252 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



poor alike. A great deal has been said about strawberries, but 

 not too much. The strawberry has been well termed the " Queen 

 of Small Fruits," and in its improvement size has surely been 

 attained — whether or not at the expense of flavor remains perhaps 

 to be decided. The rage for size in strawberries seems to be quite 

 equal to that for size in other productions. We know that the 

 large berries are captivating to the eye and we frequently hear 

 the exclamation " Did you ever see such berries." We are not 

 surprised that the sight of the large specimens of Sharpless brings 

 forth such expressions. We do not object to size, but if with it 

 we could have the quality which enabled us to say, " What a sweet 

 and delicious berry," the triumph would be much greater. Why 

 cannot some of our strawberrj' specialists make tliis a point? It is 

 fair to presume that such a result can be attained. What amateur 

 would not prefer a moderate sized berry, of good color and flavor, 

 to a larger one with less flavor? It is generally acknowledged that 

 all unusually large fruit is deficient in rich flavor, and frequently 

 is very acid, and requires the addition of just about its own weight 

 of sugar to make it palatable. Where are the varieties that have 

 taken the places of the Triumph de Gand, Keeus's Seedling, and 

 La Constante — varieties which one could pick from the vines and 

 relish without the aid of sugar? Now if there are defects to remedy 

 and points to be attained, why should we not look to such gentle- 

 men as Mr. Heustis, Mr. Barnard, and others to meet these 

 demands ? They have already done much to improve this wholesome 

 and appetizing fruit, and we rejoice with them in the result thcN' 

 have achieved, and that such great success has crowned their efforts ; 

 but improvement should still be our ambition, and we will wait 

 patiently but hopefully for still further advances. In this connec- 

 tion we cairthe attention of growers to the Prospective Prize of 

 $50, offered on page 3 of the Schedule, for the best Seedling 

 Strawberry. 



Grounds of Benjamin G. Smith, Cambridge. 



July 31st, the Committee visited the grounds of Benjamin G. 

 Smith, on Fayerweather Street, Cambridge. Unfortunately the 

 afternoon was very wet and it was with difficulty that we could see 

 the grounds at all, the only opportunity being a hasty glance' 

 between the showers. It is six years since the Committee enjoyed 

 a visit to Mr. Smith. It is not unfrequently the case that in that 



