Small Fruits in Central Massachusetts in 1869. 207 



ping on the stock, but the surfiices are kept in contact, and consequently 

 the chances of success are increased twofold ; and, when well per- 

 formed, it is undoubtedly the most perfect method of grafting. In this, 

 as in all other methods, there should be a bud on the part of the scion 

 ovei'lapping the stock. This is easily secured by a little care. 



For cleft grafting we prefer grafting wax applied directly to the 

 stock ; for all the other methods here described, it is better spread on 

 cloth or paper, and all except those inserted by cleft grafting should be 

 tied tightly with bass matting or cotton twine. In all ordinary cases, a 

 scion having three, or at most four buds, besides the one on the portion 

 overlapping the stock, will be of sufficient length, but for very large 

 stocks grafts two or three times as long may be used. 



SMALL FRUITS IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS IN 1869. 



By James Draper, Worcester, Mass. 



A FEW pencillings on the small fruits in this section of the state may 

 be of interest to some of the readers of the Journal. The past 

 season has been most favorable to give all a fair trial, and we have had 

 good opportunity to judge of the comparative value of the different 

 varieties. Our soil is mostly of a deep loam, with a clayey subsoil. 



Strawberries. The Philadelphia ripened first with us, and is a 

 verv strong grower. The fruit very uniform, rather above the average 

 size, quite firm, and of a fine flavor ; it ripens its crop in a very short 

 time ; very promising. 



Nicajior ripened with the earliest, and continued bearing till late 

 in the season. Plant is a very strong grower and hardy ; berry of 

 good size, very firm, rich, sweet, and highly flavored ; when grown in 

 beds the fruit is small, but in hills of large size and very productive. 



Mctcalfs Early ^ when grown in beds, entirely worthless ; in hills 

 a little better, though the diflerence is hardly perceptible. 



