EUROPEAN STRAWBERRIES. 



crop, we have also provided for the full nourishment of the present year's fruit, and in- 

 duced a supply of fruit-bearing shoots throughout the tree, for thenext season." — p. 459. 

 It is straining an inference to say that high feeding is the only course for making wood, 

 and starvation for making fruit, pointed out by the best writers. The production 

 of fruit-buds depends upon the formation and deposit of that organizable matter which 

 nature directs especially to this end, and not to the end of growth, and though starvation 

 often forces nature, by cutting off rapid growth, to turn all the accumulatedenergy of the 

 tree into the production of organizable matter, such is not the operation of secretions in 

 the normal and healthy condition of the tree. That condition lies, as Mr. Young truly 

 says, and as we think all sound writers will be found also to say, in an equilibrium of the 

 vital action of the tree. The most skilful pruners of fruit trees in the world, are the 

 French, and whoever has seen the best pyramidal pruned pear trees in France, must have 

 been struck by the perfect balance between healthy growth and productiveness maintained 

 by the admirable system of pruning practiced on those trees. Ed. 



DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE OF EUROPEAN STRAWBERRIES. 



BY JOHN SAUL, WASHINGTON, I). C. 



Having had considerable experience in the cultivation of all the leading varieties of 

 strawberries in England, I have thought that a few remarks may be useful as well as in- 

 teresting to the cultivators of this excellent fruit in this country. In my list will be found 

 none but ivhat I have grown and tested mxjself. Climate, soil, and other circumstances 

 effect all fruits more or less, as regards growth, productiveness and flavor, and none more 

 so than the strawberry. I believe it is generally acknowledged that European strawber- 

 ries do not succeed in this country so well as the American garden seedling varieties— to 

 this there may be some exceptions — and, vice versa, the American varieties will not adapt 

 themselves to the murky atmosphere of England, as the natives born of the soil do; as 

 regards size, productiveness, and flavor, they want the bright light and genial heat of their 

 native land. This I had seen conclusively proved by parties on the other side of the water, 

 who had imported the best American varieties; in a word they were miserable, when 

 compared to the splendid kinds they already possessed. I fear it will prove the same with 

 many of the finest English varieties here; they will probably be pronounced rti66is/t — and 

 justly so in this soil and climate— yet I think more of the good English strawberries will 

 be found to succeed in America, than of the American varieties in England. Perhaps I 

 shall be asked why? My reason simply is, in England the great drawback and the great 

 difliculty consists in want of the light and heat which the American fruits require, and which 

 no cultivation, however good, can give them in the open air. Not so in this country; here 

 is plenty of light and heat, and careful cultivation can assist them with other little essen- 

 tials. However, some may be found useful, while many others deserve a trial. 



Of late, many fine varieties have been raised both in this country and England, yet a 

 wide field is open for the rai.sers of seedlings yet. We have the Chili, a very large but ten- 

 der variety; why not cross this with some of the hardy high flavored varieties. Myatt, 

 the great English strawberry grower, evidently had this before him when he originated 

 his Eleanor and Mammoth. To all appearance they are crosses from the Chili with some 

 Pines. Again, we have the high flavor of the Alpine; why not combine it with i 

 a Chili or Pine. Mr. Saunders aimed at this when he produced his Giant Alpi 



