WESTERN STRAWBERRY NOTES OF 1890. 



71 



impassable, except as one's way is cut out with knife 

 and axe. 



Several species of the genus of air plants known 

 to science as tillandsia are found growing upon their 

 branches, both living and dead. Some resemble the 

 pineapple in leaf and manner of growth, and bear 

 handsome flowers. But to my mind there is no 

 other one species of plant, either terrestrial or aerial, 

 that goes so far toward making up the beauty of this 

 region as Tillandsia iisneoides, which is commonly 

 called "Long Moss." However, it is not a moss 

 of any kind, and radically differs from all the mosses 

 in having true flowers, although they are rather in- 

 conspicuous. If closely observed at the proper 

 season, pods nearly an inch long and the thickness 

 of a darning-needle will be found which open and 

 set loose upon the wind a number of seeds with 

 downy attachments. These catch upon almost any 

 obstacle and germinate in the moist air. Small 

 pieces of the old plant become detached in various 

 ways and grow wherever they find lodgment. 



The branches and leaves are threadlike, soft and 

 pliant like moss. The natives gather large quantities 

 of it, and by soaking it in water, the outer parts are 



rotted, and when dried and beaten off the remaining 

 part resembles black horse hair in color and texture, 

 and is used for stuffing cushioned furniture. 



A common error is to believe that this plant is a 

 parasite instead of a mere epyphite. It will grow 

 upon a dead tree or branch as well as upon one that 

 is alive. All its sustenance is obtained from the air, 

 and this must be moist and warm as it will die in 

 that which is either dry or cold. A little frost will 

 not kill it, but freezing, if at all severe, is certain 

 death. Long bunches hang from almost every 

 available support, and the quiet gray color 

 harmonizes beautifully with the green of other 

 vegetation. 



As the wind sways these long tresses with noiseless 

 grace, the drapery of the loom is put to shame. 

 Nothing in nature is more soft and restful to the eye. 

 During a trip in southern Florida some two years 

 ago, I took a photographic view near Ormond, on 

 the east side of the Halifax river, which is repro- 

 duced for the readers of The American Garden 

 (page 6g). If it gives them pleasure I shall be glad, 

 for a joy that is shared is not divided, but doubled. 



Wasliijw/on. H. E. Van Deman. 



WESTERN STRAWBERRY NOTES OF 1890. 



HE STRAWBERRY season of 

 i8go has been peculiar in 

 many respects, notably in 

 the poor and very inade- 

 quate results from the crop 

 and the unusually limited 

 growth of the plants producing it. 



The supplies reaching St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas 

 City, and other western markets were received from 

 Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkan- 

 sas. The condition of the fruit varied from bad to 

 worse. Some reached these markets in fair to good 

 condition, for which the growers may liave realized 

 something beyond the cost of production. This was 

 the exception. As the season advanced, supplies were 

 received from points nearer — Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, 

 Missouri and southern Illinois — the fruit arriving in 

 better condition, apparently ; but the poor results con- 

 tinued, for the fruit would not stand up. The crop was 

 large, which, with heavy receipts, culminated in disaster 

 after disaster. There were no fancy prices reported 

 which might entice the unwary shipper. Immense 

 quantities never reached a buyer, but went to feed the 

 fishes in the lakes and rivers. 



The planting season is over when the crop is being 

 harvested, else the amount would have been curtailed. 

 In this respect, Dame Nature, however, came to the 



rescue, and we in this vicinity and over a wide scope of 

 country experienced a severe and long-continued hot 

 and dry summer. 



The planting season here was delayed on account of 

 frequent rains and unfavorable weather till near the 

 first of May. The soil was full of moisture, and plants 

 set grew rapidly, making runners as usual ; but this did 

 not continue, and the result was not one plant where 

 fifty were confidentially expected. Many young plants, 

 together with those set, perished outright. Some vari- 

 eties did better than others, all receiving the same 

 treatment — I mean with regard to going tlirough the 

 past hot and very dry summer. 



With mine, I place Wilson and Downing, of the 

 older varieties, at the head of the list in this respect. 

 Of the newer varieties, Haverland, Bubach No. 5 and 

 Warfield No. 2 did best, as they also did in Missouri 

 and Ohio, according to reports. Of Parker Earle, 

 Eureka and Princess, I did not lose a plant. Gandy, 

 Gipsy and Miami came next in order, as also Cloud. 

 Hoffman and Burt disappeared entirely. Of the older 

 varieties, Capt. Jack and Sucker State held their own 

 with Downing and Wilson. 



One season's trial with any variety is not enough to 

 establish a good reputation, yet it counts one in the 

 trial. The Warfield No. 2 makes one of the best 

 appearing berries, and carries well long distances. It 



