THE MAGAZINE 



HORTICULTURE. 



JULY, 1837. 



ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



Art. I. Some Remarks upon the Production of new varieties 

 of Straivberries, from Seeds. By the Conductor. 



We have, for some time, had in view an article on the pro- 

 duction of new varieties of strawberries from seed, in order 

 that our gardens might be supphed with what is at present 

 a very great desideratum, viz. choice kinds, equalling, if not 

 surpassing, the Keen's seedling in size, as prolific a bearer, and 

 of as good or superior flavor to that, or the Downton which we 

 have always considered a very delicious fruit, but partaking of 

 the hardiness of the mulberry (or pine, as it is sometimes called,) 

 the early Virginia, and similar vigorous growing varieties, pro- 

 bably of American origin, which stand our severe winters with- 

 out the least protection; while the former and most other Eng- 

 lish varieties, which have obtained, and, undoubtedly, justly, a 

 celebrated reputation among the horticulturists of Britain, suffer 

 from the long duration of our winters, and, in most instances, 

 perish from their intense cold. The disappointment which cul- 

 tivators have been subject to, since the introduction of the fine 

 European kinds, has increased to such a degree, that but few of 

 the once remarkable sorts, compared with what were grown two 

 or three years ago, are to be found in our gardens. Some indi- 

 viduals, with more prejudice than good judgment, have de- 

 nounced Keen's seedling, and others equally excellent, as un- 

 worthy of a place in the garden; and if the former was rated 

 according to its general product, under the ordinary care given to 

 other varieties, and planted in a similar soil, we are not confident 

 but it would come under that class of fruits which some au- 

 thors have styled as ^'- outcasts.^^ But two or three instances 



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