90 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



From the start these made a weak growth and produced a very small amount 

 of fruit; in very few cases ranking above thirty on a scale of one hundred in 

 either vigor or productiveness. Among the varieties tested were Aber- 

 deen, August Nicaire. Bush Cluster, Climax, Dr. Hogg, Fillbasket, Elton 

 Pine, Jas. Veitch, Jubilee, Royal Sovereign, Sir Joseph Paxton and Tra- 

 falgar. While ranking fairly high in quality, most of them are small in 

 size, light in color and in flesh, and slightly lacking in firmness. With 

 these many weaknesses there is little possibility that they will prove of 

 value for this section of the country even for home use. 



In addition to the above, one hundred and twenty varieties of American 

 origin were tested. This list included a large number of the newer sorts, 

 as well as many of the older and standard vai'ieties in addition to a con- 

 siderable number that were planted last spring but were not allowed to 

 fruit. Among the more promising early sorts were Dewey, Excelsior, 

 Hathaway, Haverland, and Springdale IBeauty; Globe, Parson's Beauty, 

 Mar}'', Sample, Pride of Cumberland, Shepherd and Stone were among 

 the more productive mid-season sorts, while Benjamin, Bobolink, Enhance, 

 Gand}^ Mrs. McDowell, Nettie, Satisfaction and Wm. Belt made the best 

 showing of the late sorts. A considerable number of kinds that were under 

 trial, ordinaril}^ compare favorably with most of those mentioned, but for 

 various reasons proved less satisfactory last year. Among these sorts 

 are Brandywine, Bubach, Cl3^de and Wolverton. The new varieties, Ben 

 Davis and Downing's Bride are among the more valuable of the recent ad- 

 ditions to the collection. 



The recently discovered disease of the raspberry, known as cane-blight, 

 made its appearance and did considerable harm in the raspberr}^ planta- 

 tion, especially upon some of the older planted varieties. The Turner 

 and Loudon were among those least affected, but the last named sort was 

 seriously injured by the crown gall. The Cumberland and Munger are 

 among the more valuable of the blackcap varieties. Ridgeway, Haymaker 

 and Brilliant are desirable, new, red varieties. 



Of the currants, while Red Dutch, Versaillaise and Victoria are still very 

 largely grown and generally successful, there are numerous other candi- 

 dates for a place as commercial sorts to take the place of the Cherry and 

 Fay, which have proven failures in most places owing to the injury from 

 cane borers. Perhaps the most desirable is the Wilder. This slightly 

 resembles its parent, Versaillaise, but the fruit is noticeably larger, and is 

 borne on a stout, heavy and rather short fruit stalk. It is an early ripen- 

 ing and a very promising variety. Comet and Pomona are among the newer 

 sorts. Neither of them have shown themselves very productive but the 

 Comet in particular has very large berries and a mild, pleasant flavor. 



The Perfection, a new sort originated by C. G. Hooker, of Rochester, 

 New York, although not fully tested, bids fair to become one of the best 

 varieties either for market or home use. The berries are very large and 

 borne on long fruit stalks and are produced in great abundance. If the 

 canes escape the attack of the borers, it will be likely to supersede the old 

 sorts. 



While the Downing gooseberry is now more commonly grown than all 

 other sorts combined, the Pearl originated by Dr. Wm. Saunders, of the 

 Central Experimental Farms, Ottawa, Ontario, seems to be equally valuable 

 and in some cases surpasses it. being fully as hardy and productive, with 

 a thinner skin and a tender, melting flesh which has a sweet, pleasant flavor 



