348 LUTHER BURBANK 



in general do not thrive or perhaps even where 

 they do. Moreover, there is every probability 

 that the experiments now under way will result 

 ultimately in the development of varieties of elder 

 of such improved quality as to make a valuable 

 addition to the orchard even in competition with 

 the most popular fruits. 



The elderberry has qualities of its own that 

 will commend it strongly. If for no other rea- 

 son, the fact of its development on a tree or large 

 shrub gives it peculiar attractiveness. The vine- 

 like growth of many bearers of small fruit, 

 notably the raspberries and blackberries, necessi- 

 tates methods of cultivating, with perpetual 

 pruning that many horticulturists find irksome. 

 The elder shrub can take its place in the fruit 

 orchard along with the trees that bear apples, 

 or plums, or peaches, requiring no special treat- 

 ment or attention, and constituting a permanent 

 acquisition for the fruit grower. 



There are opportunities in the 

 bypaths of plant improvement, 

 opportunities untold, which call 

 out for patient specialized effort, 

 and which will well repay the 

 investment of that effort. 



