126 TEANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



shape, and rich in color, none of the members present were able to 

 name them, and when Mr. Hollister stated that they were Wilsons, 

 every member was surprised, but accepted his statement as correct. 

 But they received especial care and cultivation. 



The above illustration might be sufficient in itself to prove just 

 what might be done with a kind of strawberry that has been dis- 

 carded (unnecessarily, I think sometimes,) here for years, by care 

 and high culture. 



As a further illustration, however, and possibly a more striking 

 one, I will state that Mr. James Davis, my next neighbor, has made 

 a specialty of the Downing for many years, while after two years' 

 trial I was compelled to discard it as unsuitable for my purpose. To 

 stop criticism, 1 will admit at once that in this instance it might be 

 that the individual was to blame, but if so, I should be at a loss to 

 account for the fact that Mr. Riehl has for some years, and is prob- 

 ably at the present time, making the Captain Jack his principal 

 berry, while in the neighborhood in which I live no person would 

 ever attempt to plant the above kind for general purposes. In taking 

 the above facts into consideration I think it would be unwise, at 

 least, for any person to say that this or that kind is the best, only so 

 far as his personal observation extends. 



Of the newer kinds of strawberries, of which I have some 

 twenty kinds, I do not feel disposed to say anything at present. I 

 would have liked very much to have been able to say something 

 about the Bubach, especially as it is indigenous to this State; but I 

 was unable to procure plants in time to test them for this report 

 without paying an exorbitant price for them. I am very much in- 

 debted to Mr. H. K. Vickroy, of Normal, and to Mr. Matthew Craw- 

 ford, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for their kindness in furnishing me 

 with plants of the newer kinds for experimental purposes, and of 

 which I may, if necessary, be able to report at some future time 

 through the reports of the Alton Southern Horticultural Society. 

 From personal experience I can recommend the first three kinds in 

 the following list of strawberries as amply sufficient, with any 

 reasonable amount of care, for either home or market purposes. 



Miner — This is the best general-purpose berry I have, and has 

 been my principal one for nearly eight years. 



Champion — A first-class berry with me. Its deep rich color 

 and perfect shape are strong recommendations in its favor. 



Jersey Queen — I have had this kind in fruiting four years. 

 With careful cultivation and good rich ground it is a splendid berry. 

 Its good looks and fine flavor will always find a ready market. Those 

 three kinds ripen about in the order named, and were it necessary 

 for me to be restricted to three kinds, the above would be the kinds 

 I should choose for profit. As a matter of course I have to keep 

 other kinds to supply my plant trade. 



