27^ State Horticultural Society. 



* , 



Of other late varieties, the Sample and Ridgeway are worthy of 

 mention, as they are very productive of large, well-shaped, good-colored 

 fruit ; and especially do we speak of the Ridgeway as a late poUenizer 

 for pistillates, being extra potent in pollen. 



For pollenizers, the Excelsior, Johnson, Texas, Gardner, Hero, 

 Ridgeway, Splendid and Tennessee Prolific are among the best and are 

 used extensively. 



For near-by markets, in addition to the varieties already named, 

 we would recommend the Bubach, Greenville, Dornan and Mele. All 

 are productive, and the fruit of the first three is large to very large in 

 size, but they are not firm enough for long shipments. 



For table or canning purposes we have found the Michel, War- 

 field, Ridgeway, Aroma and Gandy to be the most favored. The Michel 

 and Ridgeway on account of the flavor; the Warfield and Aroma on 

 account of keeping their deep, red color after cooking, and the Gandy 

 for its preserving qualities. 



We are requested to speak of the price received for Southern Mis- 

 souri berries. This is a delicate subject, and generally it is difficult to 

 get at the truth of the matter, for most of the associations seem to be 

 very reluctant about giving their exact returns. But last year the 

 Ozark Fruit Growers' Association, which handled the berries for a ma- 

 jority of the shipping points in Southern Missouri and Northern Ar- 

 kansas, published a very complete report of their sales. 



Frorn this report we note that 525 cars were marketed by this as- 

 sociation in the season of 1905, and that thirty-one organizations were 

 represented. The highest average price per crate, after paying trans- 

 portation, refrigeration and commission charges, received by any associ- 

 ation was $1.17. The lowest average price received by any associa- 

 tion was yy cents. Two-thirds of these associations received an aver- 

 age of $1 or more per crate, and one-third received an average of less 

 than $1 per crate. From these averages must be deducted the cost of 

 crate, picking, shed work, etc., which is figured from 60 to 65 cents per 

 crate. It is held by most commercial growers that it is not profitable to 

 grow strawberries, compared with agricultural and other crops, and 

 considering the extra time, care and expense involved, if the gross net 

 per crate is less than $1. 



There are three associations at Sarcoxie. Two of these received an 

 average last year of about $1.10 per crate. The other association re- 

 ceived considerably less than $1 — in fact, some of the members did not 

 receive enough for their fruit to pay the cost of picking and crate, but 



