AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, 73 



Optimus with 25 ; while Lorillard, Potato Leaf, Ithaca and Long 

 Keeper ripened about 20 fruits each. Some of the larger fruited 

 sorts produced a greater weight of fruit, but there were not as 

 many' individuals, and as a rule, medium-sized varieties are more 

 to be desired. Prelude is very small and Optimus, with its aver- 

 age of 25 fruits, is far superior to it. 



The date of the first ripe fruit is not an exact criterion of earli- 

 ness of the crop, but in average seasons frost may be expected 

 any time after Sept. 15, and the number of fruits ripe at that date 

 is a safe guide, other things being equal, in selecting an early 

 variety. The five varieties ripening the greatest number of fruits 

 at this time were respectively. Yellow Victor, Prelude, Optimus, 

 Faultless and Early Richmond. As will be seen, Optimus again 

 stands third in the list and it is by far the best of the five varie- 

 ties named. Of the other most productive and valuable sorts, 

 Ithaca matured the most fruit before the date above mentioned, 

 while Early Ruby and Volunteer came next in order. 



The following field notes concerning the most important varie- 

 ties were made : 



Atlantic. {Atlantic Pme, Thorburn) . — Of medium size, red, 

 irregular, better than in 1891, but not of suflflcient merit to retain. 



Beauty. {Livingston's Beauty., Livingston). — Still a favorite 

 pink tomato. Smooth and handsome, but not quite as productive 

 as in former years. 



Ghemin. (Cornell University). Larger than in 1891 and 

 very productive, but too late for field culture. It is one of the 

 most profitable varieties we have under glass. 



Cleveland. {President Cleveland., Farquhar.) — Large, smooth, 

 red, resembling Perfection, with which it compares very favorably 

 this year. Better than in 1891. 



Faultless. (Farquhar). — Although one of the most productive 

 varieties grown, the fruit is too irregular to be of value. 



Ignotum. (Cornell University). — One of the best, but not 

 quite so productive this year as some others. 



Ithaca. (College Garden, 1891). — One of the most promising 

 purple varieties in our collection. Is worthy the attention of 

 seedsmen. 



