces, each of which will soon become
a strong plant. Even the upright stems may be used for
cuttings, and when planted in the spring, they will become
rooted by the next fall.

The small green tips of the growing branches may be
taken off in summer, and rooted under a bell-glass, or in
ordinary glazed frames.

Cultivators seldom have recourse to seeds for extending
their plantations, but they may be planted for the purpose
of producing new varieties as well as multiplying old
U

243 8MAIX FBurr cultubibt.

ones. The seeds should be prepared and kept througl
the winter in the same manner as recommended for th«
Huckleberry in a suceeeding chapter.

Sow them in drills and keep free of weeds, either by
hoeing or mulching with saw-dust, or tan-bark, if grown
on dry soils, but if on low grounds, use sand instead.
Transplant into fruiting-beds when one or two years old.

PREPARATION OF SOIL.

Naturally, the common Cranberry is a semi-aquatio
plant, requiring a constant supply of water to ensure its
highest state of perfection. It is usually found in low peat
bogs, where it is often entirely submerged in the winter
months, and the roots are in contact with water during a
greater portion of the year.

While this is the condition in which we usually find the
frild plants, yet, occasionally, they are found upon high and
dry soils. Judging, however, from the position in which
we find the greatest quantities, we conclude that a wet
soil is the most natural one. If we leave the normal con-
dition of the plant out of the question, and base our con-
clusions entirely upon the results of the many experiments
which have been made in the last thirty years, we find
that their cultivation in wet soils has been attended with
the best success and tlie most remunerative results. It is
not to be assumed that they cannot be grown upon soils
that are naturally dry, for we have many instances of suc-
cess under such circumstances, but, as a whole, the upland
cultivation has not been equally profitable with the low
land. It is not altogether for the purpose of supplying
the plants with moisture that abundance of water is re-
quired, but for other purposes, among which are the fol-
lowing :

First. — Covering the plants in winter, thereby affording
a protection from severe cold.

CRANBERRY. 243

Second.— Preventing the fVost in spring from injuring
the flowers.

Third. — Destroying the Cranberry-worms, which some-
times attack the plants and fruit.

Assuming that these precautionary measures are neceeh
sary to the best results, it follows that a situation should
be selected where the conditions named can be secured.

Another important material, used in preparing Cran-
berry beds, is sand, which is spread over the surface of the
Boil.

This not only in a great measure prevents the weeds
from growing until the plants have entirely covered the
beds, but keeps the fruit clean, besides making the surface
always open and friable. Sometimes the low peat beds
»re so rich in nutritive matter, unless sand is used, that the
vines would grow so luxuriant that they would be unpro-
ductive.

In fact, very little alluvial soil is needed, and when the
deposit is a foot in depth, it will be fully equal, if not supe-
rior, to a situation where it is more abundant. In some
sections, they are grown in what appears to be almost
pure sand, there being scarcely a trace of nutritive matter
to be found, the water and the materials held in solution
therein, furnishing the principal portions of food to the
plants.

The first step in preparing a Cranberry bed is usually
that of digging a broad, deep ditch entirely around the
plot, for the purpose of draining off the surface water, so
that the ground may be cleaned. If the soil thrown out
of the ditches is sufficiently compact, it may form the em-
bankments ; if not, then other soil must be added. When
the water has been removed, then clear off all trees, logs,
brush, and other incumbrances; these may be burned on
the ground, and the ashes scattered over the surface, pro-
vided it can be done without endangering the soil. Some-
times, when the soil is very dry, there is danger of its bum*

244 8MA.LL FRUIT CULTURIST.

ing to considerable depth. Some cultivators remove all of
the surface soil to the depth of six inches or a foot, and, in
Bome cases, it may be beneficial for tlie purpose of bringing
the whole bed to a lower grade, but where this is not re»
quisite, and sand is abundant, it is cheaper to spread on a
greater depth of sand and leave the whole depth of nat-
aral soil.

Again, if the peat is deep enough so that a portion can
be spared, it should be carted off for manuring the adja-
cent land, especially if it is of a sandy nature, for there is
no more valuable manure, (barn-yard excepted,) than the
top layer of these peat or muck swamps. It is always
better to prepare the ground at least one season before
planting, so that all weeds, brush, and roots, may be thor-
oughly destroyed; because if it is not done at the start, it
will be a difficult operation after the ground is covered
with plants.

Where the soil is sufficiently firm to admit of being
plowed and harrowed, it is best to do so, as by this means
a more thorough preparation can be obtained, and at less
expense than when wholly performed by hand. When
the soil has been made level, and otherwise prepared, it
should be covered with pure sand to the depth of from
four to eight inches, the depth being regulated by the
nature of the soil ; if it is very loose, then apply more
than when comparatively compact, as more or less will
sink into the soil below.

A uniform depth is quite important, and can easily be
obtained, provided the surface is made level before its
application.

The position and texture of the soil will suggest the best
mode of application, whether by teams or otherwise.

There are many locations where these peat-beds are un-
derlaid with sand, and if the soil is not over one or two
feet deep, and can be sufficiently drained to allow of theii
being conveniently worked, they may be tienched, bring

CRANHKHKY. 24 O

!nj^ the required amount of sand to the surface, instead of
haulinc^ it from a distance. The sand eliould be pure, and
not mixed witli chiy, loam, or otlier soil. All of these cir«
cumstances should be taken into consideration when select-
ing a location for Cranberry pLantations.

Often one set of embankments, flood-gates, etc., will an-
swer for several parties, if they can agree and join together
in the undertaking. The size of the bed is immaterial; it
may be one acre or one hundred, provided it can be mad
level, so that one portion shall not be covered deeper than
another, when flooded. The embankments should be at
least four feet high when first made, for thpy will settle
some ; besides, it is best to have them a foot or more above
high water mark, to guard against breaks.

If one is in no hurry about planting, and is disposed to
wait, the embankments may be formed and the ground
flooded, and kept in this condition until the weeds, bushes,
etc., upon it, are killed, after which the water may be
withdrawn, and the preparation of the bed continued as be-
fore directed.

COST OF PREPARING THE BEDS.

There can be no reliable estimates given as regards cost
of preparing Cranberry beds, inasmuch as no two will be
situated exactly alike. It will cost as much to remove the
brush, trees, and logs, etc., from one piece of land, as to
fiilly prepare another for the reception of the plants.

The estimates vary from one hundred to six hundied
dollars per acre.

A thorough preparation will always be found to be the
cheapest in the end.

PLANTING.

The usual time of setting the plants is in the spring, but
where the beds can be kept moist, the operation may be
oontinued during the entire summer. Sometimes the plants

246 SMALL FRUIT CULTUBIST.

Bid put out late in the fall, and covered with a sufficieni
depth of water to prevent the ground from freezing and
throwing ont the plants. The spring and early surnmei
are, however, considered the best time for planting. The
plants should be set in rows, from eighteen inches to four
feet apart, according to the quantity and quality of plants
obtained. The object is to cover the entire surface of the
soil with vines, so soon as possible ; consequently, the bet-
ter the plants and the nearer togetiier they are placed, the
sooner will this be accomplished. When large plants are
to be had, and in sufficient quantities, it is better to place
them about two feet apart, each way, than farther, and if
tne plants do well, they will entirely cover the beds the
second season. Most of our larger plantations are made
with plants taken directly from the wild beds, and they
are removed in large clumps or sods. If there are any
weeds or grass among the plants, they should be removed
before planting, as they are more readily separated from
them at this time than after they are planted.

Small holes are made in which the plants are set, and
the soil is then pressed firmly about them. If small plant*
or cuttings are used, they may be planted nearer together
than larger ones.

SELECTION OF PLANTS.

Tt is important that plants should be obtained from
fruitful beds, as well as those which produce the largest
and best fruit. There are occasional wild beds that pro-
duce little or no fruit; these should be avoided. When
plaiAs cannot be obtained near by, from wild or cultivated
beds, then they may be bought from those whose business
is growing plants for sale. But the purchaser should en-
deavor to inform himself in regard to the reliability of
plant growers before ordering ; besides he should give im-
perative directions that the ])lants should be carefiilly taken
Qp and not be allowed to become dry before packing, af

ORA.NBKRRT, 247

weW as t]iat tlie latter operation Rlioulfl be performed ih
*he best manner. A very little extra exi)en8e in packing,
or in procuring plants of tbe best quality, will often be re
paid a hundred fold in the first crop. Cranberry planta
tions are expected to be a permanent investment which
shall give annual returns for a lifetime ; it therefore be-
comes very important that every precaution should be
taken to make it as perfect as possible.

CULTIVATION.

For the first two or three seasons the beds should be
carefully cultivated, and no weeds or sprouts from brush-
roots be permitted to grow. The amount of labor requir-
ed is usually far less than with ordinary farm crops, still
a constant attention is necessary, so that the plants shall
have the full benefit of the entire soil, and not be obliged
to combat with weeds, grass, or other impediments. Whea
the plants have gained possession of the whole surface,
there will be very little cultivation required. An occa-
sional sprout or clump of grass may appear, which it will
be necessary to remove.

APPLYING WATER.

The water should be let on to the beds at the approach
of cold weather, not until the ground begins to freeze, but
before it has become frozen hard. The time will vary in
difierent locations, and the cultivator must apply it ac-
cording to circumstances, and not be guided by set rules
as to time. The beds should be covered, so that the water
will be deep enough to prevent freezing the plants. At the
North, it should be at least two feet deep, while south of the
latitude of New York, one foot will ordinarily answer. It
should remain upon the beds until the cold weather is past
in the spring, when it should be drawn oflT, leaving it about
two inches deep over the surface, until all danger of frosi
b paftk

248 SMALL FBUIT CULTURIST.

Where l.ite spring frosts are known to be frequent an<5
Bevere, it is best to keep on tlie full depth of water until
there is no longer any risk. The longer the water is kept
on, the later will the plants bloom.

In some locations the plants ate covered for about foul
or five montlis in winter, while in others, two or three will
be sufficient.

There is no danger of the plants being injured by the
water so long as it remains cool, and the later it is kept
on, the less the danger of spring frosts injuring the flowers.
Sometimes it is beneficial to flow the beds in summer at
time of drouth, but in such cases it is only necessary to
apply sufficient to giv^e the soil a good soaking. K the
water is admitted into the ditches which surround the
beds, (if they are not too large,) it will be sufficient to
prevent injury from drouth.

GATHERING.

Formerly the berries were gathered with an instrument
called a Cranberry rake, but of late years this method has
been almost entirely abandoned, and hand picking has
taken its place. When gathered by hand, the fruit is not apt
to be crushed, besides a far less amount of dirt and leaves
are mixed with them ; consequently hand-picked fruit will
bring a much higher price than any other. Various kinds
of baskets, crates, hurdles, tfcc, are used in gathering the
fruit ; the main object being to allow all foreign materials,
gathered with it, to fall through when being carried in the
field, or when spread out to dry. All unsound berries
should be carefully picked out before the fruit is packed
for market.

VARIETIES.

Like other fruits, the Cranberry varies considerably in
its wild state ; besides, when cultivated, new variations are
ooustantly occurring. All the varieties in cultivation al

CRANBKRRY,

240

Fig. 100.— cnEKRY

CKANIJEUKY.

the present time in tliis country, })elong to one species, the

V. 7)Hi('r<>('ar})<>n. Tlu^si' vary in size, from Ji liulf iiirl) up

to an inch or over in diauieter. I'^iu^. lUO shows a variety

usuallj' called the Cherry Cranberry, and

iio-. 101, one of the largest of the Bell

variety. Fig. 102 illustrates the Bell

foi-ui, and in fig. 103 we give an exact

repi'esentation of some remarkably fine

specimens, raised by Mr. Orrin C. Cook,

of South Milford, Mass. There are many

other shapes intermediate between these.

but we have given the ])rincipal ones.

In color, the varieties vary from a greenish-yellow or
white to dark, rich purple. New varieties are being pro-
duced, and, doubtless, in a few years, great improvements
will be made in the size, if not in the quality, of the Cran-
berry.

INSECTS.

There appear to be two kinds of worms which infest
the Cranberry. One of these attacks the young fruit,
and the other the plants. The first is described as a small

Fig. 101.— BUGLE CRANBERRY.

worm about half an inch in length, with a black head;
the other is about the same length, with a red Ziccid,
Although it is said that these worms are very destruo*

250

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

tive in some sections of the country, there appears to he
no definite infurniation as to their origin, j)t'riod of life, or
wliat kind of insect produces the eggs
from Avhicli they are hatched. These
Avorms are more destructive in beds tliat
are not flooded than elsewhere. When-
ever the ])lants and fruit are attacked, the
Avater should be let on to the beds and
allowed to remain for six to twenty-four
hours ; this Avould doubtless destroy the
woiins without materially injuring the
plants.

The ravages of the C^ranberry worms have not been very
extensive, nor very wide si)read, and, although I have visit-
ed m:uiy hundreds of acres of Cranberry beds, I have not
as yet seen one of these worms ; neither have I been able
to find a description of them, or their scientific names, in
any work on entomology. It is to be hoped that for the

Fiji:. 1U2— liEi L

CllAMJEUUY.

Fig. 103.— LAKGE CRANBERRY.

sake of science, some one who has an opportunity will
investigate this subject, and give us the results.

UPLAND CULTURE.

Although the cultivation of the Cranberry upon dry up
laud cannot be recommended as equal to lowland cultiva*

CBANBERBT. 251

tion, still it possesses so much tliat is interesting nnd advan-
tageous that it deserves the attention of tliose who have
no other means of growing tliem. Even a partial succesa
will very often be highly remunerative, besides affording
much pleasure to the cultivator.

There are but few gardens or soils where the experiment
is not worth trying on a small scale, even if it is not suc-
cessful, because the expense is so slight that a total failure
would be no great loss of capital.

A light sandy or loamy soil, one that is naturally moist,
should ba selected, if convenient, and prepared as thor-
oughly as for a vegetable garden. If swamp-mud or peat
can be had, it is well to give a liberal dressing, mixing
it with the soil ; rake all level, and then plant in rows
about two feet apart, and one foot apart in the rows.
Hoe the j)lants as long as it can be conveniently done
without disturbing them, after which no cultivation is re-
quired, except to pull out large weeds or grass that may
occasionally appear.

If saw-dust can be had, it should be applied as a mulcl^
scattering a light dressing in among the plants; this will
keep the soil moist and assist in keeping the weeds down.
A small plot of three or four rods square will, if they suc-
ceed, be sufficient to supply an ordinary family.

In addition to the value of the fruit, the Cranberry is
an exceedingly ornamental plant at all times of the season,
whether in fruit or flower. The variety known as the Bell
Cranberry is generally planted on upland, but it is proba*
ble that others, with proper care, will succeed equally as
welL There are a few cultivators in the vicinity of New
York who grow all of the improved varieties on upland,
and claim that thoy are very successful with them.
Judging from the fruit that has been shown by these gen-
tlemen at our horticultural fairs, the berries grow to as large
a size, if not in such large quantities, on upland as upon
the low. By obtaining seeds from these upland beds, and

253 SMALL rRUTT CULTURIST.

by producing new varieties therefrom, plants may be ob
iained that will be better adapted to dry soils than any
previously known. It is certainly worthy of trial, and ]
would advise all who have leisure and inclination to try
the experiment fully and thoroughly.

PROFITS OF CULTURE-

The profits of Cranberry culture, like those from other
fruits, depend somewhat upon the amount of care given
the beds as well as upon the markets. There is also a liar
bility of failure from unforeseen causes ; still the Cranberry
may be considered as certain as any other fruit. To make
anything like a fair estimate in regard to profits, we are
obliged to select from the reports of the various growers
throughout the country, and draw our conclusions there-
from. But in many instances these are so vague that we can
only approximate to the truth. I have inserted a few of
Buch as I deem reliable, omitting those which appear to be
too far above the average :

Mr. Edmund Bagley, of Massachusetts, reports in the
Journal of Commerce: cost of land, $12 per acre; clean-
ing, $100; vines and setting, $50; cultivation, $10 per
year. The fourth year, average crop, 300 bushels per
acre ; worth $2.50 per bushel.

F. Trowbridge, New Haven, Conn., considers the usual
average about 175 to 200 bushels per acre.

Mr. Sullivan Bates says, that on beds that have been
carefully prepared, the yield will be from 150 to 400 bush-
els per acre.

J. H. Baker, of Westport, Mass., reports the average
crop about 175 bushels.

Trowbridge and Davis, of Ocean County, N. J., report
10 acres in bearing ; crop 1,100 bushels ; although tha
beds were new, and have not arrived at an age at whicb
a frill crop could be expected.

CRANBKURY. 253

At Shamoncj, N. J., a small bed is reported to have
jielded '220 bushels per acre.

W. U. Braddock, of Bedford, N. J., has 100 acres; 20
acres of which yielded, last season, 186G, an average of
100 bushels per acre. The fruit sold for a price which leA
him $0,000 over and above all ex})enses.

The above statements are about a fair average of the
various reports received from the proprietors of Cranberry
beds in the Eastern States. The price of the fruit varies
from $2.00 to $0.00 per bushel It is probable that when
the immense beds, wliicli are now being planted, have ar-
rived at full maturity, our markets will be fully supplied,
unless some new way of disposing of the fruit is <ii»>
ooTered, waich it is very likely will be the caiMx

CHAPTER X.

HUCKLEBERRY.— (Family Ericacka)

Hickleberries were formerly all included under tht
genus Vaccinium, but botanists now separate them into
the genera, Gaylussacia and Vdcci/uum. In general
appearance they resemble one nnother, being branching
shrubs, with bell-shaped or urn-shaped corollas and 2-
parted anthers. The fruit is a 10 to many seeded berry.
The Gaylussacias differ from the Vacciniums in having
only one seed in each cell of the fruit, and their foliage is ^
often sprinkled with resinous dots. For our purposes it
is convenient to consider them all under one bead.

The species best known in the United States as produc-
ing edible fruit, are chiefly deciduous shrubs of medium
size, blooming in May and June, and ripening their fruit
from July to September.

SPECIEa

The number of species of Huckleberry is quite large,
*nd I shall only name a few of the best.

Gaylassacia frondosa. — Blue Dangleberry. — Leaves
obovate, oblong, pale glaucous beneath ; branches slender
■mooth. Fruit dark blue, covered with white bloom, sweet

flUCKI^BERRT, 255

and edibla Bash t»row8 three to six feet high. Found
from New England to Virginia in low grounds.

G« resinosa* — Black Huckleberry. — Leaves oval or ob-
long, clammy when young ; plants quite brandling, the
young shoots pubescent ; fruit black without bloom, with
an agreeable flavor ; bush, two to three feet high. Cora
mon in swamps and low grounds at the North,

Taccinium Pennsylvanicmn, — Dwarf Blueberry. —
Leaves oblong, sometimes lanceolate, smooth and shining ;
branches green, somewhat angled, occasionally waity;
bush one to three feet, very prolific ; berries blue, ripening
early. The fruit of this species is highly prized on account
of its earliness, but it is not so agreeable in flavor as son
others. Abundant in dry, sandy seasons, from Maryland
northward.

T» Canadense.— Canada Bluebeny. — Leaves more or
less downy, common in low grounds ; otherwise similar to
the preceding species.

V. COrymbOSUm. — Swamp Blueberry, or High-bush
Huckleberry. — Leaves oval or oblong, variable in size and
color. Shrubs four to ten feet high, common in low, wet
places. Fi*uit black, covered with bloom, sweet but
sprightly ; the best Huckleberry ; ripens late in the season,
August and September.

Fig, 104 shows a small branch, with bunch of fruit of natu-
ral size. This species assumes various forms and colors; some-
times the fruit is oval, approaching an oblong, while others
are globular or slightly compressed. The Black High-bish
Huckleberry, as it is generally called, is quite distinct, the
fruit being destitute of bloom and of inferior flavor. It is
distinguished by the name of V. corymhosum^ var. atrococ-
Ttttn, by Dr. Gray. There are many other species and varie-
ties growing wild all over the country. There are also
foreign species, but none of them superior to those named.
( do not think it necessary to enter into any minute detaili

256

SMALL FRUIT CULTUUIST.

Fig. 104.— SWAMP HUCKLEBERRT.

HUCKLKBETIRT, 257

of the history or cultivation of tliis fniit, from the fact that
there is nothing connected therewith winch would make
the subject interesting. The Huckleberry is one of those
fruits which have always been neglected ; none of our horti-
cultural writcM's have deemed it worthy of any particular
description, and but very few have thought it worthy of
mention.

Why this neglect, I am at loss to understand, for the
Huckleberry possesses naturally better qualities than even
the Currant and Gooseberry.

All of our northern species are perfectly hardy, produc-
ing no thorns, (which is such a disagreeable feature with
many of our small fruits,) and the plants are generally
quite productive.

The berries are more firm than the Raspberry, Black-
berry, or Strawberry, consequently, will bear carriage
well, and are suitable for market.

Thousands of bushels are annually gathered from the
woods and fields, but these sources of supply will not al-
ways be available ; besides, we should not be content with
depending wholly upon nature for either the necessaries
or the luxuries of life, while a helping hand would not
only increase the quantity, but improve the quality.

Those species, which naturally grow upon high, dry
soils, will probably be the best for garden culture ; still, be-
cause a plant is found in its wild state in any particular
soil or situation, it does not follow that similar cii-cum-
stances are always necessary for its best development when
under cultivation. If nature invariably located plants un
der the most favorable conditions for growth, then improve-
ments would be less certain and far more difficult than
now. The history of horticulture affords abundant testi-
mony to the fact that many plants succeed far better in
soils and locaticms differing very materially from the one
in which nature has placed them, than otherwise.

The Swamp Huckleberry, ( V. cort/mbosum,) is some
!!♦

258 SMALL FRUIT CULTUBI8T.

times found upon high, dry soils, although it grows chiefly
In locations where the roots are immersed in water for th«
greater portion of the year. That it will grow and pro-
duce fruit upon high and dry soils, I have proved by ex-
periment.

There is no great difficulty in removing the plants from
their native locality to the garden, but our main depend-
ence for improvement should be upon seedlings, because
they will always vary more or less from the parent, and by
carefully selecting the best improvements, are certain. The
seeds are quite small, and require considerable care in sow-
ing.

A good plan is, to crush the berries, and mix them with
fine sand ; then put them in a box or flower-pot, and bury
in the open ground until spring. Prepare a seed-bed, the
*oil of which should be, at least, half leaf-mould, or peat,
from a swamp ; the remainder may be any good garden
soil. Surround the bed with boards, a foot or more in
width, mix the soil thoroughly and rake level, then sow on
the sand containing the seeds ; then sift over this soil suf-
ficient to cover the seeds, about a quarter of an inch deep,
give a good soaking of water and place a screen over the
frame. It may be made of lath, coarse cloth, or anything
that will partially shade the plants when they come up,
but not wholly exclude the light. Keep the soil well wa-
tered, applying the water with a watering-pot, or in such a
manner that the seeds or plants vrill not be disturbed. The
seedlings may be transplanted when one year old, if they
hav3 made a good growth, or remain in the seed-bed for
two years. They will usually come into bearing in three
to six years, at which time the best should be marked, so
that they may be propagated. The inferior kinds may be
thrown away, or be reserved for stocks, on which to work
the others. Budding and grafting may be employed in
propagation, as well as layers, the operation being per
formed in the usual manner.

CHAPTER XL

SHEPHERDIA.

FAMILY EL/EAGNACE^.

[Named In honor of John Shepherd, formerly curator of the Liverpool Botanifl
Garden.]

GENERAL CHARACTERS.

Deciduous shrubs, or small trees, with silvery leaves ;
flowers dioecious, the sterile
ones, (fig. 105) liaviug a fonr-
parted calyx, and eight sta-
mens; the fertile flowers, (fig.
106,) have an urn-shaped ca-
lyx, enclosing the ovary which
becomes a berry-like fruit.
Leaves opposite, entire, de-
ciduous; tlie flowers very
small, yellow, borne in the
axils of the small branches.

A very small family of
plants, and there is but one
species of this genus that is
worthy of being cultivated
for its fruit.

Shepherdia ari?ontea. — Bufljilo Berry; Rabbit Berry;
Grosse de JBtfffle, of the French ; Hippoplioe, argentea^ of
Pursh. — Leaves oblong, silvery-white on both sides;
259

Txz. 105.

Fig. 106.

260 BMALL FRUIT CCXTURI8T,

branches rusty dull white, with many small thom-liki
branchlets ; fruit round, dull red, sprightly acid, agreea
ble, borne in very compact clusters in the axils of the smal.
branches, as shown in figure 107. Ripens its fruit in early
autumn, or late in summer.

Found on the banks of the upper Missouri, and other
large rivers of the Northwest. It is seldom seen in cul-
tivation, but it is really deserving of a place in every gar-
den. The plant is quite ornamental, in addition to its edi-
ble fruit, which is produced abundantly. The j)lant is very
hardy, and grows quite readily in almost any good soil
The Shepherdia, being dioecious, it is therefore necessary
to plant one of each sex to obtain fruit; consequently,
those who may have occasion to send to the nurseries for
plants, should be careful to order at least one of each kind,
although if several are to be planted in a group, one sta-
minate plant will be suflBcient to fertilize a half dozen or
more pistillate plants.

At the present time, the Shepherdia is not grown as a
market fruit, but the time may come when we shall see it
m our markets, and it is moie than probable that new and
improved varieties will be produced by some of our enter-
prising fruit growers. The tho in-like character of its
email branchlets makes it a suitable plant for ornamental
hedges, and very probably it would be equally serviceable
as the Buck-thorn and other similar plants, for turning
cattle. It is well worth}'^ of trial, and up to the present
time I am not aware that it has been subject to disease, or
attacked by any insect.

PROPAGATION.

Gather the berries when ripe, crush the pulp, and
wash out the seeds ; then sow them, or preserve in sand,
until the ensuing spring. The best method is, to sow the
seeds in drills soon after they are gathered, covering an
inch or two deep. Transplant when one year old into

SIIEPIIEIIDIA.

2G1

Fig. 107.— » "r:iT OF SHEPHERDUu

263 SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

nursery rows, placing the plants a foot apart in the ro\r
and the rows four feet apart. They will usiiully bloom the
third year from seed, at which time every plant should be
examined, and a label attached to each with the word
Btaminate or pistillate, as the case m:iy be, written upon
each; common wooden labels, such as used by nurserymen,
freshly painted at the time, will remain legible for two or
three years. If it is more convenient to have the plants
separated than to keep each one labeled, then they may be
taken up after the sexes are determined, and each kind
placed in a row by itself

The Shepherdias produce very few suckers, but whea
any appear, they may be taken oflf and planted separately
Layers root very readily, and plants nwiy be produced in
this manner quite rapidly.

It is quite probable that ripe wood cuttings will grow
the same as the Currant, but I have never had occasion to
try this mode of propagation, because they grow so readily
from seed that I have practiced this method in preference
to others. Besides, there is always a chance, when grow-
ing any kind of fruit trom seed, of producing something
better than the original, consequently, the very uncertainty
becomes fascinating to the true lover of horticulture, and
the hope of the thing lightens the otherwise irksomeness
of the task.

There is another species of Shepherdia found in the
Northern States, the fruit of which is very insipid. I
copy the description from Gray's Manual of Botany :

Shepherdia Canadensis. — Canadian Shepherdia. —
** Leaves elliptical or ovate, nearly naked and green
above, silvery-downy, and scurfy with rusty scales under-
neath ; fruit yellowish-red ; rocky or gravelly banks ; Ver-
mont to Wisconsin, and noithward. A straggling shrub,
three to six feet high ; the branchlets, young leaves, yel.
lowish flowers etc., covered with the rusty scales. Fruit
Insipid."

CHAPTER XIL

PREPARATION FOR GATHERING FRUIT.

To grow a crop of fruit is but the initial step towardi
the successful termination of tho enterprise.

If the fruit is to be sent to market, then crates, baskets,
etc., are necessary for gathering and transporting, all of
which should be provided in advance of the ripening of
the crop. The number of baskets required per acre can-
not be given, inasmuch as the product will not be the
same in any two seasons, but it is always best to provide
enough, for if the supply should fall short in the busy part
of the season, it might cause considerable loss.

We will suppose that a grower expects to send a thous-
and baskets per day to market, during the season, of any
particular kind of small fruit, and if he sends them by
railroad or steamboat, to a distance of twenty miles or
more, he must not expect to have any baskets or cratea
returned in less time than six to ten days after the time
of the first shipment, unless he has better success than
nsual with fruit growers in this vicinity ; consequently
he will have to provide six to ten thousand baskets to en-
able Lim continue gathering.

Sometimes, owing to the negligence of the commission
merchant, no baskets will be returned for two or threo
263

2G4 SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

weeks, and a very large extra supply of baskets will b€
necessary to prevent a corresponding loss.

Ten thousand baskets, with a corresponding number of
crates, should be provided, if a thousand baskets are to be
picked per day.

To the inexperienced in these matters, this may seem
to be an unnecessary outlay, but fruit growers in the East-
em States, at least, have learned that a little, or consider-
able, extra capital invested in baskets will quite often
insure them against great losses.

Any one who has ever looked through the New York
markets, soon after the close of the Strawberry season,
must have noticed thousands of baskets and crates lying
around loose, or being piled up in the streets, where the
boys make bonfires of them at night, and thus the prop-
erty of the fruit grower is often destroyed through the
willful neglect of those to whom the fruit was consigned.

Many remedies have been tried to prevent this waste,
but none have been entirely successful, unless it be that
of Bending very cheap baskets and crates, which it is not
expected will be returned. Many fruit growers are adopt-
mg this give away system, and under some circumstances
it is probably the best, but under others it is doubtful if
it is the most profitable in the end.

An attractive exterior is a good passport, even in the
fruit line, and I know of many instances where fruit put
up in handsome baskets, and enclosed in extra finished
crates, has sold for almost double the price of that sent
to market in an inferior style of crate and basket.

Many instances miglit be given in wliicli neat, clean
packages and carefully selected fruit, have well paid the
grower for all his extra trouble and expense in sending it
to market. If a man desires to secure a good reputation
for the products of his garden and farm, he will see to it
that they leave his premises in the best possible order,
and be sure to put his name ou each crate or other pack-

P11EPA11ATI02^ FOE GATHEEINa niUIT. 265

ago. Competition lias become bo great within ihO) past
ten years, that the cultivators of berries arc coiripclled to
exercise more care than formerly in selecting both fruit
and packages, as buyers are now more critical and par-
ticular as they gain experience. The old trays, each hold-
ing several quarts of berries, and from which the fruit
was measured out to customers, are no longer seen in
our markets, except for some hard kinds like the Uuckle-
berry, and even for these this dishing-out system is very
objectionable, to say the least. Of late years large quan-
tities of the small fruits come to our northern markets
from the South. This is especially the case with Straw-
berries, for increased facilities in the way of rapid transit
by steamboats and railroads, with refrigerators on both,
have now made the shipping of perishable fruits possible
when it would not have been thought of a score of years
ago. The trade in such articles will no doubt increase in
years to come, and growers will need new styles of baskets
and crates, or those better adapted to the purpose than
any now in common use. But whatever kind of pack-
age is used, the grower will ever need to exercise great
care in gathering and assorting his fruit. If his pickers
are not instructed in regard to picking the berries in the
best condition to stand the journey, the good may be in-
jured by the poor, for half a dozen over-ripe berries in a
basket are very likely to damage the entire lot. Green
berries should also be avoided, but a few of these can
be better tolerated than those that have become soft and
commenced to decay. The topping out of the baskets
with a few of the choicest and largest berries is an almost
universal practice, and while in the abstract it might b©
called dishonest, still it is such a universal custom that
no one is deceived. It's merely putting the best side out
to attract the buyer.

Crates and baskets are in some cases returned free by
the railroad and steamboat companies, unless the distance
12

206

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

to market is too great ; under such circumstances it is
best not to expect it, but rather tosliip the fruit in cheap
baskets, unless it will brin<^ enough more to ];)ay for pack-
ing in a better style.

The tendency of late years is to let the basket or box
go with the fruit to the i)urchaser, and it is really the
better plan, because after a box or basket has been onco
used for berries, it is usually badly stained, and really
unht for further use. There are thousands of men in our
cities who will stop at the market or fruit stands, and
purchase a few quarts of berries on their way home in
the evening, if sold boxes and all, but if required to re-
turn the packages, or compelled to furnish some con-
venient vessel for carrying the fruit, they would pass by
without purchasing. For these and other reasons whicl-
might be given, the grower will find it for his own inter

est to use what are termed the
gift box or basket wheneve
possible. The grape growers
have, of late years, adopted
the free box, and their sales,
as a result, have greatly in-
creased, and without lessen-
ing their profits.

The most common basket
used for the New York mar-
ket is what is called the Jer-
sey Strawberry basket, figure
108 ; it requires from five to
seven to hold a quart. Of
late years this basket is less
used than formerly, except
for the smaller varieties of the Strawberry. They are
usually made by the fruit growers themselves in winter,
but sometimes they are made for sale, and the price varies
from ten dollars to fifteen dollars per thousand. A half

Fiff. 108.— JERSEY BA.SKET.

PREPARATIOK FOR GATHKUINa FRUIT. 207

dozen of tlic larger varieties of Straw])crrlcs will [ill one
ol' these Jersey baskets.

The Kaspberry baskets formerly used in New York
State, were mainly of this style, but a little larger ; other
kinds of baskets are now rapidly coming into use, and it
is to be hoped that our small fruits will soon all be sold
by measure, and not by the basket, regardless of its size,
whether it be the size of a thimble, or will hold a half
pint or pint, as formerly.

Baskets or boxes holding a pint or quart, full measure,
are most in vogue at the present time, and new patterns
are constantly being brought forward, each claiming to be
an improvement upon its immediate predecessor.

AVith most of the small fruits ventilation is requisite to
preservation for even a very short time, and this very
essential point has not been lost sight of by the manufac-
turers of most of the new boxes or baskets now before
the public.

When fruit is only to be transported a short distance,
and will reach the consumer within twelve or fifteen hours
after being gathered, ventilation, farther than that which
it will receive through an open crate, is not very import-
ant, or scarcely necessary.

The idea of ventilation applied to baskets or boxes is a.
good one, particularly for some kinds of fruit, but there
is no necessity of carrying it to extremes, so that the ves-
sels made for holding fruit are scarcely more thar fragile
wooden nets.

The following are some of the most popular baskets
LOW in use at the East :

American Ifaskct.

This basket is made of two sizes, quarts and pints, and
of the form shown in figure 109. They are very strong,
of neat appearance, and one of the best baskets with

;?C8

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

which I am acquainted. Their peculiar form admits ot
their being very compactly
nested for transportation, as
?]iown in figure 110.

The manufacturers also fur-
nish crates to those who desire
1 hem. A thirty-two quart crate
is shown in figure 111, each
one being furnished, with lock

i

't :

*^

-

^ ~ v.

1

J--

5

a/

1^

;\

•

J'

«

"•"

)

i ~

^

r.

\

r^

IE

¥lg. 109.— AMERICAN BASKET.

Fiir. 110.— STACK OF BASKETS.

attached w:'th a small chain. The fruit grower keeps a
key ^-G lock the crate, and. the one to whom the fruit is

Fig. 111. — CUATli OF AMi:UICAN BASKETS.

consigned, has a duplicate, with which to open it when
received.

Halloi'lc Fruit Uox.

A square box, figure 112, made of thin, light wood,

PREPARATION FOll GATHERING FRUIT.

209

with holes horcd in the sides for ventihxtion, as shown.
The hottom is set wiiliin tlic sides, and ahout three-fourths
of an inch ahove tlie lower "

edge, so that when one box is
set in the crate above the
other, tliere will be a small
space between the fruit of the
lower one and the bottom of
the one above. This also ad-
mits of each box being filled
a little more than even full, ^^s- 113.-hallock fruit box.
and still the fruit will not be crushed by the one above it.
These boxes are used in large quantities at the West,
also considerably in some portions of the East. Some
fruit growers object to any box or basket with perpen-
icular sides, because the fruit will settle more in carrying
than when the sides slope, as in the American basket.
Theie are advantages in both forms, also disadvantages.
A. square box, with perpendicular sides, packs and remain?
more firmly in its place than any other, but ventilation
through the sides cannot be obtained, and the fruit will
crush more readily than in boxes with sloping sides.

Free Fruit Box.

Figure 113. As its name implies, this box is intended

Fig. 113. — FREE FRUIT BOX.

to be given away with the fruit. This will be quite con-
venient for those who forget to take a basket with them

270

SMALL FRUIT CCLTURIST.

in the morning when going to business, and thereby have
a very plausible excuse for not bringing
/ >s^ home some fruit for tea. This box was

r^ invented for the purpo.se of relieving
fruit growers of one of the most annoy-
ing incidents of sending their fruit a long
distance to market — the necessity of hav-
ing their crates and boxes returned to
them. It supplies a want wliich has
always existed in the berry trade, and
Avill be sold so cheap that it can be given
away with the fruit. In appearance, it
is remarkably neat, light, but substantial,
Aviiile the fruit will always go to market
in a perfectly clean box. Though given
away, it will save the grower money,
enable him to get a better price for his
fruit, and put an end to the annual loss
of boxes, besides saving him the neces-
sity of keeping a vast quantity of the
boxes and crates on hand to provide for
the delay of returning them.

The box is com])osed of two pieces of
veneer. Figure 114 represents a piece
which is folded up into four sides of the
box. It is scored or cut at the dotted
lines, so that it can be folded up into
a shell as readily as a piece of paste-
board. The tongue, at the left-hand
end, buckles into the two slots at the
right-hand end, just like closing a pocket
book. A notch on the end of the tongue
catches so effectually, after being buckled
in, as to hold the shell lirmly together.

The bottom is shown in figure 115.
The two tongues at the end are alsQ

i'lg.lli. — SIDE OF
FRUIT BOX.

PREPAKATIOX roil UATUEKING TJIUIT. 271

scored or cut at tlio dotted lines, and being readily turned
U]), are buckled into the two sets of slots shown on llio
loft-hand edge of figure 114. AVhen thus buckled to-
gether, the two
->. ])icces form a
\ perfect box, as
seen in figure
/ 113, neither
-^ nails nor glue
being required,
Fig. 115.— BOTTOM OF BOX. aud thc wholc

constituting a strong and beautiful box. The bottom
cannot fall out, as it is firmly held in its place by the
spring of the wood. The prominent advantages secured
by the use of this box are as follows :

1. The great desideratum of a box always nice and
cleanly is, for the first time, secured.

2. The commission agent being relieved from the great
annoyance of hunting up and returning crates and boxes,
as well as escaping the loss of them, will sell the fruit for
much less than the usual commission.

3. The return freight of empty boxes is saved, and this,
added to the saving in commission, will more than pay
for the cost of crates and boxes.

4. Another saving is secured in sending to market, as
one hundred of the Free boxes, quart measures, weigh
only nine and one-third pounds, while one hundred of the
old square quarts weigh fifty pounds. As fruit in crates
goes to market by weight, the new box saves eigh ty per
cent of the weight. Any one can readily satisfy himself
by a calculation of what is thus saved in freight to market,
commission, and return of empty crate, that he will really
save money by using a box that he can give away. It will
be found cheaper to use a box only once than to continue
using it many times.

5. As these boxes are put together without nails or

273

SMALL FRUIT CULTURI8T.

glue, tliey can be sent to distant growers, in the shape of
flats, to be made up by children at odd times during the
winter. Tlie flats are scored ready for folding up, and as
*"i)f^ wood bends at the joint without breaking, a small

girl will learn in five min-
utes how to put them to-
gether. Many hundred box-
es thus packed as flats can
bo got into a small com-
])ass, and at trilling cost of
reight."

Figure 1 1 G. Ilere we have
an improvement on the
Fig. 116 —SQUARE CHIP BASKET, common Jersey basket. The
Blats are reversed, the wide one passing around the basket,
and the small ones forming the uprights, thereby giving
a com])aratively smooth surface, allowing the baskets to
be lifted out or put back into place in the crates, without
catching upon those adjoining, and upsetting them, as is
often the case with the common one. These baskets are
made square, consequently packed very closely together,
leaving no vacant spaces between them. An excellent
basket for Raspberries.

Ootliic Free Fruit llox.

This box is intended to be given
away with the fruit. They are of
an octagon shape, as shown in
figure 117, made of veneer, and
can be sent in flats and put to-
gether by the fruit grower, thus
saving much expense in trans-
portation. The material, all ready to be put together,
costs ten dollars per thousand.

Fig. 117.— GOTHIC FREB
FRUIT BOX.

ntKrAlLATlON' FOR (J ATUKIUKG I'ltUIT.

Ki to

Tliis is a very neat and pretty basket, very strong an(*
duriihlo. Some oL' our fruit j^row-
ers object to it on uccount of the
small strips of wliich it is made, be-
cause, as the berries settle, they are
injured, by being cut by the sliarp
edges. It is, however, an excellent
basket, but probably on account of
its cost is seldom, of late years^

seen in our markets.

Fig. 118.— cook's basket.

Xlie l*ai*sig-oii Itai>»kct.

Figure 119. Another neat, light box, of more recent
introduction than the above, and much liked by the com-
mission men. Three strips of thin whitewood form the
bottom and sides of the basket ; the bottom hoop is dis*

Fig. 119.— PARAGON BASKET.

pensed with, as well as the extra bottom piece. There is
ample provision for ventilation, and the shape of the top
is round, thus enabling the fruit to show at its best.

Belg'ian strawberry ]ta!«iket.

This basket, figure 120, would probably not suit our
Amencan way of doirig things, and i,s merely introduced
to show ^' how they do it in Belgium." A correspondent
of the "American Agriculturist," from which the ac-

274 SMALL FRUIT CULTUBIST.

companying illustration is taken, writes : *' In travelling
through Belgium, in June, Straw])erries are brouglit to
the car windows at every station — luscious, great berries,
some red, some white, often as large as a pullet's egg, and
temptingly displayed in shallow baskets, made of split
willow, in the form given in the engraving. The con-
struction is simple, strong, and inexpensive. A single
willow withe forms the handle and middle support of the

Fig. 120. — BELGIAN STRAWBERRY BASKET.

bottom ; a second withe, bent to a circle, forms the rim ;
and four others, i. e., two on either side, between the
middle piece and rim, complete the foundation into whic)i
thin strips are braided. The depth is only a quarter inch,
diameter three inches. On the bottom are a few fresh
grape leaves, on which are placed the berries, nearly all
exposed to view."

Onernsey Fruit Box.

This is a round box, figure 121, made of thin veneer
and reversible, as either end may be used as the cover,

PREPARATION FOR (; ATTTERTlSra FRUIT.

275

there being a iliiii bjind wiUiiii which holds both ends to-
getlier. This box wouUl unswer l)eil('r for (Jurrants and
Gooseberries, tlnm i.oi' ilaspberries and simihir Iruit, as it

Fig. 121.— GUERNSEY BOX. Fig. 122.— JOHNSTON'S CASE,

is not ventilated ; but yentilation might be given by
boring holes through one end.

•foliii'^toii'^s Preitiiuin Fruit Case

Is made up of four trays seventeen inches wide, twenty-
three inches long, and three inches deep, holding a little
over one half bushel ; side pieces, 1, in figure 122, half
inch thick, three inches wide, twenty-three inches long ;
ends, 2, three-eighths of an inch thick, three inches
wide, and nineteen and a half inches long ; bottoms of
three upjoer trays half inch thick ; standards, 5, two
inches by three-quarters by fifteen ; cover cleats, 6, two
inches by three-quarters by eighteen ; tops, 4, twenty-
four inches by six by three-eighths ; handles, 2, twenty-
three inches by two by five-eighths ; bot-
toms of case twenty-four inches by six by ^i
half ; the bottom tray is made of heavier \
stuff, sides, 4, in figure 123, five-eighths of
an inch thick, end one and a half inch thick t :
and sides are let into the ends, as seen in
I ; this tends to strengthen the standard, 2,
which is firmly nailed to both side and end pieces.
The trays are separated by slats three-eighths of au

liiiHI yMm-

Fiu. I;i3.

276

SMALL FRUIT CULTURLST.

incli by two inches, with the ends projecting about
half an inch, as seen in figure l;i2. The cover has also a
narrow slat at each end. The cover is fastened by bend-
ing a i)ieee of hoop iron around the standard, and fasten-
ing it to both sides of the cover cleats with screws, and a
spring made of the same is attached to the inside edge
of the standard, runs up through, and hooks over the
band of hoop iron, the standard being sawed out to admit
of working the spring, as seen in figure 122.

Care should be taken to make the trays all s(piare, and
the covers all alike, so that each will fit in any case. In
order to have the standards all alike, the handles should
not be put on until after the covers are. In getting out
a bill of material, have it sawed in planks at the saw mill,
as thick as you Avant the pieces wide, and have it worked
up by circular saAV.

I am not aware that this style of case is in use at the
East, but it is a western invention, and used by growers
in that section.

SmitU^s Ciirapc Rox.

Though made with reference to packing grapes, this

box will answer

for Currants,

Gooseberries, and

those fruits that

do not especially

need ventilation.

The sides of this

box are made of

veneer, cut partly

through at the

edges where it
Fiff. 124.— smith's grape box. t j ii

'^ bends over the

end pieces, which are thick enough to allow the sides to

be nailed to them. The cover fastens down by tacking

PUEI'AIIATION" FOR (JATUERTNO FRUIT. 27?

the flap to (lie ends. Tlicy are made witli the sides, top,
and bottom, all in one piece, as shown in figure 124, or
witli these in two jiieces, so tliat it is reversible and may
be opened at either top or bottom.

Kow styles of baskets are being brought out every sea-
son, but they can scarcely be called. im2)rovements upon
the old ones.

GATHERING FRUIT.

In sections where the small fruits are grown extensive-
ly, women and children are chiefly employed to gather
them, being paid so much per basket.

The small Jersey Strawberries are generally pulled, as
it is called, or separated from the calyx, or hull, when
picked ; with the larger kinds it is left on. The price
paid for picking varies from seventy-five cents to one dol-
lar twenty-five cents per hundred for the small baskets,
and three to five cents per quart for the larger Strawber-
ries, Raspberries, and Blackberries. At these prices, an
expert hand will make two to three dollars per day where
the fruit is abundant.

The fruit should always be gathered in dry weather,
and none should be picked in the morning while the dew
is on.

The usual method practised in the larger plantations
is something like the following :

A tent or temporary shed is erected in or near the field
in which the fruit is grown, and the superintendent re-
mains in this and takes charge of the fruit as it is brought
m, giving each picker a ticket, stating the number of
baskets brought in. When one or two hundred baskets are
gathered, then the small tickets are taken up and a large
one given, on which is printed good for one, two, or more
dollars, as the case may be. These tickets are redeemed at
the end of the week, provided the holder retains them
until that timo; but with some a week is a very long

278

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

time to keep a promise to pay, and they sell them. In
some portions of New Jersey, und perhaps elsewhere,
these tickets pass current at the stores in the vicinity,
and the merchants take them in exchange fur goods,
and when the season is over, present them to the proper
porsons for redemption.

At the time of gathering, each picker is furnish od
with a stand (ligure 1:^5), holding ten to twenty-five

baskets. When
all are filled, they
are carried to the
tent and put into
the crates, ready
for sending to
market. The small

Fiff. 125. — BASKET STAND. t U 1 i.

^ Jersey baskets are

put into crates holding from one hundred and fifty to
two hundred each, but when pint and quart baskets are
used, from thirty to sixty go in a crate.

The pickers have to conform to certain rules promul-
gated by the nabob of the tent, for there must be disci-
pline and system observed in fruit gathering, as in every
other business, to produce the best result. No picker
must be allowed to encroach upon his neighbor, and when
a row or bed is selected at the start, it must be retained
until all the fruit for that time is gathered. The next
bed or row must be taken by lot — and no dodging because
it happens to be a poor one.

The time of the vintage is one of rejoicing in the vine
countries of Europe, and equally so is the time of gather-
ing the small fruits in America. Good feelings prevail
on all sides, and particularly if the crop is abundant, for
both emi)loyer and the employed are abundantly rewarded
for their labor.

APPENDIX.

ADDITIONAL VARITIES.

The variotios of tlie different species and families o!
berries described and noticed in the following pages, havt
mostly been introduced since the revision of this work in
1881, and while it is scarcely probable that they are all
superior, or even equal in value, to the best of the older
and better known varieties, still, there are no doubt a
few among them which will prove to be very acceptable
acquisitions of their kind. I have not had an opportunity
of testing all of these new varieties ; in fact, some of
them have not as yet been fruited outside of the gardens
of their originators ; consequently in referring to their
merits, I am compelled, in some instances, to accept what
others say of them, instead of giving the results of my
own personal investigations and observations.

STRAWBERRIES.

Atlantic • — Berry medium, conical, of a rich, glossy,
crimson color ; flesh very firm. A poor grower, only
moderately productive, and ripening late in the season.

Relmont* — A new and very promising variety with
oblong berries, of a dark crimson color, very firm and
high flavor. Plants very productive and of vigorous
growth.

Bubach, Xo. 5. [Pistillate.) — A remarkable, vigorous
growing variety with imperfect or pistillate flowers. Fruit
large and handsome, but too soft for market ; not wort a
cultivating, as we hav*^. many far better varieties with
perfect flowers.
(279)

280 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

Cohanzick. — A chance seedling found in a flower bed
in Bridgeton, N.J. It is described by its introducer as
a dark crimson berry, very glossy, medium to large, with
firm flesh ; very productive.

C'oruelia. {Pistillate.) — A very large late variety,
usually unproductive, probably in consequence of im-
perfect fertilization of the flowers, these appearing after
the more vigorous of the pollen-bearing varieties have
gone out of bloom.

Connecticut Queen. — A new variety, highly praised
by some growers, and co Vdemned by others. It is said
to be of excellent quality, ripening late, but the berries
are very unattractive in appearance.

Crimson Cluster. {Pistillate.)— One of Mr. E. W.

Durand's numy seedlings, and only disseminated last
season, 1886. It is described by its originator as being
** wonderfully productive," and the fruit of the richest
crimson color, in immense clusters, hence its name. Fruit
of excellent (puility, very large, commencing to ripen
early and continuing very late.

Daisy. — This is said to succeed well in the "West, but
the foliage burns badly in the East. Scarcely worth
cultivating.

Daniel Boon. {Pistillate.) — Large, elongated-conical
with slight neck, sometimes broadly-conical ; bright red,
firm and good quality. Succeeds well in some soils, and
the plants are prolific, but in others the leaves burn
badly, and it is worthless.

Dollar. — Large, roundish-conical, of a bright, glossy,
light crimson color. Flesh firm, and quality excellent.
Plants are not very productive, but usually bear a mode-
rate second crop late in summer. The foliage is said to
burn in some localities and soils, but in my grounds it
has not suffered during hot, dry weather to any greater
extent than any of the old^ standard sorts.

APPENDIX. 281

Early Tannda. — Said fo resemble iho '' Old Iron
Clad," but in no respects superior. Plants only mode-
rately ])rodu('tivc.

KluilyS Uliitc. — Recommended only as a novelty.
Tlie first berries to ripen arc liglit red, but later they aro
almost pure white. I have not seen tliis variety, but
from description it woukl seem to be very similar to
Lennig's White, wlien grown in exposed positions, and
when the fruit is not shaded by the leaves.

GaiidyS Prize. — A new variety, of which little is
known. It is supposed to be a cross between the Jersey
Queen and Glendale. It is claimed by the originator to
be the latest in ripening, and the hardest fleshed variety
known. Berries large, nearly globular, bright crimson,
with a rich and sprightly flavor. Plants very stocky in
growth, and said to be productive.

Garretsoii. (Pistillate.) — This is not a new variety, but
only recently disseminated by its originator, the well
known seedsman of Flushing, N. Y., after whom it ia
named. Fruit large globular, bright crimson, very
firm, and of good flavor. Recommended as an excellent
market berry, owing to its uniform size and firm flesh.

Ileudcrsoil. — Very large, early, and immensely pro-
ductive ; but its great merit is in its exquisite flavor. It
is also claimed by its disseminator to be adapted to all, or
at least to a great variety of soils. It has not as yet been
very widely distributed, or extensively cultivated, and it
may not prove as good or valuable as represented.

HofTmaii's Sccdliiij?. — A chance seedling, found in a
garden at Charleston, S. C, and it promises to be a valu-
able variety for the South. The introducer says that it
is extra early, of large size, and so firm that it may be
readily and safely shipped to Northern markets.

James Vick. — Medium, obtuse-conical, bright scarlet ;
flesh pink, firm, but only second rate in quality. A

283 SMALL FUUIT CULTURIST.

vigorous and productive variety, very much like Capt
Jack, described on page 92.

Jersey Queeu. {Pistillate.) — Very large, regular oval,
sometimes a little flattened at the point. Very handsome
ricii scarlet, and of higli flavor. One of Mr. Durand's
seedlings. It must be grown in hills, or single rows, and
given extra high cultivation, to insure success.

Jewell. {Pistillate.) — A new and highly extolled
variety from Connecticut, and supposed to be a seedling
of the Jersey Queen. The plants are said to be very
robust and prolific, provided, of course, that some good
perfect flowering variety is grown near-by for supplying its
flowers with pollen. It is described as very large, obtuse-
conical ; color bright red, changing to crimson when fully
ripe. Flesh solid and firm. It is certainly a very promis-
ing variety.

Jumbo. — This is but another name for the Cumberland
Triumi)h, described on page 94.

Legal Tcuder. (Pis/z//a/e.)— Medium size, roundish-
conical, quite uniform in shape, bright crimson, good
quality, and the plants moderately productive. It is,
however, of no special value, there being many better
varieties in cultivation.

Lida. {Pistillate.)— LsLYo^e, and of a uniform broad-
conical or heart-shape ; bright red ; flesh firm and of
excellent quality ; plants hardy and prolific ; season
medium.

Longfellow.— Medium to large, oblong, point rather
broad or blunt ; color, dark mohagany, but very glossy ;
flesh, firm, sweet and excellent. Not valuable for
market, but a good variety for amateurs, who prefer
quality to fine appearance.

Mammoth. — A new variety raised in New Jersey, and
it is claimed to be the largest known. It is also reported

APPENDrx. 283

ihtit single berries have been exhibited, weighing one and
a quarter ounces each.

Maiifhcster, (Pistillate.) — Tliis variety has been
very widely distributed, and somewhat extensively cul-
tivated for market, as well as for home use by
amateurs. The ])lant is very healthy, vigorous and
productive, and succeeds on a great variety of soils.
Fruit large, uniform in size ; light scarlet ; flesh firm
with a sprightly sub-acid flavor. The Sharpless is re-
commended as an excellent staminate for planting with
the Manchester for supplying pollen to its flowers.

I^Ianchester Junior. — A seedling of the Manchester,
and claimed to be a larger variety, than its parent. Not
yet disseminated.

May Kiii^. — Described as very similar to the Crescent,
but with perfect flowers, bearing a heavy crop with ordi-
nary field culture.

Monmouth. — Another variety, said to be an improve-
ment on the Crescent, being much larger and of firmer
flesh, but with the same bright and attractive colors.
The disseminator claims that this variety possesses *' un-
usual merit."

Mrs. Garfleld. — A seedling of the Crescent, raised in
Ohio. Medium to large, irregular-conical, with short
neck ; bright glossy scarlet, and of a very sprightly rich
flavor. Plants hardy and very productive.

Old Iron (lad. {Phelps.) — Medium to large, obtuse-
conical, bright crimson, glossy ; flesh firm, rather acid,
but rich. Plants hardy and exceedingly productive.
An excellent early market variety, somewhat resembling
the Wilson's Albany.

Parry. — A seedling of the Jersey Queen, raised in 1880,
but only recently disseminated. It has been awarded
several premiums at local fairs, and is highly recommended

284 SMALL FUUIT CULTUIIIST.

by those who have liad an o})portunity of seeing and
testing it. It is described by the originator as ^'uniformly
large, obtuse-conical, bright glossy scarlet ; flesh firm,
and of the best quality. Plant vigorous."

Sunapec. — A chance seedling found at Vineland, N. J.,
described as of uniform good size, bright crimson color ;
flesh very firm, and exceedingly sweet for a strawberry.

Wonderful, (ristillate). — A new variety, or an old
one with a new name, the plants resemble tlie Champion
(see page 107), a variety also known as Windsor Chief
(as all have imperfect flowers, they are probably one and
the same variety).

RASPBERRY.

Of the Ruhus Occidentalis, or Black-cap group, new
varieties are introduced almost every season, but it is very
doubtful, if any of the new are better than the best of
the old, in common cultivation a quarter of a century
ago. Among the more recent varieties of this group I
give the following in addition to those named in preceed-
ing pages :

Canada. — Very similar to the Mammoth Cluster, and
after cultivating it a few seasons, I discarded it, for it
possessed no merits or qualities not found in several of
the old and standard sorts.

Conteunial. — Very large, jet black, with very little
or slight bloom on the berries, very sweet and high
flavored. Plants vigorous and exceedingly productive.
Owing to the bright color and absence of bloom, this is
one of the best market varieties, as the fruit does not
have a stale appearance in a few hours after gathering, as
is usual with those with heavy bloom.

Chapman. — A new variety from Ohio, resembling the
Centennial in the absence of bloom on the fruit, but

Ari'KHAix. 285

riponinf]^ about one week earlier. TTighly recommended
by the introducer for market.

Earhart. {Everbearing.) — From the few specimens of
fruit and plants, that I liave seen of this variety I tliink
it does not differ very greatly from the old Ohio Ever-
bearing, described on page 152. It is said to have been
found in Illinois about sixteen years ago. Berries large,
jet black, and excellent in quality. The old canes bear a
crop at the usual season, and the tips of the young shoots
are loaded with berries in autumn. If the Earhart
proves to be as hardy and prolific as the Ohio Everbear-
ing it will be well worth cultivating by persons who are
so fond of black raspberries, as to want them in season
and out of season.

Ililborii. — A new variety from Ohio, of which little is
^nown, except what is said of it by the introducer, who
claims that it is one of the best as yet introduced.

Ilopkin's. — Very much like the Mammoth Cluster, but
as early as the Doolittle, and not quite so prolific as the
Souhegan.

IVcnialia. — One of our most extensive cultivators of
the Raspberry says that this new variety is ^^ almost
identical with the Gregg," but he thinks the plants are
more hardy. This may be an advantage in extreme
northern localities, but scarcely worth attention else-
where.

Ohio, or Aldcn. — A variety closely resembling, if not
identical with the Seneca, described on page 152. It has
long been a favorite with cultivators in Central New
York.

Souhegan or Tyler.— Fruit very large, black, with
light bloom, good flavor, one of the very earliest of the
very large varieties. Plant vigorous, hardy, and exceed-
ingly productive.

280 SMALL FKUIT CULTURIST,

PURPLE CANE GROUP.

Carolino. — A very handsome variety, apparently a
hybrid between the purple cane and some yellow variety
of the Ruhus Occidentalis. Fruit pale salmon or buff
color, medium size, sweet and good, but too soft for
transporting to market, and in this respect very much
like the old Purple Cane.

Reliance. — Seedling of the Philadelphia, and by some
persons considered an improvement upon its parent. The
color is too dull and dark for market, and there are many
other varieties preferable for home use.

Shaffer's Colossal. — Probably the largest Raspberry in
cultivation of American origin, and only excelled in size
by some of the Japanese species. Berries of a dull purple
color, of fair quality. Plants vigorous and productive.
Recommended only for preserving, and for this purpose
it has no superior.

NATIVE RED AND YELLOW VARIETIES.

Golden ({ueen. — This is without doubt a "sport'* or
bud variation of the Cuthbert, and not a seedling. My
reason for thinking so, is, that I have obtained a similar
or the same variety as the Golden Queen, from a sprout
on an old plant of the Cuthbert. Fruit very large, con-
ical, pale amber or yellow, and in quality not excelled by
any native or foreign variety. Canes very strong and
vigorous ; foliage pale green or yellowish green, as usual
in the light colored varieties. Hardy and exceedingly
productive. It is the best hardy yellow variety of Rasp-
berry in cultivation.

Hansen. — Very large, nearly round; light bright
crimson ; firm, but not hard ; juicy and good, one of the
earliest of the very large varieties, and a splendid berry
for market or home use. The canes are very hardy, but

APPENDIX. 287

In my pjonnds the growili is slender, and not half ag
Btront]^ as that of eitluT the Cut]i})ert or Turner. 'I'his
variety may sueceed better in heavy soils than in a light
one.

Marlboro. — Very large, bright dark scarlet, a hand-
some variety ripening about mid-season, but of second-
rate quality. Plants extremely vigorous and productive.
A valua})le variety for market, as the fruit is firm enough
to bear transportation, and they hold their color well,

Haiicocas. — A new variety, said to be very early, the
entire crop ripening within a few days. It has not as
yet been very widely distributed, nor fully tested, and the
most that can be said in its praise is that it promises
well.

BLACKBERKIES.

Early Cluster. — Small oblong, grains medium, sweet
and good, but neither early nor superior to many wild
varieties to be found almost anywhere in the fields and
woods.

Early Rarvest, — Very early, medium oval, grains
small, quality excellent, plants hardy, and in some locali-
ties and soils said to be wonderfully prolific. But it has
proved to be such a poor grower in my grounds that I
have discarded it.

Erie. — A chance seedling found near Lake Erie in
Ohio. The introducer claims that the berries are of the
largest size, exceeding the Wilson, Kittatinny or Lawton,
of excellent quality, even superior to the Kittatinn}^
ripening before either the AVilson, Jr., or Wilson's Early.

Luc ret ia Dewberry. — The trailing Blackberries are
rarely cultivated, owing to their prostrate canes and the
difficulty of w^orking among them for the purpose of sub-
duing the weeds. Excellent varieties may usually be

288 SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

foimcl in almost every old and neglected field and hedge^
row, but there are very few persons, who want to intro-
duce them into their gardens. Recently it has been sug-
gested that these trailing varieties might be valuable for
cultivating in very cold northern regions, where the up-
right growing varieties are killed down in winter, amj
there may be something in the idea, and it is worth tr}.
ing. The Lucretia Dewberry is one of the wild varieties
of this type. Berries very large and of excellent qual-
ity, and the plants hardy and exceedingly productive.

M'ilson, Jr. — A seedling of the Wilson's Early, and
the originator claims that it is far superior to its parent,
«Lt least in size and productiveness. The old AVilson's
Parlv, as it is now called, was by far the largest Black-
berry known at the time of its introduction, but in qual-
ity it is inferior to many of the old as well as newer
varieties, and the plants are far too tender for cultivation
in our more Northern States, and even here in Northern
New Jersey and in a light, warm soil, the plants winter-
kill about five years oat of six, and for this reason it is
worthless ; but further South, or in the vicinity of Phila-
delphia, where it originated, it is a valuable and profit-
able variety. Wilson Jr. is said to be more hardy than
its parent, consequently more productive, because the
fruit-buds are not injured by cold.

1 here are several others, supposed to be new varieties
of the Blackberry, announced in dealers' catalogues, of
which I have not been able to obtain any trustwortliy in-
formation. Among these I may mention Bonanza, Early
King, Nevada, Stone's Hardy, and Wallace.

CURRANTS.

Fay's Prolific. — This is unquestionably a valuable
acquisition, and one of the best, if not the best, red variety
in cultivation. Fruit large, deep red, bunches very long,

APPT'N-DIX. 289

modoratclj compact-, and in (jnalifcy as good as the old
Red Dntcli, and su])cri()r to tlic Cherry Currant. IMants
very vigorous, liardy, and productive.

GOOSEBERRIES.

"Vo new varieties of tlic Gooseberry belonging to our
^aiive species have been introduced since the revision of
this work in 1881. But a European variety, called the
"■ Industry,'' has recently been extensively advertised as
very superior, and succeeding admirably in the Northern
States. It is u, very large, redv'berry of excellent quality.
Plant very hardy and productive.

:m

SMALL rin;! ( i liirist.
TABLE OF DTSTANCEa

ft $hau> at a glanct the number qf hilU or plant* contained in an acr« r^f land, m
any given distance /tvrn each other, /rvtn 40 feel by 4U, to 1 J'oct by 1, otiUttinc
fraction*. Divide the amount by IGO, wtU show the No. for 1 rod.

feet feet

per acre

feet

feet per acre\

feet

feet

j)er acre

feet

fe*)i

jier arre

40 by 40

27

11 bj

r 6

792

6 6 by 1 6 i

6280

8 8by8 0

4818

89 .

89

28

10.

10

436

— .

1 0

7^*20

— . .

2 «

4882

88 .

88

80

8

644

60 .

6 0

1742

— . .

2 6

6:361

87 .

87

81

6

726

—

4 6

1<»36

— . .

2 8

6966

86 .

86

83

6

871

— .

4 0

2178

— . .

2 0

6701

86 .

86

85

—

4

1089

— .

8 0

2901

— ..

1 9

7r)58

M .

84

87

—

8

1452

— .

2 6

81»4

— . .

1 6

8936

83 .

88

40

—

8

2178

— .

2 0

4356

— .

1 8

10722

J2 .

Si

42

—

1

4:i56

— .

. 1 6

5S08

— . .

1 0

1:mo3

81 .

81

46

9 ;;

9

637

— .

. 1 0

8712

80 ..

8 0

4840

BO .

SO

48

—

8

605

4 6 .

. 4 6

2151

— . .

2 9

6289

89

29

61

A

806

— .

. 4 0

W20

— .

2 ft

58(t8

28 .

28

56

6

9*18

— .

. 3 6

2765

— .

2 3

6453

27 .

27

59

4

1210

— .

. 8 0

8226

— .

2 0

72«50

^ .

»»

M

8

1613

— .

. 2 6

3872

— .

1 9

8297

25 .

25

69

—

2

2420

— .

. 2 0

4*40

— . .

1 8

9(>80

24 .

24

75

1

4Sl()

— .

1 6

6453

— .

1 3

11616

28 .

28

82

8 '.'.

8

680

—

. 1 0

9680

— .

1 0

14520

22

22

90

6

9(Vi

4 0 .

. 4 0

2722

2 9 .

2 9

57(50

21 .

21

98

5

1(»89

— .

. 3 9

2<KM

— .

2 6

6*36

%\ .

20

1U8

4

1361

— .

. 8 6

3111

—

2 8

7040

15

u-s

8

1S15

— .

. 3 3

3Mr)()

— .

2 0

7920

,

10

217

2

1T22

— .

. 8 0

3630

— .

1 9

9051

, ,

6

486

_-

1

64-15

— .

. 2 6

4:i-)6

— .

1 6

10560

19 '.

19

120

1 '.'.

7 0

888

— .

. 2 8

4S10

— .

1 8

xmn

15

152

6 6

957

— .

. 2 0

5+J5

! — .

1 0

15840

, J

10

229

6 0

1037

— .

. 1 9

6222

2 6

2,6

69(>9

. „

5

468

5 <»

1244

— .

. 1 ft

7260

—

2 3

7740

18 '.

18

184

4 6

1382

— .

. 1 8

8712

— .

3 0

8712

15

161

_

4 0

1555

—

. 1 0

lOSlK)

— .

1 9

9950

._

. 10

»42

8 ti

1777

8 9.

. 3 9

8097

— .

1 6

11616

_

. 6

4^

3 0

2074

. 8 6

3.318

— .

1 8

13939

17 '.

. 17

IBO

2 •>

2489

— .

. 8 3

8574

— .

1 0

17424

. 16

170

•2 It

8111

—

. 3 0

;isT2

a 8 .

2 8

86(M

^^

. 10

25«

1 <;

4148

89 .

. 2 9

4221

— .

2 0

9680

. 6

612

_

1 0

6,'22

— .

2 6

4l>tli

— .

1 9

11062

10 '.

. 1«

170

(5 .

H *)

1210

— .

2 8

5162

— .

1 ft

12!>06

. 16

175

f) •>

132(»

—

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5808

— .

1 3

15488

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. 10

272

5 (»

1462

— .

. 1 9

(5637

— .

1 0

19360

. 6

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4 tl

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. 1 6

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20.

2 0

108iK)

16 .'

. 15

lit.'i

4 fl

1815

— .

. 1 8

9272

1 9

12415

. 10

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2074

—

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— .

1 6

1 4x520

]

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r.Kd

3 0

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8 6

8 6

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1 — .

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14 '.

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2 6

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. 3 8

3829

1 — .

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. 10

:!11

2 0

3«i30

8 0

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1 9 .

. 1 9

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— ,

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'. 13

257

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1 0

7-^60

—

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4978

1 — .

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6 6

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— .

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4 0

19S0

. 1 6

8297

— .

1 0

2'.«>40

^^

. 5

T20

8 6

i 2-itl2

. 1 8

9956

1 8 .

. 1 8

27878

11 '.

11

860

8 0

1 2tV40

—

. 1 0

12H6

1 — .

1 0

84*48

. 10

898

— .

. 2 0

1 8960

8 8

8 8

4124

1 0.

. 1 0

i 43560

GENERAL INDEX.

^cidiiim Borbcridis 29

Ar;,a'iim ()l>lll^'almll 83

Bauberry 20

'• Ciiluiroof 25

♦' History of 21

" Discaeus of 29

AIiI(U;w 29

" Propai^ation 21

" Americau 20

Black-riuitcd 28

" Cliiuese 28

" Coiniuon ., 20-25

" Cretan 28

" F'rcinoiit's 20

Iburiaii 28

" Ma^'cUan Sweet 20

" Ncpuiil 20

" Piirple-fniited 28

Purplu-leavud 27

" Sil)i-riaii 28

" Sweet-friiiird 27

" Three-lraved 21

Violet-lViiitcd 28

White-fViiited 27

Yellow-rniiu-d 28

BasUet, American 268

'• Bi'L'ian 274

" Cook's 273

'* Jersey 2(i(i

• ' Pnra<,'on 273

" Square Cl.ip 272

B.isket Stand 278

BerlxM-is 20

" aristata 20

" Anniim 20

bnxifolia 20

** Canadensis 20

Chiira 20

Cretica 28

'* Fremontii 20

Syuonyias are

Berberis Iborlcn ^8

" vol undifoUa 20

" Sibinca 28

" Sinensis 28

" trifoliuia... 21

" vulgaris 20-25

" " aiba 27

" " as|»ernia 27

" " dulcis... ... 27

" " jrlaiica 27

" " longi folia 27

" " lutea 28

" " niitis 28

" " mgYO. 28

" "■ i)urpiirea 28

" " violacea 28

Blackberry ..176

" Ai^awam 187

A 'ion .,..13.)

" Ancient Briton 187

" Barnard 187

" Cape M;iy 183

Claret 189

Col. Wilder 189

" Common High 178

Crystal White 189

" Cninber'and 182

Cut leaved ISQ

" Dr. Warder 189

Dod«,'e's Thornless 187

" Dorchester 183

" Early Burnton 187

" European 178

Felton 183

Holcomb 183

" Iloosac Thornless 187

Knfatinny .. . 183

KiH.x 187

Laivton I8t»

Low 177

put lu Italics.

(291)

293

SMALL FllUlT CULTUKIST,

Blackberry, Low Biisli 177

" Miss(»iiri Muimnotli 187

•' NecUliam's While hsS

" Newmuirs Thoruleisis 15G

" New Kochelle 186

" Parsley-Leaved 181

" Propayatiou of 179

" Prmiinj,' Shears 180

" Pruning Hook 180

" Huuuini; Swamp 177

" Sable Queen 187

" Sand 177

* ' Seiu^vr's Mammoth 1 86

" Snyder 188

" Taylor'a Prolific 188

" Wachusett Thornless 188

" Wc!<lern Triumph 188

"' Wiljion's Early IS!)

Blueberry, Canada 255

Dwarf. 255

" Swamp 255

Blue Dangleberry 254

Biiflalo Berry 259

Cherry, Cornelian 2*3

Cherry, Dwarf 191

Cloudberry 120

Cornel ...233

Cornelian Cherry 2:33

Coriius maijcuhi 233

Cranberry 239

Applyii.ji' water to 247

Bush 240

" Common 239

" Gathering 242

" History of 240

" Insects 249

" Plintins; 245

" Preparation of Soil for... 242

" Profits of Culture 252

" Propagation 241

Upland Cuhure 250

" Varieties of 248

Crow8 and Fruit Culture 85

CURR.\NT 194

Forei'.Mi Varieties 210

History of 195

" Insects and Diseases 204

" Native Varieties 207

♦' Propagation 196

" Prnniiiirand training 201

" Soil and Cultivation 200

" Attraclor 211

Currant, American Black. 207

Black English 217

•' Black Grape 218

Black Naples 218

" Brown-fruited 219

" Buist'b Long-Bunched Red.212

" Caashi Uoyal of Naples 218

'* Cliampai,Mie 212

*' Cherry 212

" Clarke' a Street 2i7

Dana's White 214

Deseret 207

'* Fertile (T Angers of Leroy..21i
" Fertile de Palluau 214

Fetid 194

Gloire de Sablons 214

" Golden 208

Goliath 216

" Gondouiu Red 214

" Gondouiu White 214

" Green fndted 219

" Gros Rouge d' Angers 214

" Holland Long Grape 214

Houghton Castle ..216

" ltni)eiiul Jaune 214

" hnperia Rouge 215

" Imperial Yellow 214

hish Grape 212

" Knight's Early Red 215

" Knight's Large Red 215

'' Knight's Swoet Red 215

" La Caucase 212

La Fertile 215

" La native 215

" La native de Berlin 215

Large Red Angers 212-214

" Large Red Dutch 215

Lee's Proli tic 219

" Long Bunched Red 215

" Mao ocarpa 213

" May's Victoria 215

" Missouri 195

" Misscmri Black 208

" Missouri Sweet-fruited 209

" Morgan's Red 215

" Najxdeoji Red 212

" Neiv Red Dutch 215

" New White Dutch 217

" Ogden's Black Grape 218

Pheasant's Eye 212

'• Prince Albert 215

" Profits of Culture 219

QEKERAL INM)F:X.

20:;

Ciirrniit, Jiaby CaslU' 216

\\.y^\ 195

Rod Dutch 2ir,

KiMl Flowt'ilii;,' 195

K*'(l (Jrnpc 2ir)

lied Grape 21G

" lied Ii»)>erial 212

" Kt'd rrovrncc 210

KiH'vi's' VVliitu 217

*' lioiiije a Grosse Fruit 215

" liitsskvi Green 219

Siripcd-fniitod 21(5

" TiaiispHiciit Wliitc 217

Vei>!iil!cs 213

Victoria 210

" White Antwerp 217

White Clinton 217

While C7ijst(U 217

White Diitcli 217

White Grape ..217

White Holland 217

White hnjierial 217

White Leghmn 217

White Pearl 217

" White Provence 217

" White Transparent 217

WiltnoVs Red Gi'ape 210

•' Wild Black 194

DariL^leberry, Blur,. 254

Dewberry 177

DwarfCheiry 191

Forciii<r Houses 74

Fragaria 31

colliiia 32

" elatior 32

" graiidiflora 32

" Iiidica 33

" vwnophylla \Vt

vesca 31

" VirL>iniana , 32

Fruit Box. Free 209

Gothic, Free 272

" Guernsey 275

Hallock's 208

Smith's 270

Fruit Ca<e, Johnson's Premium. ..275

Gathcri Pi,' Fruit 277

Gaylussacia frondosa 254

" refeinosa 255

Gooseberry 2.S2

" American Red 230

" Clubter Seedling 230

Gooseberry, Downfncf.
Dutch Joe

2%

2:50

" Furei;,'n SpecieH 223

" Forei^in Varieties 2.'}!

" History 224

Hoii-hton's Seedlinjj..230

" Insects Injurious to 22.S

" Mountain t^eedlin;^ 2.'{0

" Native S|)ecies 222

" Native Varieties 230

Pale Red 2:i0

" Prize En!,'lij'ii Varietiee232

Profits of Culture 229

" Propaj,'ation of 224

" Pruninj^ and Traininij..225

Roberts' Sweet Water. . . 230

" St. Clair 230

" Small Leaved .223

" Smooth 222

'« Soil and Culture 220

" Swamp ....223

GrosH^e de Buffle 259

llippophcz argentea. 259

HUCKLEBEIIKY 254

Black ; 255

" Dwarf 255

High-bush 255

Insects.

" Abraxis Grossulariata 204

" " ribearia / 204

" Aphis ribis 229

" Blackberry Bush Borer... 149

" Cecidomya Grossulariae 229

" Currant Borer, American.. 207
" " Borer, European.. 200

" Worm 204

" Eufitchia ribearia 204

" Gooseberry Bark-louse 228

" " Midge 229

" Lecanium Cynosbati 228

" May Beetle 84

" Mealy Flata 228

" Pajciloptera pruinosa 223

" Plant-Louse 88

" Pristiphora j:rossu]ariata. .200

" Trochilium candatum 207

" " tipuliforme... 200

White Grub 84

Introduction 6

MicrDsphteria Bcrberidis 30

Number of Plants to the Acre 279

Preparation for Gathering Fruit. ...263

294

SMALL FRUIT Cl'LTCRIST,

Propagation, by C'lttiiigs 22

" Giuen-vvood Cuttinys. 24

'* llouiCiiltiiife'8 124

Piumirt pnmila .l'-'2

Hal)l. it Berry 25'J

ItASfBKltUY 119

*' American Black 150

" Black 1-^2

" Black Cap, Propayatiou

of i2&

" Brand 146

" liiist 140

" Disease and Iiii*ccls 14b

" Duration of Plants 145

" Dwarf 121

" European 122

" Garden Culture of i43

History of 122

•* Plantinsj and Culture . . 137

*' Propaj^ation of 123

" Pruning of 140

" Purple Flowering 119

" Selection of Plants 137

" Training of 141

" Varieties for Fauiily Use 174

" Varieties for Market 175

" White Flowering 120

WiUlRed 120

" Winter Protectioji of.. ..142

" Allen's Antwerp 159

" Allen's Red Prolific 159

" Amazon lt)4

" American Improved 150

" American Red Cane 155

" American White Cap . . .150

Antwerp 1G3

" Antwerp Red 163

" Antwerp Yellow 163

" Barnet 164

" BarneCs Anttveij) 164

" Beehive 173

Belle de Fontenay .... 164

" Belie de Palluau 165

" Bnindywine 162

" Brentford Cane 194

" BHnckle's Orange 171

" Bromley Hill 173

" Biniei/s Antwet-p 163

" Burlington 165

" Caroline 151

" Catawissa 153

" Chili Monthly 173

Raspberry, Clarke 1 0S

Col, Wilder )<;»)

" C«>pe 166

" Cornish 17."1

" Coi'ntvairs Prolific 1 64

" CornwulCs Seedlintj 164

" Cr.'Um Red ICS

" Cu!»hing 166

" Cutbush'd Prince of

Wales 1(«

' Cuthbert 162

*' Ctix's Honey 173

*' Dav'son's Thorn lo>^9 151

" DoditUe's Black Cap 150

" Downing 166

" Double Beaiing 166

" Double Beating Yellow . . 163

" Duhring 167

" Early Prolific 173

" Eiizal)eth 169

Elhsdal.; 155

" Emily i67

'' English Antwerp 163

Fastoitr 167

Fillbasket 167

" Foreign Varieties 163

" Francoida 167

French 168

" Fulton 168

" Ganarqna lo5

" Gardiner 155

" Genei al Pal terson 168

" Gilden Cap 160

Gregg 151

'• Herstine 169

" Ilerstine's Seedlings.. ..168

" Hornet 170

" IlowlancCs Ayitwerp 163

" Hudson Rirer Antwerp . . 1 63
" Huntsman's Giant 170

Imperial 170

" Improved Black Cap . . . 150

Jillard's Seedling *173

" Judi/n\t Impr'oved 150

" Jouet 170

" Keystone 173

Kirtland 162

" Knevet's Giant 170

" KnevetVs Antiverjy 163

" Large-fruited Monthly... 170

*' Large Miami 161

" LargeRed 164

qknei:at. INDKX.

205

Rnsphorry, Lnncrwortli 1T3

Ixnd h'xmouth MM

" I^UCiirinick 151

" ^ln;:iiiiin Hdiiiim. .. 170

" Maminotk (Hunter 151

" Marvel of (he Four Sea-

som .171

" MorvcillrCitmtrci Saiwonsl71

" >Iiami Black Cap 152

'•' Mor.tclair 171

MontMij Black Cap 152

" Mote's Seedling 174

" Mi>i. Iii-rersoU 173

" Mrs. Wilder 174

" Naomi 1G7

" New Everbcariii<j 174

" New lied Antwerp 163

** Northuvibeiiand Fillbas-

ket 167

" Nottin.iriiam Scarlet... 174

" Ohio Everbearing. ... 152

" Old lied Antwerp 163

•' Orange 163

" Pliiladelphia 156

" Pilate 171

" Princess Alice 174

" Purple Cano 155

" Purple Cane Family ...153

" Queen of the Market 162

" Reliance 157

" Richardson 174

" Rivers' New Monthly 170

" Rivers' Seedlings 171

" Ruby 169

♦' Russell's Red 172

" St. Louis. 174

" Saunders 169

" Semper Fidelis 172

" Seneca 152

" Souchetti 172

•♦ Spring Grove 174

** Summit Yellow Cap 152

" Superb 174

" Superb d'Angleterre. . . 174

" Surpasse Merveille 174

" Surprise 152

'* Susqueco 162

" Taylor's Paragon 174

" Thorfdess Black Cap ... 151

" True Red Antwerp.. . . 163

" Vice-President French. . . 168

** Walker 172

Rnppborry, Wilfe Antwerp 163

" \\'/ii(e Traiwparent 172

Wild Red 121

" ]]'/l//iinr/fon 16'^

Wilmot'H Early Red 174

'* Woodward 174

" Woodward's Red Globe. 174

" Yellow Cap 150

" Yellow Chili 173

Ribes 194

" aureum 195

" cuneilbliura 223

" Cyi osbati 222

" divaricatum 223

" lloridum 194

" gracile 223

" GroHsularia 223

" liirtellum 222

" lacustre 223

" microijliyllum 223

"• nigrum 195

" oxycantiioides i ....223

" prostratum 194

" rolui.di folium ..223

" rubrum 195

" sanguintum 195

" Uva crispa 223

Root Cuttings 123

Rubus 119

" Canadensis 177

" Chamaemorus 120

" cuneifolius 177

" fruticosus 178

" hispidus 177

" Idaeus 122

" Japonicus 122

" laciniatus isi

" leucodermis 121

" Nutkanus 120

" occidentalis 122

" odoratus 119

" pedatus 120

" spcctabilis 120

" strigosus IJi

" triflorus 121

" trivialis 177

" villosus 176

Shepherdia 259

" argentea... 259

" Canadensis 259

Slugs 88

196

SMALL FRUIT CULTURT8T.

Strawberry . . SI

Brand aS

• " Cultiue, Animal 63

" " Biennial 62

" " Garden. 64

" " Rows and Hills 63

" Diseases and Insectri, . . 83

** Forcing 70

•' History of 33

" Houses for ... . 74

" Hybridizing and Cross-
ing 76

" Manures for 54

" riantingandCultivation 60

" Pot Plants 52

" Preparation of Plants.. 57

" Propaijation of 48

" " by Division of Roots 53

" "■ by Kunuurs 52

♦• " by Seeds , 50

»' Sexuality of ... 39

*' Soil and Situation 53

" Structure of Plants. . . 46

" Thinning the Fruit 76

Tiles 67

" Time to Plant 56

" Varieties for Forcing. 75

" Vase 67

*» Winter Protectiou 80

List op Varieties.

Admiral Dundas 110

Agriculturist 90

Albion White 90

Alpine 31

Alpine Blanc 116

Alpine Rod 116

Alpine Red Monthly 116

Alpine Range 116

Alpine Wliite 116

Alpine White Monthly 116

Alpine Varieties 116

Ambrosia 110

Amencan Alpine 116

Austin 90

Autumnal Galande 116

Baltimore Scarlet 92

Baron Beman de Linnick ...110

Bartlett 91

Belle SO

Belle Artesienn* Ill

Belle Bordelaiae 117

Belle de Vibert Ill

Berancon 116

Bicolor Ill

Bidwell «1

Bijou Ill

Black Defiance 81

Black Hautbois .. 118

Bont6 de St. Julien 110

Boston Pine 91

Bouied'Or 110

Boyden-s iVb. 30 104

Brighton Pine 91

Brooklyn Scarlet 91

BuffiUo 91

Burr's New Pine 91

Bush Alpine, Red 117

Bush Alpine, White 117

Vaperon Iloijale 118

Captain Jack 92

Carnolia Magna Ill

Caroline 29

Caucasian 117

Centennial Favorite 92

Cetevvayo 107

Champion 92

Champion of Richmond 107

Charles Downing 92

Chorlton's Prolific 107

Cinderella 92

Col. Cheney 93

Col. Ellsworth . 93

Continental 93

Crescent Seedling 93

Crimson Cone 93

Crimson Favorite 107

Crystal City 94

Cumberland Triumph 94

Cutter's Seedling 107

Damask Beauty W

Dent de Cheval 116

De MontreuU a Fruit Blanc 116

De MontreuU a Fruit Rouge 116

De Montreiiil a Marteau 116

Deptford Pine Ill

Des Alpes a Fruit Rouge 116

Diadem 107

Dicecious Hautbois 117

Double Bearing 118

Downer's Prolific 94

Duchess 94

Duke de Malakoff Ill

GENERAL INDEX.

20?

T^imcnii 01

Diiiaiur* iU-auty 107

Diiramrs Srrdliiig 95

Knrly Adda 107

Karly Scaik-t 05

EclipMC 107

Elton Improved Ill

Emily 107

Emma HI

Eoipre^e Eiigonic Ill

Eiidicott 107

Fillmore 05

Fiiicirs Prolific 107

Foreii,Mi Varit'tics 109

Forc'81 Ro:>e 96

Fra^'uria liicida . 108

Freiicli's Soedliiij,' 107

I^resscwl 110

Froijmore Late Pine Ill

Georj,Ma Mammoth 108

GertnaiUotvn 98

Gil l)ert's Large Brown 117

Gleiidale 96

Glol)e Uautbois 118

Glory de Nancy Alpine .116

Golden Defiance 96

Golden Queen 108

Golden Seeded 97

Goliath 112

Great American 97

Green 32

Green Alpine 117

Green Pine Ap})le 117

Green Prolific 97

Greenwood 117

Gwentver 112

Ilaquin 112

Hart's Minnesota 108

Hautbois 32

Hautbois Varieties 117

J/ermaphrodite 118

Hero 112

Hci vcy Davis 97

Hillman 112

Hooker 98

Hovey 98

Huddleston's Favorite 98

Ida 108

India 32

Iowa 108

Jucunda. 112

Kate 112

I KcMtiicl<y 98

K<rr'H I'roiific; 108

Kimbcrly I'iiie 113

Kirkwood 108

Knox's 700 112

KramerV Scedlinj^ l(),s

La Constanto 113

Ladi(!s' Pine 98

Lady Fii)j,'er . 98

Lady of the Lake 99

LaMendonalse 116

Larj,'e-fio\verin^ 32

La Siiltaiiiie 113

Laurel Leaf 99

Le Baron 108

Leiini<,''s White lUO

Leon d<; St. Laumer 113

Lon^'fillow 99

Lon<,'-fruited Miiscatell 118

Lon fjworth's Prolific 100

Lorenz Booth 113

Lucas 113

Liicida Perfecta 113

Mammoth Bush 108

Mari,'uerite 113

Marvin 101

McAvoy's Superior 106

Mead's Seedling 108

Metcalf:^ Early ...108

Miner's Great Prolific 101

Monarch of the West 101

Monitor 108

Monstrous Hautbois 118

Mount Vernon 108

Musky Ilaulbois 117

Naj)()leon HI 113

^.itive Varieties 90

Ncunan's Prolific 101

Newark Prolific 97

New Dominion ... 101

New Jersey Scarlet 109

Nicanor 101

Old John Brown 103

One-Leaved Alpine 117

Orient 102

Oscar 114

Paine 108

Perry's Seedling 192

Philadelphia 109

Pi7ie Apple 93

Pioneer 103

Piper's Seedling 109

298

SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST.

Ihifou Alpine Monthly 116

l\>wdered J'i/ta 117

President VVild.:i- 103

Priuce'ti Frederick William 114

Ptdiflc Alpine lltt

Prolific Jiuutbois 118

Reed'ri Kansas Mammoth 10i>

Regent's Dwarf US

l{ii:?seirs Advance 109

Riisseira Prolitic 103

Sabreur 114

Sacornke 118

Satin Gloss 103

Scarlet Alpine 110

Scarlet Runner 104

Scotch Runner 104

Scotch Runner 93

Scott's Seedling 104

Seth Boyden 104

Sliaker 107

Sharpless 104

Sir Joseph Banks 118

Souvenir de Kicff 114

SuckerSiato 109

Trej)ibli/s Union 116

Triomphe de Qand 114

Topsy 114

Vtrsaillen Alpine Monthly 116

Viconitesse Hericart de Thury 115

Victoria 115

Villede Bois 116

Vineuse de Nantes 115

Virtjiiiian 3*4

VValden 109

Warren lO'J

White Pineapi)le 100

White WoOil Slrawbei-ry 117

Wielaiid lOi)

Wildini,' 109

WUliarns' Green Pine 117

Wilson's Albany . . 105

Windsor Chief 92

Wood 31-117

Table of Distances 279

Thimble Beiry 120-150

Vaccinium 25^

" Canadense 255

" corynibosum 255

" erythrocarpon 240

*' niacrocarpon 239

" Oxycoccus 239

" PeunsylTauicum 264

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man to reap greater profits. This book meets the needs
of the average dairy farmer, and if carefully followed will
lead to successful dairying. It may also be used as an
elementary textbook for colleges, and especially in short-
course classes. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 300 pages. Cloth.

Net, $1.25

Questions and Answers on Buttermaking

By Chas a. Publow. This book is entirely different
from the usual type of dairy books, and is undoubtedly in
a class by itself. The entire subject of butter-making in
all its branches has been most thoroughly treated, ancJ
many new and important features have been added. The
tests for moisture, salt and acid have received special
attention, as have also the questions on cream separa-r
tion, pasteurization, commercial starters, cream ripening,
cream overrun, marketing of butter, and creamery man-^
agement. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 100 pages. Cloth.

Net, $0.50

Questions and Answers on Milk and Milk Testing

By Chas. A. Publow, and Hugh C. Troy. A book that
no student in the dairy industry can afford to be without.
No other treatise of its kind is available, and no book of
its size gives so much practical and useful information in
the study of milk and milk products. Illustrated. 5x7
inches. 100 pages. Cloth. -•..... Net, $0.50

(3>

Soils

By Charles William Burkett, Director Kansas Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. The most complete and
popular work of the kind ever published. As a rule, a
book of this sort is dry and uninteresting, but in this case
it reads like a novel. The author has put into it his in-
dividuality. The story of the properties of the soils, their
improvement and management, as well as a discussion of
the problems of crop growing and crop feeding, make this
book equally valuable to the farmer, student and teacher.
Illustrated. 303 pages. 5^4x8 inches. Cloth. . Net, $1.25

Weeds of the Farm Garden

By L. H. Pammel. The enormous losses, amounting
to several hundred million dollars annually in the United
States, caused by weeds stimulate us to adopt a better
system of agriculture. The weed question is, therefore
a most important and vital one for American farmeri
This treatise will enable the farmer to treat his field to
remove weeds. The book is profusely illustrated by photo-
graphs and drawings made expressly for this work, and
will prove invaluable to every farmer, land owner, gar-
dener and park superintendent. 5x7 inches. 300 pages.
Cloth Net, $1.50

Farm Machinery and Farm Motors

By J. B. Davidson and L. W. Chase. Farm Machinery
and Farm Motors is the first American book published
on the subject of Farm Machinery since that written by
J. J. Thomas in 1867. This was before the development
of many of the more important farm machines, and the
general application of power to the work of the farm.
Modern farm machinery is indispensable in present-day
farming operations, and a practical book like Farm Ma-
chinery and Farm Motors will fill a much-felt need. The
book has been written from lectures used by the authors
before their classes for several years, and which were pre-
pared from practical experience and a thorough review of
the literature pertaining to the subject. Although written
) primarily as a text-book, it is equally useful for the prac-
Itical farmer. Profusely illustrated. 5^x8 inches. 520
pages. Cloth Net, $2.00

The Book of Wheat

I By P. T. DoNDLiNGER. This book comprises a complete
study of everything pertaining to wheat. It is the work
of a student of economic as well as agricultural condi-
tions, well fitted by the broad experience in both practical
and theoretical lines to tell the whole story in a condensed
form. It is designed for the farmer, the teacher, and the
student as well. Illustrated. S'AxS inches. 370 pages.
Cloth. . . . ....... Net, $2.00

(4)

The Cereals in America

By Thomas F. Hunt, M.S., D.Agri., Professor of Apron*
omy, Cornell University. If you raise five acres of any kind
of grain you cainiot afford to be without this book. It is in
©very way the best book on the subject that has ever been
written. It treats of the cultivation and improvement of every
grain crop raised in America in a thoroughly practical and
accurate manner. The subject-matter includes a comprehen-
sive and succinct treatise of wheat, maize, oats, barley, rye,
rice, sorghum (kafir corn) and buckwheat, as related particu-
larly to American conditions. First-hand knowledge has been
the policy of the author in his work, and every crop treated is
presented in the light of individual study of the plant. If you
have this book you have the latest and best that has been
written upon the subject. Illustrated. 450 pages. 5J^x8
inches. Cloth $1-75

The Forage and Fiber Crops in America

By Thomas F. Hunt. This book is exactly what its title
indicates. It is indispensable to the farmer, student and
teacher who wishes all the latest and most important informa-
tion on the subject of forage and fiber crops. Like its famous
companion, "The Cereals in America," by the same author, it
treats of the cultivation and improvement of every one of the
forage and fiber crops. With this book in hand, you have
the latest and most up-to-date information available. Illus-
trated. 428 pages. 5^x8 inches. Cloth $1-75

The Book of Alfalfa

History, Cultivation and Merits. Its Uses as a Forage
and Fertilizer. The appearance of the Hon. F. D. Coburn's
little book on Alfalfa a few years ago has been a profit revela-
tion to thousands of farmers throughout the country, and the
increasing demand for still more information on the subject
has induced the author to prepare the present volume, which
is by far the most authoritative, complete and valuable work
on this forage crop published anywhere. It is printed on fine
paper and illustrated with many full-page photographs that
were taken with the especial view of their relation to the text.
'336 pages. 6/^ X 9 inches. Bound in cloth, with gold stamp-
ing. It is unquestionably the handsomest agricultural refer-
ence book that has ever been issued. Price, postpaid, . $2.00

Clean Milk

By S. D. Belcher, M.D. In this book the author sets forth
practical methods for the exclusion of bacteria from milk,
and how to prevent contamination of milk from the stable
to the consumer. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 146 pages.
Cloth .... $1.00

<5)

Bean Culture

By Glewn C. Sevey, B.S. A practical treatise on the pro*
duction and marketing of beans. It includes the manner ol
growth, soils and fertilizers adapted, best varieties, seed selec-
tion and breeding, planting, harvesting, insects and fungous
pests, composition and feeding value; with a special chapter
on markets by Albert W. Fulton. A practical book for the
grower and student alike. Illustrated. 144 pages. 5x7
inches. Cloth $0.50

Celery Culture

By W. R. Beattie. A practical guide for beginners and a
standard reference of great interest to persons already en-
gaged in celery growing. It contains many illustrations giving
a clear conception of the practical side of celery culture. The
work is complete in every detail, from sowing a few seeds in
a window-box in the house for early plants, to the handling
and marketing of celery in carload lots. Fully illustrated.
150 pages. 5x7 inches. Cloth $0.50

Tomato Culture

By Will W. Tracy. The author has rounded up in this
book the most complete account of tomato culture in all its
phases that has ever been gotten together. It is no second-
hand work of reference, but a complete story of the practice ^
experiences of the best-posted expert on tomatoes in the
world. No gardener or farmer can afford to be without the
book. Whether grown for home use or commercial purposes,
the reader has here suggestions and information nowhere else
available. Illustrated. 150 pages. 5x7 inches. Cloth. $0.50

The Potato

By Samuel Fraser. This book is destined to rank as a
standard work upon Potato Culture. While the practical side
has been emphasized, the scientific part has not been neglected,
and the information given is of value, both to the growej and
to the student. Taken all in all, it is the most complete, reliable
and authoritative book on the potato ever published in Amer-
ica. Illustrated. 200 pages. 5x7 inches. Cloth. . . $0.75

Dwarf Fruit Trees

By F. A. Waugh. This interesting book describes in detail
the several varieties of dwarf fruit trees, their propagation,
planting, pruning, care and general management. Where
there is a limited amount of ground to be devoted to orchard
purposes, and where quick results are desired, this book will
meet with a warm welcome. Illustrated. 112 pages. 5x7
inches. Cloth $0.50

(6)

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AGRICULTURE
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AGRICULTURE
LIBRARY