298 Success with Small Fruits. 



of the Continent, or our own land, but is "roundish ovate." They are said 

 to be rather more productive, but I doubt whether they differ materially 

 from the other Alpines, except in form. They are the strawberries that 

 our British forefathers ate, and are the same that the Bishop of Ely 

 brought to the bloody Protector from his " gardayne in Holberne." 



Montreuil. Said to be an improved variety of the Alpines. 



Green Alpine (Green Pine or Wood, Fraisier Vert). " This variety was, 

 by some, supposed to be a distinct species, but the appearance of the 

 plant and fruit shows it to be a true Alpine. Berry small, roundish, 

 depressed, greenish brown ; flesh green, with a somewhat musky flavor.'* 

 (Fuller.) Mr. Downing says the berry is tinged with reddish brown on 

 the sunny side at maturity, and that it has a peculiar, rich, pine-apple 

 flavor. 



Under the head of Alpines, one finds in the catalogues a bewildering 

 array of names, especially in those printed abroad ; but I am quite well 

 satisfied that if all these named varieties were placed in a trial-bed, and 

 treated precisely alike, the differences between them, in most instances, 

 would be found slight indeed, too slight to warrant a name and separate- 

 existence. 



HAUTBOIS STRAWBERRIES (FRAGARIA ELATIOR). 



As far as I can learn, this class was more raised in former years than 

 at present, both here and abroad. At any rate, the musky flavor of the 

 "Hoboys" (as the term was often spelled in rural regions) has not won 

 favor, and I rarely meet with them in cultivation. They are well worth 

 a little space in the garden, however, and are well suited to some tastes. 



Belle de Bordelaise is said to be the best variety. The berry is 

 described by Mr. Fuller, as " roundish oval, dark, brownish purple ; flesh 

 white, juicy, sweet, with a strong musky flavor." 



Common Hautbois. Fruit medium in size, reddish green, musky. 

 The fruit-stalks rise above the leaves therefore the term Hautbois, or 

 high wood. Not worthy of cultivation. 



Prolific Hautbois (Double Bearing, and having many other syno- 

 nyms). Mr. Downing speaks highly of this variety, saying that it is 

 distinguished by its " strong habit, and very large and usually perfect 

 flowers borne high above the leaves. The fruit is very large and 

 fine; dark colored, with a peculiarly rich, slightly musky flavor.'* 

 Productive. 



