289 



strawberries, descriptive notes for 41 varieties, tabulated notes on date 

 of first piciiiug-, weight of 100 berries, and average diameter of berries 

 for 17 varieties, and some general observations on different classes of 

 varieties. "If varieties of strawberries are separated into two classes, 

 viz., those that continue a longtime in bearing, and those that have a 

 short season, it will be found that the most prolific fall into the first 

 class and the least productive into the second. It is also true, in gen- 

 eral, that the greater the number of pickings during the season, the 

 greater the total product. * * * iTearly all of the very early varie- 

 ties continue but a short time in bearing, give comparatively few pick- 

 ings and produce light crops. The same is true, in a more marked 

 degree, of the extremely late-ripening sorts. * * * in general, tbe 

 medium or second early sorts are those having a long season. Although 

 not all that are found in this class are highly fruitful, it is true that 

 the most fruitful come within it." 



Eight each of the leading perfect and imperfect-flowered varieties of 

 strawberries were sent to several promineut strawberry growers, with a 

 request to mark the different varieties as to p.roductiveuess on a scale 

 of 10. The averages for each variety and for the two classes are tabu- 

 lated in the bulletin and agree very closely with the varieties previously 

 established at the station. The average for the perfect-flowered varie- 

 ties is 5.8, and for the impei-fect-flowered varieties 8. 



" There can be no doubt that the production of pollen is an exhaust- 

 ive process, hence the varieties having perfect flowers are at a disad- 

 vantage. No doubt some of the perfect- flowered sorts are very nearly 

 equal to any in fruitfulness, and under certain circumstances maj- be 

 fully equal, but the chances are against them when unfavorable condi- 

 tions occur. * * * In many respects it may be desirable to have 

 varieties with perfect flowers only, but it is probable that future devel- 

 opment will be along the line of still greater specialization. The high- 

 est development of fruit-bearing qualities in one class and of pollen- 

 bearing in the other gives promise of greater reward than to combine 

 the two functions in one variety." 



The following summary is taken from the bulletin. 



(1) To meet tbe wants of strawberry growers a variety ougbt to have sufficient 

 bealtb and vigor to adapt itself to widely varying conditious and to possess one or 

 more marked characteristics. It is not worth while to seek to find varieties that 

 are adapted to particular soils, since varieties that have a limited range are gener- 

 ally found to be variable and untrustworthy. The most valuable varieties are the 

 least variable and are easily suited as to soil and climate. 



(2) The following A^arietios have been thoroughly tested nnd are suited to the wants 

 of those who grow berries for market: Bubaob, Eureka, Haverlaud, Crescent, War- 

 field. 



(3) Where large berries are desired rather than quantity, the following can be re- 

 commended for home use or for market: Cumberlaud, Crawford, Gaudy, Louise, Lida, 

 Miami, Pearl. 



(4) The new varieties that seem to be the most promising are Enhance, Farns- 

 worth, IvanLoe, Middlefield, Muskingum, Michel's Early, Parker Early, Shustcr's 

 Gem, Waldron. 



