LUTHER BURBANK 



My own experiments with the shrub have been 

 confined to the raising of seedlings for ornamental 

 purposes. I observed that the Strawberry tree, like 

 the Madrona, varies in size and sometimes in 

 shape and color of leaves and fruit. I am confi- 

 dent, therefore, that by special cultivation and 

 selection the Strawberry tree might be improved 

 and made to bear a very fragrant and luscious 

 fruit. 



Various members of the genus are available, 

 and there is good prospect that experiments in 

 selective breeding, with or without hybridization, 

 would reward the experimenter. 



Two other shrubs that give good promise are 

 the Hawthorn and the Mountain Ash. The Haw- 

 thorn in particular is an extremely valuable 

 shrub, and gives very great promise of the produc- 

 tion of improved varieties of fruit through selective 

 breeding. 



The Mountain Ash is usually raised for the 

 beauty of its fruit. I have made experiments in 

 selective breeding with this plant, and have greatly 

 improved the size and beauty of the clusters of 

 fruit. With the Hawthorn also I have made some 

 interesting experiments, but there is fine oppor- 

 tunity for other workers in this field. Indeed, the 

 work of developing this fruit has made only the 

 barest beginnings 



