VARIETIES, CHARACTER, ETC. 131 



I have been experimenting with Mr. Durand's large berries, 

 and have not done so well. In 1878, I obtained 3i,i8i 

 from one acre, one-half planted with the Seth Boyden and 

 the other with the Great American. The year of 1879 was 

 my poorest. Nearly all my plants were Great American 

 and Beauty, and the yield was 121 bushels, selling for ;$ 7 2 8. 

 The average cost per acre, for growing, picking, marketing, 

 and manure, is ^350. I am not satisfied but that I shall 

 have to return to the old Seth Boyden in order to keep tak- 

 ing the first State premiums, as I have done for the past 

 three years." 



This record of experience shows what can be done with 

 the choice varieties if an appreciative market is within 

 reach, and one will give the high culture they demand. 

 Last summer a neighbor of mine obtained eighteen cents 

 per quart for his Monarch strawberries, when Wilsons 

 brought but ten cents. At the same time, these superb 

 varieties often do not pay at all under poor field culture and 

 in matted rows. We may also note, in passing, how slowly 

 fine old standard kinds, hke the Boyden, are superseded by 

 new varieties. 



I should not be at all surprised if the Charles Downing 

 became one of the most popular market strawberries of the 

 future. It is already taking the lead in many localities. It 

 is moderately firm — sufficiently so, with a little extra care, to 

 reach most markets in good condition. It is more easily 

 raised than the Wilson, and on thin, dry land is more pro- 

 ductive, x^ bed will last, if kept clean, four or five years 

 instead of two, and yield better the fifth year than the first. 

 Although the fruit is but of medium size, it is so fine in 

 flavor that it has only to be known to create a steady de- 

 mand. The Kentucky Seedling is another berry of the same 

 class, and has the same general characteristics, — with this 



