336 LUTHER BURBANK 



plants always produced thorny varieties. It is 

 probable, however, that further experiments 

 might reveal specimens that would drop the 

 thorns altogether and would breed true to thorn- 

 less as the thornless blackberries do. 



This, indeed, should be the aim of the plant 

 developer in connection with all varieties of 

 gooseberries. The plant offers a splendid oppor- 

 tunity for hybridizing and careful selection. 



If it could be induced to shed its thorns and 

 still bear large fine fruit, the gooseberry would 

 gain enormously in popularity. At present there 

 is a not unnatural prejudice against this fruit 

 because the thorns constitute an almost in- 

 tolerable nuisance, their sting being peculiarly 

 irritating. 



My own experiments were carried far enough 

 to suggest the probability of the production of 

 good thornless varieties. As to fruit, several 

 varieties were produced that were thought su- 

 perior to any previously seen. But I was not 

 able to introduce them properly, and after keep- 

 ing them several years the bushes were destroyed 

 to make room for other plants of greater 

 promise. Subsequently, however, I regretted 

 this and now feel that these plants might have 

 rewarded further experimental efforts had I 

 been able then to find time for them. 



