86 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



90°, or in that neighborhood. Under the circumstances, the 

 growth of all vegetation was extremely rapid, and the crop of 

 strawberries, particularly, was much larger than could otherwise 

 have been the case, after the injury inflicted bj' the winter. 



Strawberries. — Among the few new varieties exhibited, was 

 the Colonel Cheney, shown by Mr. Warren Ileustis, on the 21st of 

 July. They were large and handsome, slightl3'' irregular in form, 

 color, bright scarlet with yellow seeds, and much resembling 

 Jucunda in appearance. Flesh pale red, solid, and of fair quality, 

 though not as high flavored as Triomphe de Gand, with which it 

 was tested. It was deemed a promising variety. The flower is 

 pistillate. 



The Nicanor, in the experience of Mr. Heustis, is very desirable 

 as an early kind, both for family or market, being, though not of 

 large size, larger than Jenny Lind, our best early strawberry thus 

 far, of equally good quality, and far more productive — quite as 

 productive as AVilson. The fruit retains its gloss well, aud is firm 

 enough for market. The plants are very vigorous and hardy, 

 having stood the past unfavorable winter in an exposed place 

 better than any other variety. The}'' were not, however, exposed 

 to ice. It is but just to add that this variety has not generally 

 succeeded so well as with Mr. Heustis ; still, we deem it worthy of 

 further and more extended trial. 



June 29th, the seedling strawberry (No. 1) exhibited last year 

 by Mr. J. B. Moore, was again shown. Very glossy, good size, 

 conical, flesh dark red, solid and rich, comparing favorably in 

 quality with the President Wilder, and confirming the favorable 

 opinion expressed last year as to its value as an early variety. 



Of the meetings for discussion held during the winter, the first 

 was on the strawberry, and was opened with an essay by Mr. J. B. 

 [Moore, and followed by an interesting general discussion. Among 

 other points, that of mowing was again brought up ; most of the 

 speakers agreeing as to its highl}' beneficial eflTect. In addition 

 to what was said last year of the rationale of this process, by pro- 

 ducing a growth of more vigorous and healthy foliage, we may 

 add that the flower buds for the next j'ear being formed at this 

 time, such a quality of foliage is of great importance. Further 

 observation has also sliown tiiat not only the toi)s but the roots 

 are renewed at this time, giving a new aud vigorous set of roots 

 to furnish nourishment to the growing fruit. 



