258 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



tips, and bass mixed flavor, and consistency of berry. I hope to prove by fruiting 

 seedlings of it another year whether it is a species or a variety. At present, I am 

 inclined to think it a species. 



The Philadelphia, in this plant we hare all the strongly marked characteristics of a 

 hybrid ; it suckers but little and does not root from the tips. It has proven here hardy, 

 very productive, of fine size and color ; flavor ?«ot first rate, shows promise of being a 

 great acquisition, 



Clark. This is probably a true variety of the Mount Ida species, though showing: 

 some of the characteristics of being a hybrid, Fruit, very large, bright red, of the 

 best flavor, enormously productive and much hardier than any other European variety. 

 Plant, a strong grower, suckering very freely ; I think on light clay soil with good care 

 it will give large and regular crops without protection. Even if it has to be covered 

 in winter, it will repay the trouble. There are a great many other new varieties that 

 show excellent promise, but not well enough known to be named here. 



The Raspberry can without doubt be yet greatly improved. It is very easily grown 

 from seed. The fruit should be washed — > the seed washed free of pulp, dried in the 

 shade, raised with moist sand in the fall, put in a bos and buried on the north side of 

 a building until it begins to sprout in the spring, and then sown in drills, covering. 

 about a half an inch deep. It is best to sow it where partially shaded, or on a northern 

 slope ; give thorough cultivation during the first, and many of the plants will show 

 fruit the second season, A good way to get cross breeds would be to plant many kinds- 

 closely together near a stand of bees ; the bees in gathering necter would carry the 

 fertilizing pollen from Sower to flower, and certainly the seeds would produce a mixed 

 race. How nicely the careful, gentle and potent hand of Woman is adapted to the pro- 

 ducing of new varieties of small fruits from seed. Ladies, why do you not take hold! 

 of this thing. A thimbleful of raspberry seed gathered promiscuously, handled and 

 planted right, will give you almost endless pront and pleasure. The seedlings will 

 nearly all bear fruit of good quality, and make almost as good a "' patch ,f as the best 

 varieties, and then you have ehance of drawing a first class prize in the great Horti- 

 cultural lottery. 



Considerable discussion followed. The Dooliitle and Purple Cane 

 were retained on list as before. 



Philadelphia. — McAfee moved to add for general cultivation : 

 considerable opposition was shown, but it was at iast added by a 

 small vote. 



Clarke — "Was discussed and highly commended by several, but 

 not enough votes to place on list. 



BLACKBERRIES, 



KlTTATiNNY.— 'Nelson moved to add to the list; had found it 

 hardy and fruitful. 



