108 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



and had quite a number of varieties on his grounds. He has the 

 Okl Wilson planted alternate with Crescent Seedling, Captain Jack, 

 Sharpless. Monarch of the West, and many others of the new and 

 old varieties. I visited his farm again this full, and asked his fore- 

 man as to the different varieties, and which kind he would probably 

 set out next spring. His answer was, " Will not set but two varie- 

 ties, and those the Old Wilson and the Crescent. As I am near 

 Decatur, and it is a good strawberry market, I will set one row of 

 Wilsons and two rows of Crescent.'" Again I asked him what berry 

 he thought most profitable. His answer was, "" for home consump- 

 tion and near market, the Crescent; but if I was growing berries to 

 ship I would grow nothing but the Wilson." 



During July and August we had it very dry, and gave us a good 

 opportunity for thorough cultivation. The fall gave us splendid 

 rains, and the plants are in splendid condition for a fine crop next 

 season. Owing to the light crop the prices have been satisfactory 

 (I mean to those farther south), for we, all through this part of the 

 State, did not get enough to pay expenses. We had no insects to 

 injure our plants this season. 



I have been in the strawberry business since 1863, and my ex- 

 perience has taught me, for cheapness of cultivation, and for fine 

 large berries, that always bring a good price, set a new plantation 

 every spring, and take one crop from the plants, then turn all under. 

 By so doing I am not bothered with insects, and I prefer matted 

 rows. 



Jacksonville, III., Dec. 13, 1883. 

 Dear Sir: In reply to your postal of the 11th, would say that 

 the strawberry crop in Morgan County was as near a total failure as 

 it could be. "We had four hundred quarts off from eight acres. 



Yours truly, F. M. Doan. 



Champaign, III., Dec. 14, 1883. 

 Mr. B. W. Hamlin, a successful small fruit grower here, thinks 

 of the new strawberries Captain Jack and the Manchester are the 

 best. Plants in very good condition as to growth, owing to fall 

 rains and warm weather. Mr. H. says James Vick makes the most 

 vigorous growth of any, but he has not fruited it. 



Yours, B. F. J. 



Respectfully submitted, 

 Camaego, III., May 21, 1883. W. W. JONES. 



