206 Bush-Fruits 



in the southern states, was formerly thought to have been 

 the parent of at least one cultivated variety, but Bailey 

 now believes that the species has not entered into the 

 development of the garden berry. This is a short, stiff 

 plant covered with strong hooked thorns, with leaves 

 which are woolly white beneath. 



History and Future of the Blackberry 



The blackberry or bramble of Europe appears to have 

 been little prized as a fruit-bearing plant. It is occasion- 

 ally mentioned as useful for tarts or similar articles of diet, 

 especially if apples are added to give spice and flavor. 

 The fruit is evidently inferior in flavor and quality to that 

 of our own species. It is doubtless chiefly due to this fact 

 that the blackberry of cultivation has been developed from 

 American types. 



The following account of blackberry history is quoted 

 from an article at one time contributed by the writer to 

 "The American Garden." 



In its early history, other qualities seem to have been considered 

 more important than its fruit. According to Pliny, the ancients were 

 taught by means of the bramble bush how to propagate trees by 

 layers. It was, no doubt, held in greatest esteem, however, for its 

 supposed medicinal qualities. "The berries," says Pliny, "are the 

 food of man, and have a dessicative and astringent virtue, and serve 

 as a most appropriate remedy for the gyms and inflammation of 

 the tonsils." Both the flowers and berries were thought by the 

 ancients to be remedies against even the most venomous serpents. 

 Pliny further states that "the juice pressed out of young shoots, and 

 reduced to the consistency of honey, by standing in the sun, is a 

 singular medicine taken inwardly, or applied outwardly, for all 



