STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 25 



Mr. G. was not present to tell his own stor)'. But the point made by Mr. 

 Wier was, that "this finest show of berries ever seen," and " these largest 

 berries ever grown," particularly these "new varieties highly com- 

 mended," are not going to stand the test. He stated that twenty-four 

 hours after picking, these berries, when opened in Chicago, were found to 

 be worthless, while the Wilson berries, shipped at the same time, opened 

 up in good order. It begins to look as if the Wilson is the only straw- 

 berry that will bear shipping long distances. The Downing, the Green 

 Prolific, the Boyden, the Agriculturist, the Kentucky, are splendid berries 

 for home use and for near markets ; but they are too soft to bear shipping 

 long distances. 



Mr. Leslie — The strawberries taken by Mr. Galusha were wet when 

 they were picked, and we knew they would not keep in good condition 

 long. I am also aware that the Wilson is a firmer berry, and will bear 

 shipping better ; but I cannot get half the money for them that I can 

 for the Charles Downing, the Kentucky, the Monarch of the West and 

 Boyden's 30. I shipped them to Chicago in June, and they sold 

 well ; and commission men complained that they could not get enough 

 of them. 



Mr. Hunt said their town (Galesburg) had received these berries from 

 Mr. Leslie, and they came in good condition. Of course, for shipping 

 long distances there is no berry that combines all the qualities of the Wil- 

 son ; but we can't help feeling sorry for those who are brought to the 

 necessity of keeping the Wilson. All who can get the Charles Downing, 

 the Kentucky and' Boyden's 30, will certainly give the Wilson the go-by. 

 I can indorse all that Mr. Leslie has said for these new varieties, for home 

 use and for near markets. 



Mr. McWhorter (of Mercer county) inquired of Mr. Leslie how 

 many years' experience he had had with the Charles Downing. To which 

 he replied, nitie years. 



Mr. McWhorter — It is a fact that with the Wilson the beds need to 

 be renewed every two or three years, to do well ; how is it with the 

 Downing? 



Mr. Leslie — I have beds of the Downing that are seven years old 

 and are still good. 



Mr. McWhorter — In my experience no varieties do better than a 

 new bed of Wilson's; and the secret of success with this variety is to 

 plant new beds every two years, and you need never fail of success. 



