96 THE CONNECTICUT POMO LOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The next speaker of the afternoon was Mr. A. G. 

 Sharp of Richmond, Mass., well known to our members 

 as a very successful grower of berries and other small 

 fruits. Mr. Sharp read an able paper entitled: 



SMALL-FRUIT CULTURE— NEW VARIETIES AND 

 BEST METHODS OF MARKETING. 



By A. G. Sharp, Richmond, Mass. 



Mr. President and Brother Fruit Growers of the Connecticut 

 Pomological Society : 



Some time last month your Secretary requested me 

 to read a paper at this meeting on "Small Fruits, New 

 Varieties, Best Methods, Profitable Marketing," etc.; said 

 he wanted an up-to-date man. I replied that I did not 

 think I could fill the bill, as I was still cultivating as my 

 main crops the Bubach strawberry and Cuthbert raspberry, 

 though I have tested many new varieties and made careful 

 inquiries about others that were highly recommended, 

 having been inclined to stick to old friends as long as I 

 can use them profitably, rather than depend on untried 

 new ones; for I have found, as no doubt most of you have 

 done, that no cast iron rules can be followed in fruit grow- 

 ing, either as regards varieties, best methods of growing, or 

 marketing of small fruits. Fifteen years ago I had more 

 confidence in my opinions on these points than I have to- 

 day ; for then I thought I had found most of the secrets of 

 success and could overcome obstacles. But we are con- 

 stantly finding new difficulties in the way, new insects to 

 fight, increasing plant disease, new conditions or changes 

 in methods of marketing and greater competition to face. 

 True, it hath been said, "There is room at the top." To a 

 certain extent there is, but the top is so much higher now 

 that we must keep climbing a little higher each year. 



Only a few years ago any creamery butter would bring 

 a higher price than most dairies, but now we find there is 

 a diflierence in creameries and it is asked what creamery it 

 is from, and not every pound of butter sells at the same 



