24 THE STRAWBERRY IN NORTH AMERICA 



was said to be phenomenal. It was acclaimed the "per- 

 fect" strawberry, for which America long had been waiting. 

 Hovey was editor of the only horticultural journal on the 

 continent and an acknowledged authority on the subject ; 

 he was also a practical nurseryman. Hence he was in a 

 better position to profit by his seedling than most originators 



Fig. 3. — The Hovey strawberry, the first variety of any fruit originated 

 in North America by definite plant breeding. 



of valuable varieties have been since then. In 1840, and 

 for several years thereafter, plants of the Hovey sold for 

 $5.00 a dozen. It quickly was disseminated to all parts 

 of the continent where strawberries were grown. It was 

 quoted on the Boston market in 1841 at fifty cents a quart, 

 which was twice the price received for any other sort. 

 The Hovey was received with enthusiasm. Coming 



