18 ASPARAGUS 
Jamaica, L. I., N. Y., Mr. Henderson wrote: ‘‘A 
thorough inspection of the roots of each lot proved 
that they were of the same age when planted. The 
soil was next examined, and found to be as near the 
same as could be, yet these two beds of asparagus 
showed a difference that no longer left me a shadow 
of a doubt of their being entirely different varieties.’’ 
In but few vegetables do the conditions of soil, 
locality, mode of cultivation, and other circumstances 
affect the quality, size, and appearance as much as in 
asparagus. It is therefore difficult to distinguish 
fixed and permanent varieties from mere local strains 
and forms secured by selection. 
Through natural and artificial selection, through 
use of seed of strong shoots from superior roots, there 
has been improvement in the size and yield of aspara- 
gus; from the peculiar adaptability of soil and climate, 
and the effect of manure and high cultivation, there 
have appeared certain variations in the product of dif- 
ferent beds which have led to the bestowing of a new 
name; but the effect of this care and these favorable 
conditions is not sufficiently strong to produce distin¢t 
varieties with fixed characteristics. Therefore, with 
correct and rational treatment of the plant from the 
time of seeding through all the stages of culture, satis- 
factory results may be reached with almost any of the 
varieties on the market. 
AMERICAN VARIETIES 
Barr's Mammoth (Barr’s Philadelphia Mammoth). 
—Originated with Crawford Barr, a prominent market 
gardener of Pennsylvania. It is one of the earliest 
