306 STATE BOAED OF AGEICULTUEE. 



years. It is one of the largest berries grown, and of good quality, but its pro- 

 lific qualities so bigbly spoken of by otliers failed witli me. Tbe Colonel Cheney 

 has made quite a demand upon the attention of the fruit grower of this choice 

 fruit during the last three years. The berry is very large and prolific, two qual- 

 ities essential to its success, and from the general appearance of the vines upon 

 my own grounds I am of the opinion that they are adapted to our soil and cli- 

 mate, and, if so, will be a great acquisition to that species of small fruit in this 

 section. 



The Spring-dale and Cumberland Triumph are also new varieties, and origin- 

 ated with Amos Miller, of Carlisle, Pa., and are entitled to our consideration. 

 The two latter varieties were produced by fertilizing the Green Prolific with 

 Jucunda. In describing the Cumberland Triumph, Mr. Miller uses the follow- 

 ing language: '' Cumberland Triumph. — In this berry there is a most beauti- 

 ful blending of the fine form, high flavor, and large size of Jucunda, with the 

 vigorous growth, hardihood, and productiveness of Green Prolific. The past 

 season it has been fairly tested alongside of a number of popular varieties, new 

 and old, and combining very large size, perfect form, exceedingly fine flavor, 

 vigor of growth, aud productiveness, it stands unrivalled. Berries under ordi- 

 nary field culture, without stimulating manures, or pruning, or thinning out, 

 measuring five inches in circumference, and maintaining a more uniformly 

 large size throughout the season than any berry I have ever grown. Plant very 

 vigorous and productive ; fruit of the finest flavor ; color light ; perfect form ; 

 a few days earlier than Green Prolific, and continues bearing longer, thus pro- 

 longing the season. Berries selling at 35 and 30 cents while others are selling 

 at 12 and 15 cents. Staminate ; $3.00 per dozen." In addition to this state- 

 ment we have the authority of many distinguished cultivators to the truth of 

 the same, among whom is Mr. Saunders, superintendent of the public garden 

 at Washington, and H. Watts, Commissioner of Agriculture, whose testimony 

 is that it cannot be excelled. One of the editors of the Country Gentleman 

 went over the fields of Mr. Miller the last season, and fully confirms the state- 

 ments made by Mr. Miller and others. Another and more convincing evidence 

 of the superiority of this berry, is the fact that it led all other berries at the late 

 centennial, and came out triumphant, bearing off the fruit prize. 



The Springdale has less distinguishing qualities, but is spoken of in the high- 

 est terms. As the doctors say, I have all the late varieties under treatment, 

 and will give you the result of the practice after the fruiting season. 



Treatment of the Strmuherrij after Fruiting. 



As soon as fruiting is past mow the patch or field, as may be, the same as you 

 would your lawn. As soon as the vines are well covered and dry incorporate 

 them thoroughly with the mulch already on the ground. If you have enough 

 of the combustible on the ground to make a clean burn, watch your opportunity 

 and avail yourself of the first favorable wind and burn it off. Sometimes it is 

 necessary to add a little more straw in order to make a clean burn. After this 

 is done there is nothing more required other than to see that the ground is kept 

 clean until winter closes in. When the ground is frozen sufficiently so that you 

 can drive on to it without breaking the crust, distribute your straw and cover 

 your vines so that they are concealed from sight. This is all that is required 

 until the next spring, when the straw is to be removed from the vines, but left 

 in the spaces between the rows as a mulch for the coming season. 



