282 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



Parker Earle (perfect) — One of the most prolific varieties in existence, but 

 on poor soil or in dry season the greater share of the berries fail to reach a 

 marketable size. Unless it can be given the ulmost favorable conditiods it will 

 not prove satisfactory. 



Princeton Chief (imperfect) — A new variety that requires further testing 

 before a fair judgment can be rendered. The plants are very vigorous, but 

 apparently not prolific. The berries are of medium size, quite attractive in 

 appearance, but very acid. They are firm, however, and it may prove to be a 

 valuable market variety. Season medium to late. 



Swindle and Shucklen not desirable, although the latter has been tested one 

 season only. 



Timbrel! (imperfect) — A much lauded and widely advertised variety, but 

 far from satisfactory. The berries color poorly, often in patches, giving them an 

 unsightly appearance. From 50 plants not a single quart of marketable berries 

 were picked during the season. The same complaint is heard from other 

 quarters, hence as a market berry the Timbrell is probable of little value. 



The best of the old varieties are Warfield, Bubach, Crescent and Haver- 

 land, and no variety seems to have been found that is likely to supersede them. 



Gooseberries. — The greatly increased demand for this fruit is even more 

 noticeable this year than it was during the two previous seasons, and it is of 

 growing importance that we should be able to raise fine gooseberries without 

 mildew or other loss. I have for the last ten years had no trouble either with 

 the native or the foreign varieties of this fruit. Formerly I was much troubled 

 with mildew. My plan now is to grow on high, well-drained soil, in rows run- 

 ning north and south, and well open to the sun. There is no danger from shade 

 if the land be open and well-drained. The plants should be in rows, easily 

 cultivated with a horse, and the soil often stirred in the spring. I do not think 

 it pays us to grow the natives like Downing and Houghton and Smith, so long 

 as we can just as well grow the larger sorts. Industry has never done well with 

 me, but others report that it is prolific. Crown Bob and Whitesmith are two of 

 the best of foreign parentage. But better yet is an old sort we have had for 

 sixty years, and known only as" the " Irish Gooseberry." The earliest and 

 richest I have is a wilding, which resembles the foreign sorts in bush, but has a 

 fruit like Houghton in color, but much lighter red. It bears abundantly, and is 

 ripe about the ist of July. It is evidently a cross between the foreign and 

 native species. Columbus and Red Jacket, I think, are emphatically valuable 

 introductions. There is room for a new race of cross-bred gooseberries. — Garden 

 and Lawn. 



