]v[oVetli^s. ^ 



Fig. 897.— Red Cross Ccbrast. 



RED CROSS CURRANT. 



We have for many years been looking for a 

 new currant which would be an improvement 

 upon older varieties ; we have looked in vain 

 until we heard of the experiments made by 

 Jacob Moore, and accepted an invitation to call 

 at his place. There we saw some twenty or 

 more seedling currants all in full bearing, all 

 produced by crossing flowers of different select- 

 ed varieties in the most scientific manner. All 

 of these varieties of currants were exceedingly 

 productive, the difference being that some 

 varieties were larger or better quality than 

 any others — longer clusters, longer fruit stems, 

 brighter color, etc. One variety in particular 

 was larger than any of the others, and of supe- 

 rior quality ; also exceedingly vigorous in growth 

 and very productive, with long fruit stem. This 

 variety we have purchased of Mr. Moore, pay- 

 ing him $1,250 cash for it, and have named it 

 the Red Corss currant. The cut given above 

 was drawn from a photograph made at the 

 Geneva Experiment Station. Notice that the 

 berry is peculiar in shape and that the blossom 

 end of the currant is almost imperceptible, 

 which we consider a remarkable feature. Red 

 Cross is a marked and distinct variation from 

 all other currants. 



» 



Horticultural Societies. — It is encouraging to note that the horticul- 

 tural societies that were formed last year are for the most part prosperous, 

 especially those who have been wise enough to choose officers that have a real 

 interest in the prosperity of the society. Here is a line just received from Mr. 

 James Lockie, the enthusiastic president of the Waterloo Horticultural Society. 

 He says : '• We hope to have nearly, if not quite, 100 members in our Horti- 

 cultural Society the coming year. These will not be persons who have to be 

 urged to join, but who seek to join. This is what makes an enthusiastic 

 society. From all appearances our society is likely to be a permanent one and 

 productive of much good." 



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