LUTHER BURBANK 



The Rubus deliciosus, the Colorado species, is 

 similar to the eastern one in most respects, except 

 that the blossoms are white. All three species are 

 almost thornless; the Colorado species practically 

 wholly thornless, though the fruit of none of them 

 is of any value. The hardiness of the Thimble 

 Berry and its trailing habit suggest interesting and 

 unexpected possibilities for its fruit, if a cross 

 could be effected that would introduce the lacking 

 elements of size and texture and flavor. 



Other Rubuses that seem worthy of attention 

 are the Bridal-rose, Rubus rosaeflorus, and the 

 Wine-berry, Rubus thoenicolasius, both natives of 

 Japan and China. 



The former is a double-flowering plant, often 

 cultivated for its flowers. It thrives well in Cali- 

 fornia in cool, shady places. The double-flowering 

 varieties, in my experience, do not fruit, but there 

 is a closely related form that produces single 

 flowers that mature fruit of an inferior quality. 



The Wine-berry was introduced into America 

 about twenty years ago by Mr. John Lewis Childs. 

 As an ornamental plant it is quite promising. But 

 its fruit, in its present state, is of no value. 



The bright, cherry-red or sometimes salmon- 

 colored berries are usually small and soft, slightly 

 acid and insipid. 



But the strong, graceful, recurving branches, 



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