296 Missouri State Horticultural Society. 



the largest size for a black-cap, long conical, like the Centennial, 

 but while the latter is black as ebony and glossy, the Surprise has a 

 bloom like a grape on it. 



So much glory for Missouri, having originated two of the finest 

 black raspberries in the country ; Centennial found near Hermann, 

 by George Husmann, some twenty-five years ago, and Centennial 

 near Carthage, by a Mr. Grayhill. Both early and productive, as 

 well as first rate in quality and as firm as any others. 



June 24th (to-day), I made a small picking of Turner, and 

 they are really fine. Do not know whetlier it is not still one of the 

 most valuable. Also some Senecas, one that we don't see in the 

 catalogues any more, but which is worth growing. 



I have a blackcap sent to me for Caroline, which is a strange 

 one to me that is certainly a good one. Late as Gregg's but I 

 cannot think it that variety, but will compare closely when they 

 ripen. 



The Gregg and Hoosier Mammoth question I expect to solve 

 soon. And if they do prove identical, the question will be "who 

 stole the thunder," as I had the Hoosier Mammoth in view before 

 I heard the name of Gregg mentioned. 



As to whether allowing the tips to droop and catch is any 

 detriment to the following year's crop, or not, I would not pretend 

 to say, yet am inclined to think it is a tax on the plants, and if I 

 did not need new plants, and only fruit, I would keep them from 

 catching. 



One thing about pinching I am now sure of, that they should 

 be pinched when two to two and a half feet high. 



On the 18th we had a rain and storm that broke down quite a 

 number of young canes that we left too long. — S. Miller. 



RAISING SMALL FRUITS. 



" The present season may lead some of us who are engaged in 

 small fruit culture to look on the dark side, and to feel that we had 

 more to contend with than any other class ; and in view of this 

 state of things perhaps it would be well to recount some of the 

 advantages of our occupation," said Mr. Crawford in a paper read 

 before Trumbull County Horticultural Society. 



It is a business that benefits all classes and injures none. It 

 is almost the only business in which a poor man can engage and be 

 his own employer. Fiuit growers are comparatively independent ; 

 they are not liable to be thrown out of employment. If sickness 

 hinders for a time, their crops do not cease growing. If friends 



