SUMMER MEETING. 53 



But, alas ! we were very much disappointed, for all varieties were 

 afflicted more or less, and last spring's planting more so than two-year- 

 old beds. So this year we cannot blame cold, wet weather during 

 blooming time for this trouble. 



I am inclined to think that a check of growth at any time after 

 the fruit-buds begin to form in the fall until the fruit is fertilized, is 

 liable to cause it. Of course we cannot prevent cool, wet weather 

 ■during bloom, but we could keep our plants growing during the fall 

 months by irrigating. 



A friend in Boonville, Mo., tells me he had the finest, largest and 

 most perfect berries lie ever grew. Having only a small plot in his 

 garden and plenty of water handy he gave them several good drench- 

 ings last fall and kept them growing. Besides, he gave the ground a 

 good dressing of wood ashes. While the complaint around Boonville, 

 he says was, no berries worth speaking of, with few exceptions his were 

 fine. Again, I have found fall planting invariably more inclined to 

 produce "buttons" than spring plantings ; thus indicating that the 

 check they get from transplanting may be to blame. Let us try and 

 solve this problem. 



Among the older varieties the race for first place was neck and 

 neck between Bedor Wood, Haverland, Bubach, Jessie, Windsor Chief, 

 Parker Earle, Barton's Eclipse, Gov. Hoard, Shuster's Gem, with Be- 

 dor Wood for best early, and Gaudy still holds first place for best late. 

 Tan Deman was a failure again, same as last year, and will be dropped 

 from the list. It bloomed profusely, but set no fruit worth speak- 

 ing of, 



Bisel — This new berry, from Illinois, has come to stay — large pro- 

 ductive, fine, healthy grower and of fair quality. Of the new ones 

 none disappointed us more than Timbrell, a weak grower, seems to 

 want heavy manuring. We did not get a single perfect berry, but 

 enough buttons to know it is of good quality. We are going to feed 

 it on bone-meal this year and report again next season. 



Splendid took the prize for the best new one. Fine grower, good 

 6hape and fair quality, moderately firm ; nearly every blossom formed 

 a perfect berry. We think it has come to stay. 



Belle (Crawford's Xo, 51 ) shows^up well its long, handsome, firm, 

 large, well flavored berries, and will be planted again. Marshall gave 

 us some fine large berries, but, like all giants, is not productive. 



Wooburton is up to average in size, productiveness, etc. 



Schnell's No. 6, a dark, rich colored berry, with golden yellow 

 seeds, is a good grower, fairly productive, and, when fully ripe, of ex- 

 cellent quality. 



