270 SUCCESS WITH SMALL FRUITS. 



ence, I think, if any exists ; but in no instance have I been 

 able to find this distinction well defined and sustained by 

 the bearing plantations that I have seen. Mr. Downing, 

 however, has had tenfold more experience than I have, and 

 his opinions are entitled to corresponding weight. 



That this class is much inclined to " sport," I think all 

 will admit. One bush in a row may be loaded with fruit 

 year after year, and the next one be comparatively barren. 

 The clusters on one bush may be short and characteristic of 

 the Cherry, while a neighboring bush in the same patch may 

 show a tendency to mingle some long clusters with the short 

 ones; and young bushes grown from the same plant will 

 show these variations. I am satisfied that distinct and 

 much improved strains could be developed by propagating 

 from bushes producing the best and most abundant fruit, 

 and that a variety having the characteristics of the Ideal 

 Versailles could be developed. The importance of this 

 careful selection in propagation can scarcely be overesti- 

 mated, and the fruit grower who followed it up for a few 

 years might almost double the productiveness and quality 

 of many of his varieties. 



Victoria (known also as May's Victoria, and having a 

 half-dozen other synonymes) is a distinct variety, whose 

 great value consists in its lengthening out the currant sea- 

 son two or three weeks after the above-named kinds have 

 matured. The fruit is also large, — between the Red Dutch 

 and Cherry in size, — exceedingly abundant, and although 

 rather acid, of good flavor when fully ripe. The clusters 

 are very long, — from five to seven inches, — tapering, and 

 the berries are bright red. If it is grown in some moist, 

 cool, half-shady location, the bunches will hang on the 

 bushes very late in the season. In many localities it is 

 found very profitable, since it need not be sold until the 



