26o Notes on Rasfheri'tes. 



haps of a little firmer consistence. In quality I regard it as the very 

 best among haidy kinds, and little, if any, inferior to the finest of the 

 more tender varieties. 



The Philadelphia is highly commended for hardiness and great pro- 

 ductiveness even on light, thin, or sandy soils. It does not sucker as 

 freely as either the Clarke or Kirtland, but is, to my taste, inferior in 

 quality. It is also, when ripe, quite soft, besides being dull and unat- 

 tractive in color. 



The Franconia, or Naomi, may be regarded as about half hardy here, 

 and has some valuable qualities. In sandy or gravelly soils, and upon 

 elevated situations, it endui-es ordinary winters without protection. It 

 is very productive, and forms suckers sparingly. Fruit very large, quite 

 firm ; a little light in color ; rather acid, but among the most valuable 

 of its class. 



Of the Black Cap raspberries I speak with some hesitation, for I am 

 obliged to confess that I do not personally regard them with much favor. 

 Still they are by many highly prized, and by reason of their firmness 

 they have a commercial value, especially for shipping, by no means to 

 be disregarded. 



Until quite recently the American Improved, or Doolittle's Improved 

 Black Cap, seemed to occupy nearly the whole ground, and is really an 

 improvement upon its wild progenitors, being larger, more juicy, and 

 rather sweeter and better flavored, as well as more joroductive. It still 

 maintains its place as a general favorite with those who value its kind. 

 Its greatest objection is found in its veiy sharp and abundant spines. 



Davidson's Thornless, a more recent introduction, has the advantage 

 of being very nearly smooth, and without spines, which renders the 

 gathering of the fruit much pleasanter and less laborious. It is here a 

 strong grower, hardy and productive, about a week earlier than the 

 Doolittle, and scarcely distinguishable from it in size or quality. 



For a later ripening variety than either of the above-named Black 

 Caps, the large, or MdCormick's Miami, which w^as originally found 

 growing wild in the valley of the Miami in Clermont County, Ohio, is 

 one of the most desirable, being of large size, very productive, and of 

 excellent quality. It prolongs the season beyond the period of the 



