3o8 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



His next experiment was in the raising of seedling Black caps ; at first he 

 grew only a small patch, but afterwards extended this experimental plot to two 

 acres. In this he was well rewarded by one plant which was selected from the 

 rest, and which is now known among all fruit growers and nurserymen on the 

 continent as "The Hillborn." 



Since that time Mr. Hillborn's attention has been very closely directed to 

 the strawberry, both experimentally and for profit. In all he has tested at 

 various times nearly two hundred named varieties, besides a large number of 

 seedlings. 



The accompanying view of Mr. W. W. Hillborn's strawberry plantation at 

 Arkona, was drawn in 1884, and appeared in the Farmer's Advocate at that 

 time. The sketch will also fairly well represent his present experimental plot 

 at Leamington. 



On the establishment of the Dominion Experimental Farms, Mr. Hillborn 

 was appointed Horticulturist, and began operations at the Central Experimental 

 Farm, Ottawa, with a force of about sixty men. After two years of experience 

 in this position, Mr. Hillborn resigned, and purchased a farm near Leamington, 

 in the County of Essex ; a farm consisting of about seventy acres, which he 

 devoted largely to the peach, cherry and plum, selecting most of the good old 

 varieties, and many of the newer kinds. Six acres were devoted to the straw- 

 berry, and besides, there were planted quite a collection of varieties of other 

 small fruits. These conditions all combined to commend Mr. Hillborn to the 

 Minister of Agriculture as the most suitable person in Southern Ontario to 

 conduct experimental work with peaches and strawberries ; and from his experi- 

 ments we hope for speedy results, which will be of direct value to Canadian fruit 

 growers. 



A CONVENIENCE IN FRUIT GATHERING. 



Designs for fruit ladders are legion, some good, some bad, and some in- 

 different. The quadruple stepladder here illustrated must be classed among 

 the good designs, for obvious reasons. Placed under 

 low, branching trees, its use permits one to move 

 about within reach of a large portion of the whole 

 side of a tree, because of its four sides, about which 

 one can freely step. Moreover, when not occupied as 

 " standing ground," the top affords an excellent resting 

 place for the basket. It will be found exceedingly con- 

 venient for the home orchard, where one may desire to 



pick but a basket or two of fruit at a time, and wishes ^^^' ^^^' 



, , ^. r ^, • ^L u .. jv r Quadruple Stepladder. 



to make a selection of those m the best condition for 



picking. It should be made strong, but light, so as to be readily moved 



about. — American Agriculturist. 



