220 BUSH-FRUITS 



berry, Rubus Canadensis (R. Millspaughii, Britt). In 

 this species the main canes are almost wholly destitute 

 of thorns, the fruit is apt to be sour, sometimes even 

 bitterish, and is much shorter and thicker, with larger, 

 glossy black drupelets. Whether seedlings of this 

 species can be acclimated to lower altitudes without 

 acquiring to a degree the objectionable thorny dress 

 of their lowland neighbors, has yet to be deter- 

 mined. Indeed, it may be fairly questioned whether 

 it is worth while to make the attempt, since the fruit 

 is generally considered inferior to that of the Long 

 Blackberry. Still, this inferiority is not great, and if, 

 by crossing this species with our commoner garden 

 varieties, the thorns can thereby be reduced, the object 

 is well worth the seeking. The fruit ripens later, but 

 this is doubtless chiefly due to elevation. This type 

 reaches its greatest perfection in the high mountains of 

 the Appalachian system. It is often found in dense 

 forests, where the canes sometimes reach a height of 

 fifteen or eighteen feet, and are as thornless and 

 smooth as a willow twig. In such localities the fruit 

 is said to be greatly appreciated by the mountain bears, 

 which are enabled to draw down the smooth canes and 

 fatten upon the berries for their long hibernating sleep 

 during winter. Where is the philosopher who is ready 

 to construct a theory on the disappearance of thorns 

 as the result of the silken touch of Bruin's breast as 

 he and his ancestors have yearly sought this autumn 

 feast ! 



Still another species which produces fruit of excel- 

 lent quality is the Sand Blackberry, Rubus cuneifolius, 



