202 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



As to varieties, we have not as many sorts to choose from as the 

 strawberry. TJie Palmer is by far the best early l>lackcap we have. 

 It is larger than the Souhegan and a very strong, upright grower, very 

 })roductive, good in quality, and has been free from disease. During 

 the past seven years it has not winter-killed, while other well knowD 

 sorts planted along side of the Palmer have been injured very 

 seriously. We grow more favorable toward it each season. The 

 Hopkins begins to ripen before the Palmer is picked, and is our best 

 second early sort. It is superior in flavor and very productive; it 

 has been very hardy with us. The Nemaha is the best and most pro- 

 ductive large berry we have, and the best paying berry of tiie late 

 sorts. It is hard to identify the berry from the Gregg, it being only 

 superior in hardiness. The Kansas fruited for us this season and we 

 were somewhat disappointed in it. It is not as early as we expected^ 

 nor as large as it was recommended to be. Its canes are of strong 

 growth and came through the winter uninjured. It is larger than the 

 Palmer and of the best quality, and promises to be one of the best 

 paying second early sorts. The Shafer is growing more out of favor 

 each season, having neither quality nor hardiness. It goes begging- 

 for buyers. The Muskingum is of the Shafer type, but no im|)rove- 

 ment except in hardiness. The Souhegan or Tyler, which has long 

 held the favor of berry growers as the best early blackcap, must give 

 way when the Palmer is better known. We shall discontinue plant- 

 ing the Souhegan, also the Gregg, as Nemaha is much the hardier. 

 The Japanese wineberry is a grand humbug, at least in the west. 

 The Marnmoth Cluster is too far behind the times to continue in cul- 

 tivation. Carman and Johnson Sweet too small; Pioneer not pro- 

 ductive; Ohio the most vigorous and hardiest blackcap; would 

 recommend it where better sorts have winter killed. Munson's Ever- 

 bearing will stand more cold and dry weather than any berry we 

 know. It is the first to ripen and very productive. I am sorry to 

 say, however, that it is a very small berry, poor in quality, and crum- 

 bles some when picked. Would say, in conclusion, that our best pay- 

 ing blackcaps are Palmer, Hopkins, and Nemaha. 



