292 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



meridian, that have been out for over eight years, and they are as perfect 

 as any hedge can possibly be." 



I think that the Russian Mulberry possesses considerable merit as a 

 small ornamental tree and for the purpose of making low screens or shelter 

 belts in the east. It is now largely used as a stock upon which to graft the 

 named varieties of mulberry. 



The named varieties or seedlings of the Russian type are three: 



Victoria. — Originated in 1883, from seed of the Russian mulberry, by 

 G. Ondekdonk of southern Texas. It is a tall and upright grower, bear- 

 ing large sweet black fruit, which is in season for several weeks. 



Mr. Onderdonk writes me as follows concerning it: "I named the 

 Victoria after our county. It is proving itself of excellent quality, and is 

 enormously productive. The more I see of it the more I am convinced 

 that its dissemination is not a mistake. It has become very popular all 

 over Texas, and as the Russian race of mulberries is hardy against every 

 extreme of climate, I can see no reason why it should not spread over 

 every part of the United States where the mulberry can exist. Whatever 

 may be the merits of other varieties in other sections, the Victoria is 

 their superior in this part of southern Texas." 



Ramsey's White. — A white fruited mulberry which came in a lot of 

 Russian mulberry stock from Nebraska, purchased by Ramsey & Son, 

 Mahomet, Texas, some ten years ago. Mr. Ramsey writes me that he has 

 "concluded that it does not equal Hicks and two other varieties which we 

 have." It is catalogued by Mr. Onderdonk, who says: "A good white 

 mulberry, bears young; requires some pruning to make a good shaped tree. 

 A desirable new sort." 



