178 BUSH-FRUITS 



If all the introduced varieties of this type and all the 

 forms growing wild are hybrids, a remarkable tend- 

 ency to hybridization in this genus is certainly shown. 

 The comparative abundance and productiveness of the 

 type leads rather to the opinion that it is a distinct 

 species, but the variation in the habit of propagation 

 of the different varieties, some being almost entirely 

 reproduced by suckers, while others propagate princi- 

 cipally from tips, favors the idea of hybrid origin. 



Hybrids are commonly thought to be unproductive, 

 but the Shaffer is one of the most productive varieties 

 known. No one can say positively, however, what the 

 origin has been, and for practical purposes it matters 

 little. The type has long been in cultivation, and is 

 certainly valuable. Hybrids are evidently more com- 

 mon, at least in this genus, than has been supposed. 

 I am now of the opinion that this type, like the 

 intermediate type between the blackberry and dew- 

 berry, is primarily of hybrid origin. 



VARIETIES OF PURPLE-CANE RASPBERRIES 



Addison. An apparent hybrid between the red and black rasp- 

 berry. Originated on the grounds of L. M. Macomber, of North 

 Ferrisburgh, Vt. Described as vigorous, hardy, and moderately 

 productive. Canes purplish red, resembling the black -caps in 

 habit, and rooting at the tips, though rather like the reds in color. 

 Fruit medium to large, firm, juicy, and very good, with the flavor 

 of the red raspberry. Mich. Exp. Sta. Bull. Ill: 256. 



Babcock. Sent to the Geneva (N. Y.) Experiment Station in 

 1892, by Daniel W. Babcock. Reported to be productive and vig- 

 orous, with canes of a peculiar purplish color, thickly beset with 

 weak prickles. Fruit crumbling. Mich. Exp. Sta. Bull. Ill: 259. 



Beckwith.A.n unnamed chance seedling, which originated with 

 Professor M. H. Beckwith, Newark, Del. Described by him as a 

 red berry, and not purple like Shaffer; reproducing by tips. Fruit 



