VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES. 365 



a bewildering array of names, especially in those printed 

 abroad ; but I am quite well satisfied that if all these named 

 varieties were placed in a trial bed, and treated precisely 

 alike, the differences between them, in most instances, would 

 be found slight indeed, too slight to warrant a name and 

 separate existence. 



HAUTBOIS STRAWBERRIES — FRAGARIA ELATIOR. 



As far as I can learn, this class was more raised in former 

 years than at present, both here and abroad. At any rate, 

 the musky flavor of the '^ Hoboys " (as the term was often 

 spelled in rural regions) has not won favor, and I rarely 

 meet with them in cultivation. They are well worth a little 

 space in the garden, however, and are well suited to some 

 tastes. 



Belle de Bordelaise is said to be the best variety. The 

 berry is described by Mr. Fuller, as " roundish oval, dark, 

 brownish purple ; flesh white, juicy, sweet, with a strong, 

 musky flavor." 



Common Hautbois. — Fruit medium in size, reddish green, 

 musky. The fruit-stalks rise above the leaves, — hence the 

 term Hautbois, or high wood. Not worthy of cultivation. 



Prolific Hautbois — (Double bearing, and having many 

 other synonymes) . — Mr. DowTiing speaks highly of this va- 

 riety, saying that it is distinguished by its '^ strong habit, and 

 very large and usually perfect flowers borne high above the 

 leaves. The fruit is very large and fine ; dark colored, with 

 a pecuHarly rich, slightly musky flavor." Productive. 



Royal Hautbois. — Said to be one of the largest, most 

 vigorous, and productive of this class. 



Mr. Merrick writes that the Hautbois strawberries find 

 few admirers in the vicinity of Boston, and seem equally 

 neglected abroad. 



