76 Transactions Tennessee Academy of Science 



The Blackberry. 



Some years ago I made the statement that "Nature never does for 

 a man that which he is able to do for himself." The blackberry 

 (Rubus triviallis), I must admit, is one of our most important wild 

 berries in Tennessee, but from its persistence in declaring my state- 

 ment untrue, I have spitefully classified it as a "fugitive from jus- 

 tice." In the wild state this berry has entered the channels of com- 

 merce, and is of the utmost economic importance to the people of 

 Tennessee, but inasmuch as it has already been domesticated I have 

 let other varieties of wild fruits take precedence. 



The Fapaw. 



In many localities of Tennessee, on creeks and river bottoms, is 

 found growing the papaw (Asimina triloba), which is so highly 

 prized as a fruit. I have observed a few papaw trees which have 

 been transplanted and cultivation given, and these have been suc- 

 cessful, where particular regard has been given to the selection of 

 the proper soil. In growing this wild fruit, which has to a very 

 limited extent worked itself into the market, soil means everything 

 to the success of the tree. 



The Service-berry. 



This is one of the wild fruit-bearing trees of our State that is 

 rarely ever found growing excepting on the banks of streams or on 

 overflow soil. The service-berry (Ameliancher Canadensis) belongs 

 to the natural order of Rosaceae. The tree is bushy and is also known 

 by the names of Juneberry, or shadbush. The fruit is red, varying 

 in size from a current to that of a Morello cherry, and ripens in 

 June in Tennessee. It is easily propagated from seed or by cuttings 

 or layers in the fall. I have observed that in Tennessee the young 

 tress may be easily transplanted to farmsteads, and, if given atten- 

 tion, produce an abundance of berries. The name shadbush is given 

 this tree because the blossoms appear about the time that shad be- 

 gin to ascend the rivers in spring time. 



Tupelo. 



The two varieties of Tupelo, found growing in Tennessee, the 

 Nyssa Muhiflora ( bhuk gum), and Nyssa Aqualica (cotton gum), 

 produce an abundance of olive-shaped fruit which have so far re- 



