ii6 Notes and Gleaninsrs 



ij" 



Forcing Strawberries. — Triomphe de Gand is deservedly the most pop- 

 ular variety for this purpose. Fine specimens were on our tables March 19 

 and 26. The usual method is to lay the first runners, in July, into thumb- 

 pots, and by shifting into larger pots, and by utmost culture, to obtain large and 

 fat crowns in October. With such conditions and fair management, a large crop 

 is sure to follow. An experiment by Mr. O. C. Gibbs, of West Newton, is 

 worthy of note in this connection. Taking advantage of the mild weather in 

 January last, Mr. Gibbs lifted some large stools from the open ground, and placed 

 them in boxes and pots for immediate forcing. Your chairman saw the crop as 

 it was maturing in April, the result being a remarkable success — as large a crop 

 as the largest in open culture — single stools in boxes, twelve inches square and 

 seven inches deep, yielding over one hundred and fifty perfect berries. How 

 short the experiment, how trifling the cost, and how abundant and delightful the 

 result ! No other fruit requires so short time in preparation, is so easily forced, 

 occupies so httle space, and comes to maturity so quickly. It would seem that 

 the cost of preparation of plants for forcing might be greatly reduced by planting 

 rows in the spring, hoeing and cutting off all runners, and thus obtaining the 

 largest crowns of an entire season's growth ; much larger, and consequently more 

 prolific, than July runners could be made to be. These stools could be lifted 

 after the autumn frosts, the last thing before the ground closes, and potted away 

 to rest until the istof January. So easy, inexpensive, and certain is this pro- 

 cess, that we hope to see a more general culture of this fruit in our green-houses, 

 and even among our window plants. For, in point of beauty and interest, what 

 can exceed the profuse clear white flowers, the luxuriant green foliage, and the 

 bright colored fruit of the strawberry ? 



W. C. Strong, in Mass. Hort. Soc. Fruit Com. Report for 1870. 



The Kentucky Apple. — I wish to correct my article, " Short List of Ap- 

 ples," in the March number of the Journal. It reads " Kentucky" (or McWhor- 

 ter, etc.). It would read better if that whole line included in the parenthesis 

 were left out. At least the name of McWhorter does not belong to that apple, 

 although it is worthy any one's name. McWhorter never so called it to my 

 knowledge. I presume I intended to write " of McWhorter," for it was he who 

 brought it into notice in this region. 



Since I wrote that article, I learn that this variety, the Kentucky, is proving 

 sufficiently hardy to stand the climate in Benton County, Iowa, a place that tests 

 " half hardy " varieties pretty severely. 



Where I say " much destruction was done to trees last fall," should read, "a 

 year ago last fall," for last fall and winter trees were not damaged, but are now, 

 in March, in very fine condition. Snel Foster. 



The Water Apple is a desirable kind for places subject to late spring frosts, 

 as it blooms nearly two weeks later than other varieties. The fruit is of medium 

 size and conical form, whitish-yellow, with a rich purplish-crimson cheek ; flesh 

 white, very tender, juicy, pleasant subacid ; quality " very good." Bears abun- 

 dantly every other year, and ripens in October and November. Originated in 

 Durham Township, Bucks County, Pa. 



