242 BUSH-FRUITS 



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main stem of the cluster. The dewberries propagate 

 by means of tips, while the blackberries propagate by 

 suckers, a point of much practical importance, in cul- 

 tivation, at least. Despite these characters, there are 

 forms found, both wild and in cultivation, which are so 

 intermediate in character as to make it a matter of 

 considerable doubt as to whether they should be called 

 blackberries, dewberries or hybrids. These intermedi- 

 ate forms are of special interest, and illustrate in a 

 remarkable way the possibilities of admixture in the 

 genus. Many of them are very productive, in apparent 

 defiance of the pronouncements of science, which are 

 that hybrids should be deficient in fruitfulness. 



Of the four species commonly known as dewberries, 

 Rubus hispidus, generally known as the running 

 swamp blackberry, although sometimes found on dry, 

 sandy ground also, may first be mentioned. It is a 

 delicate little plant, running on the ground, bearing 

 stiff, shining leaves, which frequently remain green all 

 winter. The flowers are few and small, and the fruit of 

 little or no value. It is simply as a wild form that we 

 need consider it, since there seems to be no reason for 

 attempting to cultivate it. 



The most important species, from a horticultural 

 standpoint, is Rubus villosus (but universally known as 

 Rubus Canadensis) , or the Northern dewberry, since it 

 is from this species and its botanical varieties that most 

 of our cultivated sorts have come. This is the spe- 

 cies which most nearly approaches the common black- 

 berry in character of plant and fruit. Hybrids between 

 the two are common in regions where both abound. 



