218 TRA^'SACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR TESTING NEW FRUITS. 



At the last meeting of this society, a committee was appointed to receive and plant 

 any new fruits that might be sent them, and report on their value. This committee, 

 for the northern district, gave notice through the horticultural press of their willing- 

 ness to receive such fruits and to report on such officially to the society, as to their 

 merits. Individually, I received no fruits of any kind from originators, therefore 

 properly I have nothing ou which to report. But having procured some new varieties, 

 and having seen some others in fruit, I thought an opinion on their merits might be 

 interesting to some. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



Charles Dmvning. — This is a fine fruit, originated by J. S. Downer, of Kentucky, and 

 appears to be peculiarly adapted to the climate of the west. It is a sturdy and vigorous 

 plant; fruit of the largest size, highest flavor, and brilliant color; quite late in season; 

 it will, without doubt, I think, prove valuable. 



The Mexican Ever -hearing. — I procured this great wonder, and planted plants of it in 

 different soils and in different exposures. The result has been just what I had antici- 

 pated. I had paid my little three dollars a dozen for the old Monthly Red Alpine, or 

 perhaps a seedling from it. This species of Strawberry reproduces itself almost exactly 

 from seed; and the seedlings, for a few years, show more vigor and productiveness 

 than the parent, but they invariably return to the normal type. But so long as our 

 most prominent nursery firms advertise and sell the Alpine varieties, why persecute 

 individuals for doing the same thing? 



Nicanor.—'Shxs variety has proved to be all that was claimed for it by its originators, 

 with me, planted on different soils, after two year's fruiting. I think it worthy of 

 general cultivation. 



Seedlings grown hy W. D. Neff, of Ottatva. — My attention was called to these last win- 

 ter, and I intended to have visited Mr. Neft''s place while they were in fruit, but could 

 not find time to do so. But from testimony placed before me, and collected by myself, 

 I am convinced that the varieties vinder the names of Ottawa and Prairie Farmer, are 

 remarkably fine fruits, in size, productiveness, flavor and vigor. They were raised 

 from the seed of the Agriculturist; the flowers were probably fertilized wholly or in 

 part by the Wilson, which was growing near. 



Among those that we have tested, that have shown no desirable qualities, I would 

 name Dr. Nicaise, Ida, Stinger's Seedling, Philadelphia — in fact every one of the 

 newer varieties tested. 



RASPBERRIES. 



I have procured and fruited as many of the new varieties as my very limited means 

 would allow. If any are slighted in this report, it is their fault, not mine. Of the 

 varieties fruited, I would recommend as promising well, for family use, Elm City, 

 Clarke, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Davison's Thornless, Large Miami, (the McCormick 

 of this society. Mammoth Cluster of Purely and Johnston). For a home market. Elm 



