304 LUTHER BURBANK 



garding the origin of the plant and the charac- 

 teristics of its fruit have been sufficiently re- 

 ferred to. 



The true qualities of the fruit itself have 

 also been revealed through the quotation from 

 one of the many amateur gardeners who have 

 grown it in successive seasons and found 

 it a valuable addition to the list of garden 

 fruits. 



It may be added, however, that the Sunberry 

 makes particular appeal because it ripens late in 

 the season, after most other berries have ceased 

 to bear. It is well to note, also, that the plant 

 shows the hardiness and thrift and vitality usual 

 with hybrids, and will often grow to better ad- 

 vantage on a poor soil and without much cultiva- 

 tion than when especial attention is given it. In 

 most regions, to water it is a mistake, and to fer- 

 tilize the soil for it an even greater one making 

 the blossoms drop. 



In a word, it is a plant that resents too much 

 petting. It retains something of the character of 

 its wild ancestors. 



As to inherent constitution, the Sunberry is a 

 perennial, but it may best be grown annually 

 from seed, quite as its relative the tomato is 

 grown, although that plant also can live from 

 year to year in the proper climate. 



