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BLACK CURRANTS. 



Lee, though rather small in bunch, was most satisfactory of those tried this 

 season. It is also the earliest to ripen. 



There appears to be little difference between Black Naples and Champion. 

 Prince of Wales, a later introductio i, seems worthy of extended trial, though its 

 foliage has been somewhat defective. 



Black English resembles Black Naples in habit of growth, quality and size of 

 fruit, but is later. 



Crandall is a variation of the Missouri flowering currant (Hibes aureum) which 

 has been extensively advertised and disseminated. Its strong points seem to be 

 vigor of plant and productiveness ; its weak points, unevenness in size and time of 

 ripening of fruit, and poor quality. As a crossing stock, it will probably be of 

 value. 



SEEDLING CURRANTS. 



The large collection of seedlings brought here by Prof. Saunders from London, 

 made a fine show of fruit and attracted much attention while in bearing. There are 

 about 150 seedlings in the collection. A selection of 25 of the most promising was 

 made, based upon the notes collected by Mr. Hilborn, supplemented by the experi- 

 ence of last year. Cuttings were taken from those specially noted, and were set out 

 early in August. They were well rooted before cold weather, and will make suitable 

 plants for starting trial plantations on the branch Farms next spring. It may be 

 added that some of these thought well of by Mr. Hilborn were propagated last year, 

 and have already been distributed. 



GOOSEBERRIES. 



Owing to the first planting of gooseberries having to be removed from their 

 original location, on account of unsuitable soil, sufficient time has not elapsed since 

 in which to arrive at any definite opinions regarding the value of the different 

 varieties in this section. Last season was a favorable one, all varieties making a fair 

 growth, though very little fruit was borne. As noted previously the currant worm 

 was specially active ; this fruit receiving the same attention with Paris green and 

 white hellebore very little injury was sustained. 



A large number of the European varieties are on trial, but owing to unsuitable 

 soil, unfavorable seasons and their natural tendency to be affected with leaf mildew, 

 they have not yet given evidence of future usefulness. They will hardly prove use- 

 ful except in favored locations, and with special treatment. 



Among the newer varieties which have fruited here and elsewhere are Pearl, a 

 seedling originated by Prof. Saunders, specially to be commended as an im- 

 mense bearer and comparatively free from mildew. Smith's Improved, with high 

 culture and careful pruning, will be generally satisfactory ; it bears well, the fruit 

 is large and of good quality. 



III.— VEGETABLES. 



The constantly and rapidly increasing number of varieties in all classes of 

 vegetables, including many worthless new ones and many old ones re-named, renders 

 the task of making a satisfactory selection for home use quite a foi'midable one. 

 Very often a satisfactory selection is not arrived at till after considerable expen- 

 diture of time and money has taken place in testing the many " best" kinds. 



It will be a feature of the work of this branch to make each year in certain 

 lines such tests of varieties (1) as will tend to eliminate duplicates; (2) give 

 experience upon which to recommend those sorts which have succeeded best here ; (3) 

 adding such hints on the methods of cultivation as will be deemed useful to the 

 gardening public It is beyond all question true that farmers, as a rule, do not grow 

 in sufficient quantity and variety these healthful products. 



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