Market Strawberries, 103. 



account was kept. Since that time, I have been experimenting with Mr. 

 Durand's large berries, and have not done so well. In 1878, I obtained 

 $1,181 from one acre, one half planted with the Seth Boyden and the 

 other with the Great American. The year of 1879 was my poorest. 

 Nearly all my plants were Great American and Beauty, and the yield .was 

 121 bushels, selling for $728. The average cost per acre, for growing, 

 picking, marketing, and manure, is $350. I am not satisfied but that I 

 shall have to return to the old Seth Boyden in order to keep taking the 

 first State premiums, as I have done for the past three years." 



This record of experience shows what can be done with the choice 

 varieties if an appreciative market is within reach, and one will give 

 the high culture they demand. Last summer a neighbor of mine obtained 

 eighteen cents per quart for his Monarch strawberries, when Wilsons 

 brought but ten cents. At the same time, these superb varieties often 

 do not pay at all under poor field culture and in matted rows. We may 

 also note, in passing, how slowly fine old standard kinds, like the Boy- 

 den, are superseded by new varieties. 



I should not be at all surprised if the Charles Downing became 

 one of the most popular market strawberries of the future. It is 

 already taking the lead in many localities. It is moderately firm 

 sufficiently so, with a little extra care, to reach most markets in good 

 condition. It is more easily raised than the Wilson, and on thin, dry 

 land is more productive. A bed will last, if kept clean, four or five 

 years instead of two, and yield better the fifth year than the first. 

 Although the fruit is but of medium size, it is so fine in flavor that 

 it has only to be known to create a steady demand. The Kentucky 

 Seedling is another berry of the same class, and has the same general 

 characteristics with this exception, that it is a very late berry. In 

 flavor, it is melting and delicious. It does well on almost any soil, even a 

 light and sandy one, and is usually very productive. These two old stand- 

 ard varieties which arch the title-page might also arch the continent, for 

 they bring most of the best qualities of the best of fruits within reach 

 of every market and home in the land. 



The best white strawberry I have ever seen is Lennig's White. 

 When exposed to the sun, it has a decided pink flush on one side. It 

 is beautiful and delicious, and so aromatic that a single berry will per- 

 fume a large apartment. The fruit is exceedingly delicate, but the plant 

 is a shy bearer. 



In the White and Red Alpines, especially the ever-bearing varieties, 

 and in the Hautbois class, we have very distinct strawberries that are well. 



