

EVOLUTION OF THE BLACKBERRY 221 



of the southern states. The characters of this are in 

 strong contrast to those of the one just mentioned, for 

 it is a short, stubby plant, bristling all over with 

 stout hooked thorns, and with a decidedly woolly coat 

 on the under surface of its small wedge-shaped leaflets. 

 In spite of its rugged appearance, it does not endure 

 our northern winters well, and may never become a 

 serviceable member of the family except in the sunny 

 clime of its choice. 



Were it not that the legend of the man of won- 

 drous wisdom, who jumped into a bramble bush and 

 scratched out both his eyes, doubtless had its origin 

 in the dim history of the Old World, we might im- 

 agine this to have been the species concerned, for no 

 American bramble appears to be better able to ac- 

 complish such a feat! 



The following sketch of blackberry history was once 

 contributed by the writer to The American Garden: 



HISTORY AND FUTURE OF THE BLACKBERRY 



The blackberry or bramble of Europe (Rubus fruticosus) does 

 not appear to enjoy a very high reputation in its native country 

 for the value and quality of its fruit. It is occasionally spoken of 

 as being useful for tarts or similar culinary preparations, espe- 

 cially if liberally supplemented with apples to give spice and 

 flavor. It is also brought forward as deserving of notice because 

 it offers a cheap source of food in the shape of jam, etc., for the 

 poor, either to be obtained for themselves or for the more wealthy 

 to provide in anticipation of distributing to them as necessity may 

 demand. The plant, evidently, even to a greater degree than in 

 our own country, partakes too much of the nature of a trouble- 

 some weed to become popular with the more fastidious. In addi- 



