1883.] 



THE AMERICAN GARDEN. 



125 



THE ATLANTIC STEAWBEEEY. 



In the production of new varieties of 

 Strawberries during the past few years, the 

 leading object to be attained has been to in- 

 crease size as much as possible, with but 

 little regard to quality and firmness; and 

 whatever progress has been made in the 

 latter direction is almost exclusively the 

 result of chance seedlings. 



To this latter class belongs the "Atlan- 

 tic," the original parent of which was found 

 near Hammonton, New Jersey, in a Cran- 

 berry bog, far from any cultivated land. 

 Mr. D. L. Potter, the discoverer, removed it 

 to his garden, and finding its qualities very 

 desirable, propagated it for market pur- 

 poses. As soon as a sufficient quantity of 

 berries were produced they were shipped to 

 New-York, where they at once attracted 

 the attention of dealers, and were eagerly 

 sought in preference to 

 other kinds. Mr. L. S. 

 Davis, the commission 

 merchant, states that * 

 they readily sold at from 

 twenty to twenty -five 

 cents a quart, whole- 

 sale, when Wilsons of 

 the same grade brought 

 but half this price. 



The variety lias, we 

 believe, not yet been 

 grown outside of the 

 neighborhood of its ori- 

 gin — a sandy, naturally 

 barren soil. There the 

 plant is extremely vig- 

 orous, healthy, and pro- 

 ductive ; the foliage is 

 large, firm, resembling 

 that of the Sharpless. 

 The flowers are stamin- 

 ate, bisexual — requir- 

 ing, therefore, no other 

 variety for fructifica- 

 tion. The berries are 

 irregular, conical, some- 

 times flattened, short- 

 necked, bright crimson, 

 slightly glossy, of good 

 medium, remarkably 

 uniform size ; flesh red, 

 and solid to the core ; 

 quality good, and for a 

 market berry very good, 

 having a rich aroma 

 without decided acidity. 

 The calyx is large and 

 bright green, adding 



considerably to the attractive appearance of 

 the berry in market. The fruit stalks are 

 strong and upright, the peduncles very long, 

 two inches and more, facilitating the picking 

 materially. 



The greatest value of this variety, how- 

 ever, consists in its extraordinary firmness 

 and excellent shipping quality. A plate of 

 berries exhibited at the New-York Horticult- 

 ural Exhibition was in perfect condition 

 three days after being picked, improving in 

 quality rather than deteriorating. Its season 

 is medium to late, ripening its main crop a 

 week after Wilson. From what we have 

 seen of this new variety in the market, as 

 well as on the original plantation, we con- 

 sider it a valuable shipping berry for all 

 growers who cultivate a light, sandy soil, 

 and also well worth a trial on soils of heavier 

 consistency. 



STEAWBEEEY NOTES FEOM NEW JEESEY. 



In this State the Strawberry crop is of 

 great importance, and all new varieties are 

 tested with a great deal of care. The season 

 of 1883 was backward, frost occurring un- 

 usually late ; May and June very dry, having 

 the least rain-fall in this period for the last 

 twenty years. These conditions had natu- 

 rally a detrimental effect on all crops, and 

 especially upon Strawberries. 



Manchester did nobly; flavor above me- 

 dium ; prolific, with good culture of large 

 size. In some sections plants blighted some- 

 what. It undoubtedly ranks among the first 

 of the new varieties. 



BidweU does not hold its own, as it sets 

 more fruit than can mature, and ripens im- 

 perfectly. 



Piper Seedling is a good, strong grower, of 

 good size, soft, too dark in color for market. 



THE ATLANTIC STR 



Fineland Seedling, a good, vigorous plant. 

 Around Vineland the fruit resembles the 

 Kentucky, but is more prolific, darker in 

 color, and a better carrier. Although prom- 

 ising, longer trial is needed to fully de- 

 termine its merits. 



Big Bob.— Fruited but little this year ; plant 

 apparently a poor grower ; flavor very acid ; 

 small in size. 



SJiarjjle'ss. — One of the best marked berries, 

 and gives good satisfaction, both in the mar- 

 ket and garden. 



Great American. — Very little cultivated. 

 When it succeeds it is a fine berry. It re- 

 quires the richest of ground, heavy clay 

 soil, and little stirring while growing. 



Jersey Queen. — With good culture in suit- 

 able soil gives a large sized berry. In sandy 

 soil, very poor. 



James rick. — This year's test is hardly 



sufficient to determine its merits; plant, a 

 medium grower. The indications are that 

 fruit will be not above medium size. 



Mount Fernon. — Variable as to growth. 

 When it succeeds, it is good ; a fine grower, 

 of large size and good flavor. 



Longfellow. — Good grower, fine color, im- 

 posing in appearance, soft, sports consid- 

 erably. 



Fain/. — Unproductive ; poor grower ; color 

 light pink, fading into white ; flavor good. 

 Satin (! hiss docs poorly. 

 Hart's Minnesota is a fine amateur berry. 



NEW VARIETIES. 



Atlantic. — Originated at Hammonton, 

 New Jersey ; plant, a good grower ; shape 

 of fruit similar to Bidwell ; size medium, 

 flavor good, rather sweet, productive where 

 grown ; apparently good for shipping. 



Prince of Berries. — 

 Renamed the present 

 season by Mr. D.urand, 

 formerly known as 

 Durand's Superb. Will 

 bo disseminated this fall 

 the first. On the 

 grounds of the originat- 

 or it is healthy, a strong 



medium, shape flattened 

 ovate, necked, flavor 

 very best. Worthy of 

 trial for those who ap- 

 preciate fine flavor. 



Legal Tender.— Origin- 

 ated by Mr. o. Felton, 

 Merchaiitsville, New 

 _ ^ Jersey. Have not seen 

 sill the plant growing. The 

 fruit is medium to large 

 in size, of good color, 

 red flesh, and good 

 flavor. 



J. B. Rogers. 



IMPEOVEMENT IN 

 FEUITS. 



The acquisition of 

 every valuable new fruit 

 suggests the contempla- 

 tion of the vast field for 

 improvement which lies 

 before every intelligent 

 fruit grower, and which 

 amid the cares and anx- 

 ieties of our daily avoca- 

 tions is so generally 

 neglected. A chance 

 seed placed in the ground, says Mr. II'. ('. 

 Bwry, may yield a product the value of 

 which it is impossible to foretell. If we 

 utilize the knowledge and skill in our posses- 

 sion, and, by artificial fertilization, produce 

 a seed the results of which can be antici- 

 pated with considerable accuracy, what a 

 treasure have we not gained! Not alone is 

 abundant pecuniary reward in store for us, 

 but a never-failing pleasure, such as will re- 

 sult from the study of the innumerable forms 

 and varieties which can lie obtained from 

 judicious cross-fertilization. We are trying 

 hard in various ways to progress. Let us 

 not overlook this art. but make intelligent 

 use of the means at our command. Then 

 our progress will lie rapid and commensurate 

 with the times in which we live. The art of hy- 

 bridization, although it has barely outgrown 

 its infancy, has achieved magnificent results. 



