224 



Success with Small Fruits. 



tend to become naked with age, and the same dark green, thick, bluntly 

 and coarsely serrated foliage. Mr. Downing thinks the difference lies in 

 the fact, that while the Versailles strain produces many short bunches like 

 the Cherry, it also frequently bears clusters, of which the engraving is a 

 type, and that such long, tapering clusters are never formed on the Cherry. 



This is the only difference, I think, if any exists; 

 but in no instance have I been able to find this 

 distinction well defined and sustained by the bear- 

 ing plantations that I have seen. Mr. Downing, 

 however, has had tenfold more experience than 

 I have, and his opinions are entitled to correspond- 

 ing weight. 



That this class is much inclined to "sport," I 

 think all will admit. One bush in a row may be 

 loaded with fruit year after year, and the next one 

 be comparatively barren. The clusters on one 

 bush may be 'short and characteristic of the 

 Cherry, while a neighboring bush in the same 

 patch may show a tendency to mingle some long 

 clusters with the short ones ; and young bushes 

 grown from the same plant will show these vari- 

 ations. I am satisfied that distinct and much im- 

 proved strains could be developed by propagating 

 from bushes producing the best and most abundant 

 fruit, and that a variety having the characteristics 

 of the Ideal Versailles could be developed. The 

 importance of this careful selection in propagation 

 can scarcely be overestimated, and the fruit 

 grower who followed it up for a few years might 

 almost double the productiveness and quality of 

 many of his varieties. 



Victoria (known also as May's Victoria, and 

 having a half-dozen other synonyms) is a distinct 

 variety, whose great value consists in its lengthen- 

 ing out the currant season two or three weeks after 

 the above-named kinds have matured. The fruit is also large, between 

 the Red Dutch and Cherry in size, exceedingly abundant, and, although 

 rather acid, of good flavor when fully ripe. The clusters are very long, 

 from five to seven inches, tapering, and the berries are bright red. If 

 it is grown in some moist, cool, half-shady location, the bunches will 



The Ideal Versailles Cluster. 



