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and clean. It was too late to see them in their prime, they 

 had been picked several times and were running rather small 

 as is usual with the Wilson after the first few pickings. The 

 land which had formerly been in onions, was planted with 

 corn in 1878, without manure, and nothing now applied except 

 leached ashes in the spring before fruiting. Under the cir- 

 cumstances the crop was remarkable. We think too much 

 manure cannot be given this variety, as it is inclined to set 

 more fruit than its scant foilage can carry through. It is as 

 yet, undoubtedly the strawberry for the general market, though 

 many have promised to supersede it. 



In viewing Mr. Bassett's field of Wachusett Thornless 

 Blackberry, the committee were entirely unprepared for the 

 sight presented ; the bushes were literally loaded, and black 

 with fruit. The long straight rows had been pinched back, 

 and kept in good shape, and altogether it was a rare sight. 



This variety seems desirable for home use as well as for 

 market purposes. It is spoken highly of by Mr. Hadwen," of 

 Worcester, in whose vicinity it is grown. One, and not the 

 least of its recommendations being, that it is thornless ; it is 

 also hardy, while few kinds are so. The quality might be con- 

 sidered not so delicate as some, but it is very good and has a 

 delicious and very decided wild blackberry flavor. Mr. Bas- 

 sett's soil seems to be peculiarly suited to it, but it does well 

 on light sandy soil. 



The currants entered by Mr. Gutterson, were very fine. The 

 bushes were young but had a favorable location, and had re- 

 ceived the good culture characteristic of the place. They were 

 of the cherry variety, and the fruit was very large. 



Mr. Gutterson is also a very successful grower of the choicer 

 varieties of strawberries, for which he has a well established 

 home market ; his patrons luxuriating in kinds which cannot 

 be bought in the markets, which they doubtless appreciate. 

 And here we would appeal to every farmer, and every owner of 

 a piece of land, to raise their own small fruits, and enjoy, and 

 allow their families to enjoy, some of the best of the good 



