16 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



berries from this harbor to Chicago, in the year 1861, and a year or two 

 later he shipped the first blackberries (Lawton) to the same market; and he 

 is still engaged in the same business. Among others may be named Samuel 

 Jackson and A. C. Fish, -^vho have long since crossed the dark river. 



SOME OBSTACLES. 



In pursuing commercial fruit growing, the question ever occurs: What 

 shall we grow? This is far more difficult for the veteran than the beginner 

 to answer. Our soil does not respond to our demands as it did 20 or 25 

 years ago, when we had a virgin soil and plenty of timber for winter and 

 summer protection. Varieties, too, seem to run out and have to be replaced 

 by others, more vigorous, more hardy, and better adapted to tbe wants of the 

 day. Many varieties that years ago proved entirely satisfactory and were 

 profitable to grow, have since been discarded, some for one reason, some for 

 another. None has stood the test better than the Wilson strawberry ; and 

 there are yet those who consider it, for all purposes, the best berry to 

 grow. But other varieties are fast taking its place, and unless the difficul- 

 ties (liability to leaf rust, etc.) are overcome, it will sooner or later be en- 

 tirely discarded as a commercial berry. For home use it will stay yet a good 

 while. The Crescent is fast coming into general cultivation; being a good 

 berry and exceedingly prolific will make it a favorite for years to come. 

 There are many new varieties being introduced every year, with the most se- 

 ductive names, the Sucker State for instance. Jumbo, Big Bob, and others 

 with names perhaps equally felicitous. Perhaps one in the score or so of 

 these new comers may prove a valuable acquisition. 



Among raspberries the same rule holds true. The old Doolittle and Clark 

 have gone; the Turner is going, or will go as soon as a substitute for it is 

 found worthy in all respects to take the place of the good old Turner. Per- 

 haps the Marlboro may, but so far it has proved a slow grower. The Cuth- 

 bert is today, in this country, the leading red raspberry, and well it deserves 

 the reputation it has. 



Among black caps, the Gregg, for late, has no peer. The Tyler, for early, 

 gives equally good satisfaction. 



Among blackberries we are more at sea. Our best varieties are somewhat 

 tender, and must have winter protection to secure a crop one year with an- 

 other. This department of horticulture is being eliminated to several iron- 

 clads, such as the Snyder, the Western Triumph, and Taylor's Prolific, that 

 need no winter protection in favorable localities. The Lawton, Kittatiuny, 

 Wilson, and Early Harvest, especially the two latter, must be well protected 

 in the winter to insure a crop. When thus protected they yield bountiful 

 crops, and for home use I consider the Early Harvest the best of all black- 

 berries. These are the leading varieties of these fruits, now in general culti- 

 vation in this county. Many new varieties are being tested, and sooner or 

 later we may effect some good results from some of these trials. 



