188 American Horticultural Society. 



healthy. Each plant should have plenty of room, and no other roots should 

 be allowed to rob it of food or moisture. The surface of the soil must be 

 kept loose by stirring or mulching, so as to admit air to the roots, for they 

 can not live without it. As a plant can make its wants known only by signs, 

 he who best understands these signs, and is most faithful in supplying the 

 wants expressed by them, will succeed best. 



The fruit-grower is an employer, and each plant set out is an employe 

 which can accomplish much or little, according to the master's knowledge 

 of its needs, and his faithfulness in providing for them. Each plant set out 

 is an independent establishment, and if not hindered will go steadily on 

 doing the work appointed to it by nature — gathering its food and changing 

 the raw material, by means of rain and sunshine and the atmosphere, into 

 delicious fruit. It is a pleasant thought that the plants which we set out 

 and care for are so many little helpers engaged in our service ; and whether 

 we sleep or wake, are sick or ^ell, they still go on with their silent, busy 

 work. 



It is the fruit-grower's province to see that all the conditions are favorable^ 

 so that there may be no interruption of this work. His returns will be in 

 exact proportion to his judgment and thoroughness in this respect. This is 

 a point where knowledge is power. 



NEW STRAWBERRIES. 



BY A. D. WEBB, OF KENTUCKY. 



A brief report on a few of the new strawberries that fruited on my 

 grounds the past season, from spring set plants only : This test is nearly an 

 index to the future as to fruit, while it is a pretty fair test as to plant. 

 Without a good, healthy, vigorous plant not much desirable fruit can be ex- 

 pected. Yet, not all good plants are good croppers. Some of the best plants 

 I ever had were comparatively worthless for fruit. The past season proved 

 very unfavorable for both plant and fruit in my locality. Notwithstanding 

 the unfavorable season, the few varieties that I propose to report on proved 

 quite satisfactory both in plant and fruit. 



Jersey Queen— This, so far, has proved to be a No. 1 plant, passing 

 through our dry and heated term without spot or blemish; fruit large and 

 of fine quality. I think this variety better adapted to the family garden 

 than for market — its light color is objectionable as a desirable market berry 

 and too soft for shipping. Taking i>lint and fruit together I regard this the 

 best of Mr. Durand's seedlings that I have fruited, having tested quite a 

 number. 



Jumbo — The big elephant, or latest of all, recently introduced by A. M, 

 Purdy. In plant and fruit it is so much like Cumberland Triumph that I 

 could detect no ditiisrence — I had Cumberland within two feet of it. As I 



