Catalogue. Third Edition. 293 



Previous to the production of these varieties, no remark- 

 ably large strawberries were known. Even until within a 

 year or two, these sorts have maintained their charac- 

 ter as the best. It will thus be seen, how much we are 

 indebted to the labors of these individuals for the improve- 

 ment which has been effected in this most excellent fruit. 



If the experiments in raising seedlings are carefully 

 conducted, we do not doubt but that superior varieties to 

 any we possess may yet be produced. But these experi- 

 ments must be conducted witli skill ; for though we believe 

 that " like generally produces like," yet there are many 

 exceptions to the rule. We once gave an amateur friend a 

 few of the finest and largest berries we could find on 

 a bed of our seedling : these he took home, and after 

 washing out the seeds, planted them ; but in two years, 

 when the plants came into bearing, the disappointment 

 was complete. Not a berry of large size was to be found 

 among all the plants, and they were destroyed as worth- 

 less. We mention this, not to discourage others from 

 making the attempt, but to prepare them for disappoint- 

 ment should their expectations not be realized. 



For the cultivation of the strawberry, we must refer our 

 readers to our previous Vols., (I. p. 299, and II. p. 89,) 

 where they will find full directions for their successful 

 growth. If our opinion should be asked, relative to a 

 selection of sorts, as some of the American Seedlings are 

 not included in the list below, we should advise planting 

 the following : 



1st. The Old Scarlet or Old Virginia, for its earliness, 

 productiveness and good quality. 



2d. Hoveys' Seedling, for its immense size, great pro- 

 ductiveness, superior flavor and beauty. 



3d. The Red and White Wood, for their general good 

 qualities, and, above all, for the late period to which they 

 continue to ripen. 



These constitute a sufllcient number for a small garden, 

 afiording a good supply of fruit for six weeks. For larger 

 collections, any of the sorts described below may be added, 

 as well as the Phoenix strawberry, noticed in our Vol. VIII, 

 p. 3.51. 



Class I. Scarlet Stawberries. 

 1. American Scarlet. — Form conical; 2d size ; 1st qual- 



