THE BEST VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES. 366 



set its fruit. By the pot layer system this vigorous and produc- 

 tive strawberry, planted in August, is certain to give a full crop of 

 fruit in June of the next year, or in ten months from time of 

 planting. It is sold for the first time this year 1884. 



JERSEY QUEEN. This variety was sold for the first time in the 

 fall of 1881, and is, perhaps, one of the very best straw- 

 berries so far introduced. The size is immense, often measuring 

 six inches in circumference. Shape, roundish conical; color, a beauti- 

 ful scarlet crimson; perfectly solid, and of excellent flavor. It is an 



enormous bearer, many plants averaging a quart of first quality fruit. 

 It is one of the latest strawberries, the crop in this vicinity being in 

 perfection about the 25th of June, while the average crop of straw- 

 berries is at its best by the 15th of June in the locality of New York. 



BIDWELL. One of the earliest, abundantly productive, medium 

 size, excellent flavor, and light scarlet in color. Plants set out 

 from pot layers on August 5th, 1880, had fruit ripe June 5th, 1881, 

 ten months from date of planting. The plants averaged one quart of 

 fruit each. 



SHARPLESS. With the exception of Jersey Queen, the largest and 

 one of the heaviest berries of this collection. It is of fine flavor, a 

 good bearer, and has now become a standard sort. 



JUCUNDA. This is an old, well known sort, possessing so many 

 good qualities, that we place it as one of the best six in preference 

 to scores of others of later origin. It is of full average size, wonder- 

 fully productive, of great beauty of color and form, and excellent 

 flavor; but its distinctive value is in its ripening, extending from the 

 earliest to the latest of the crop, the first berries being ripe here about 

 June 4th, and extending unto July 4th. 



DOWNING. One of the best of the older sorts. It combines all the 

 best qualities, being large, early, rich in color and flavor, and abun- 

 dantly productive. 



