118 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



at blooming time, then much of the pollen falls to the ground, and the 

 Crescent failing to receive its full share imperfect berries or none at 

 all are formed. 



Many writers say plant every fifth row with a good, strong, perfect 

 blooming variety, with the Crescent, and they will be properly fertil- 

 ized. That may do to write as theory, and may do to practice, pro- 

 vided the season is just right, and the perfect bloomer keeps right 

 along with the Crescent's blooming season, but I hav-e failed to find 

 such a plant, and experience has taught me it is not safe to plant that 

 way or depend on one V9riety alone to aid the Crescent. 



I planted the Sucker State for the first time last spring, and now 

 pronounce it the most robust, best rooted, largest crowned plant I have 

 ever seen. (I have none to sell). I am taking a little fruit from them 

 this season, they are later and larger than Wilson, and I think produce 

 about the same; are not as firm as Wilson, but would sell for a Wil- 

 son anywhere, they look so much like them. I expect to plant them 

 quite largely next spring ; they grow and multiply nearly equal to the 

 Crescent ; bloom late ; a perfect bloomer, and berries ripen late ; I think 

 they are excellent to go with the Crescent. My plan of setting the 

 plants is to mark off the ground one way same as for corn, then one 

 man takes up the plants and straightens out the roots nicely, while 

 another takes the planter (an instrument or tool similar to a cooper's 

 adz, except the blade is straight and the hammer end of wood), and 

 with his right hand sends the blade (say two inches wide) into the 

 ground about four to six inches at an angle of about 45°, while with his 

 left hand he places the plant down side the blade at the same time 

 removing the blade and turning the tool so as to fetch a good stroke 

 on the ground with the hammer end down near the plant, and the 

 plant is firmly set, few fail to live, and the work is thus well, cheaply 

 and rapidly done; one good hand will set as fast as another will take 

 them up. I never allow plants to fruit same season they are planted. 



Can't say any more this time — too busy with berries. 71 cases to- 

 day and threatening rain. I think my last letter to you was probably 

 addressed Weston. 



LaGrange, Mo., June 23, 1885. 



Z. A. Goodman^ Esq . Secretary: 



Dear Sir: I wish to make a correction of my statement about 

 the Sucker State; when I wrote it was just getting ripe, and I thought 

 it looked very much like the Wilson. It is not near as firm as the Wil- 

 son but averages larger in size, and very much resembles the Cumber- 

 land Triumph in looks; quality not good ; otherwise I stand fully up 



