Secretary's Budget. 293 



us ! The time was, within our recollection, wlien this process was 

 looked upon as a chimera of zeal without knowledge, but which is 

 to go on improving our grapes until every section of our immense 

 domain, wherever the grape will grow, shall be furnished with 

 varieties suited to their several localities, equal in size, beauty and 

 richness, to any now grown under glass. 



These are the means that help nature, and great as have been 

 the attainments in our day, they are but the dawniugs of universal 

 improvement in our fruits. Improvement is the order of Provi- 

 dence, and by the judicious practice of this art, we shall ultimately 

 arrive at the time when perfection, rather than the exception, will 

 be the rule in our fruits. This leads me to say that though this 

 influence is potent on the seed in producing a new generation, I 

 hav& yet to see that the form, texture and flavor of the mother 

 growing fruit is affected by it, as now supposed by some. But as 

 we know something of the influence of pollen on the seed-coat of 

 beans, corn, &c., and as these statements are made and corro- 

 borated by means of large opportunities, we are bound to give 

 respectful consideration to them, and if my life is spared, I will 

 test their correctness. — Marshall P. Wilder. 



Shaffer's colossal raspberry. 



Ed"r Prairie Farmer: Among the multiplicity of new 

 and "best" varieties of small fruits which are annually advertised 

 and sent out, it is a relief and gratification to find an occasional 

 one of superior merit. I think we have such a variety in the 

 Shaffer raspberry. Its characteristics are the following : 



1st — It is a hybrid between the black cap and red species. 



2d — The canes grow immensely large, and on this account 

 should be clipped off while growing ; first, at eighteen inches from 

 the ground ; again, about July 10, at two to two and one-half feet ; 

 and again about August 10, at three to three and one-half feet from 

 the ground. 



3d — It is extremely hardy — even hardier than the Gregg or 

 Cuthbert. 



4th — It is an immense bearer, far surpassing any variety in 

 cultivation in this respect. 



5th — The canes root at the tips and it does not throw up 

 suckers all over the ground like the red varieties. This is a strong 

 point in its favor for planting in gardens for family supply. 



6th — The fiavor of the fruit, though not rich, is peculiarly 

 agreeable for table use, and especially for pies, jams and jellies. It 



