VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES FOR MINNESOTA. 231 



VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES FOR MINNESOTA. 



F. F. FARRAR, WHITE BEAR. 



It would be presumptuous for any person with a very limited 

 experience to give in an authoritative way certain varieties of straw- 

 berries as the best for Minnesota, especially if there are many va- 

 rieties that have been tried for a short time only or not at all. 



In giving a list of the best varieties, the method of cultivation 

 as generally followed in the state must be taken into account, also 

 the object in view, whether for market or home use. It seems to 

 be the general practice to use the matted row system, mulch in the 

 fall or winter and give no spring cultivation, and get as many ber- 

 ries as possible for the market irrespective of their quality or ap- 

 pearance. 



\\'e doubtless have much to learn yet as to the best methods 

 of raising berries. When soils, fertilizers, cultivation and the like 

 are better understood, many varieties wdiich are now discarded will 

 ■be classed among the most profitable. 



The general public is not so very critical about quality. Any- 

 thing that is of fair size, and looks good, will sell well, whether its 

 qualitv be good, bad or indifferent. Until a large number of those 

 who buy have been educated to appreciate and demand the best to 

 be had, it will not pay to raise some excellent varieties which re- 

 quire special treatment and should therefore bring a higher price 

 to make them profitable. Until that time comes the majority of 

 those who raise berries for the market will prefer the most pro- 

 ductive kinds, paying but little attention to quality. The Warfield, 

 Bederwood and Clyde are suitable for this purpose. 



When people understand that there are different varieties of 

 varying qualities, that some excel in size, some in flavor, others for 

 canning, the man who has something a little fancy to offer will find 

 a ready market and can afford to raise some kinds whose cultivation 

 would now yield him no adequate return for his labor. There are 

 signs that the discriminating process has begun, and the tinie is 

 not far distant when those who have an article of extra value will 

 be the gainers. 



It is not mv purpose to recommend my favorites for all parts 

 of the state, since the diversity of soils and methods has so much' 

 influence on different varieties. A neighbor one mile away does 

 not succeed with some varieties that do well with me, and vice versa. 

 At the present time the Brandy wine heads my list, as it is a general 

 purpose berry, good for the home or the market. It is of large 

 size, with very few small berries, bears for a long time, is excellent 

 for canning, will keep for days without getting soft, has a foliage 

 of vigorous growth to protect from the hot sun and makes plenty 



