13G Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



as only within the reach of the wealthy, or the expert cultivator, 

 now found that they could raise it, not only for themselves but for 

 the market. The firmness and keeping qualities of the berry were 

 such that those at a distance from market found they could carry 

 or send their surplus fruit to the nearest town or city, and often 

 realize sufficient from it to give them quite a little sum of money to 

 use; and at a time of the year too, when the farmer usually has not a 

 large amount coming in. 



Thus has this remarkable berry worked its own way, in spite of 

 all opposition, until, it is safe to say, that at least nine-tenths, if 

 not nineteen-twentieths, of all the berries now grown in the United 

 States are of this variety. It yielded when introduced, larger and 

 firmer berries than any of the varieties then in general cultivation. 

 These bsrries will keep longer and bear transportation better than 

 any other. The vines are as hardy as the best, and prolific to a 

 degree that has not been equaled either before or since. 



"With all these acknowledged good qualities, it may be asked: 

 " Do we need any other? " I answer, "Yes." With all of its 

 splendid qualities it has some faults. The first ripening fruit is fine 

 and large; soon it begins to grow less, and before the close of the 

 season the berries often become quite small. We need a berry 

 that will hold its size through the bearing season better than this 

 one. Although it is an early berry, we need one a week earlier, 

 if we can get it. We also need one that will continue in bearing 

 longer, and until we get fairly to the raspberry season. With a 

 great many people, there is another and a very serious objection to it; 

 it is too acid. With those who grow their own fruit, I believe that 

 this objection would be nearly done away with, if they would only 

 leave the fruit upon the vines until it is thoroughly ripe. It is not 

 ripe as soon as it turns red, but should remain upon the vines until 

 it has lost its glossy appearance, and is of a deep, dull red. When 

 in this condition it is very much better than if picked as soon as it is 

 well colored. Last summer my family averaged from ten to twelve 

 during tne berry season. The table was bountifully supplied with 

 berries while they lasted, at nearly or quite every meal. Upon it 

 •were the Wilson, Duncan, No. 30, Kentucky, Downer's Prolific, 

 beside a number of other varieties. Every one was expected to 

 eat as many as he or she chose, and as often as they chose. After 

 the first few days every one, with a single exception, fell back upon 



