RUSSIAN AND OTHER FRUITS. 303 



The single English species, Ribes reva-crispa, so generally grown in England 

 as a garden fruit, is believed to be the only species of European nativity. It 

 proves unable to withstand the heat and aridity of our American climate. In 

 the cool, moist climate of England it has sported into a great number of vari- 

 eties, some of which are of very large size. 



Comparatively slight improvement has, so far, been effected with those in- 

 digenous to America, Among the improved varieties from this source are 

 Houghton and Mountain seedlings. Downing and Smith are more recent 

 originations, of larger size, which give indications of a possible hybridization 

 with the European species. 



Industry is a very recent introduction to American growers. It is an alleged 

 seedling of the European species; but it is said to be so much less liable to 

 mildew, as to warrant the hope that it may prove adapted to this climate. Its 

 permanent exception is, however, still a matter of doubt. 



Even the purely native Eoughton occasionally, under unfavorable condi- 

 tions, is found to suffer from mildew; which is the chief obstacle to the suc- 

 cese of the European species here. 



The improved natives, including Downing and Smith, are abundantly 

 hardy in central Minnesota; although at Minneapolis the Downing, for some 

 cause not understood, has shown a lack of productiveness. There can, how- 

 ever, be little doubt of the success of the American varieties at the north and 

 west, if grown in shaded situations, with the requisite conditions of coolness 

 and moisture. Houghton, Downing and Smith are the varieties which seem 

 to be more generally popular. The gooseberry is now, however, extensively 

 grown in the northwest. 



THE BLUEBERRY. 



The Blueberry ( Vaccinium) (which formerly included the Huckleberry, 

 now Gaylussacia), is so peculiarly exacting as to soils and surroundings, that 

 but rare, and generally ineffectual, attempts have been made to subject it to 

 cultivation and improvement; although few of the smaller fruits are more 

 highly valued where it is known and accessible. It is essentially a northern 

 plant, and the fruit is abundantly produced in the region of the great lakes, 

 and eastward to the seaboard. 



Some, at least, of the various species occur further west, in localities in 

 -which suitable soils and other needful conditions occur. 



THE BLACKBERRY. 



The Blackberry {Rubies viUosus) and Its near relative, the Dewberry, 

 (Rubus canade7isis) a,ve indigenous throughout the northern States gener- 

 ally in partially sheltered locations, or in tracts of land but recently burned 

 over. 



From such localities immense quantities of this fruit annually find sale in 

 the markets of large cities and towns. The fruit thus so produced has been 

 so abundant that, until recently, little attempt has been made to improve it, 

 and this little mainly by selection of choice seedlings. A few of those most 

 likely to prove hardy enough for the North and West are Snyder, Taylor, 

 Stone, Wallace, Western Triumph, Ancient Briton, and perhaps a few 

 others. 



