HIS remarkable raspberry, although of recent introduction, has already 
made an enviable reputation throughout the country. The health and 
vigor of the plant, its great productiveness, and the excellence of the fruit, 
all combine to make it one of the most desirable of berries for the commer- 
cial grower, as v?ell as for the private garden. In Bulletin No. 91, of the 
_ I New York .\gricultural Experiment Station, published in September, 189i), 
the following statement is made: "Among the purple raspberries the Columbian was the 
most productive, . . . giving a yield of 540 ounces from a row thirty-five feet long Its 
manner of growth and fruiting is niucli like the Shaffer; the fruit is larger, firmer and a shade 
lighter in color. It yields a larger per cent, of its crop later in the season than does the 
Shaffer." 
The Columbian is a seedling of the Cuthbert, which grew near a Gregg blackcap, and is 
believed to be a cross between these two varieties. It has been tested with most flattering 
success at a number of State e.xperiment stations, and by leading horticulturists in different 
parts of the country. It has also stood the best of field culture, and has been thoroughly 
proved to be a vigorous grower, quite hardy, immensely productive of fruit of large size, and 
great excellence. 
It is undoubtedly the best and most profitable raspberry of recent introduction, and 
wherever tried seems to have given the very best of satisfaction. From our tests of it we find 
the following points of superiority of this variety over others: 
1 It is a most vigorous grower, canes ten to sixteen feet in length, and often over an 
inch in diameter; strong and woody; color light green, changing to bright red in autumn. 
2 Its foliage is very handsome and healthy, light green in color, retaining its health and 
hue until killed by autumn frosts. 
3 Its roots are large and spreading and penetrate the soil to a great depth, thus 
enabling it to resist drought successfully. 
4 It propagates readily from the tips, and never suckers from the roots. 
5 It is very hardy. Has endured 28 degrees below zero without protection. 
6 Fruit very lai-ge, often an inch in diameter; shape somewhat conical; color dark red 
bordering on purple; adheres firmly to the stem and will dry on the bush if not picked; seeds 
small and deeply imbedded in a rich juicy pulp, with a distinct flavor of its own, making it a 
most delicious table berry. ■ ■ 
7 For caniiiiig purjjoses it is much superior to any other for the following reasons: It 
holds its form better. Is of a more beautiful color. Is sweeter and richer in flavor. Sluinki 
less in processing. 
8 It makes a fine evaporated berry, retaining color, form and flavor in a most remarli 
able degree, and selling for fully one-third more than other berries. 
9 Its fruiting season is very uniform, extending from July 12th to August 15th, and 
maintains its high quality to the last. 
10 Its manner of fruiting is peculiar to itself, each berry growing upon a separate stem 
from two to four inches long, from which it is removed without crumbling. 
11 It is a most excellent shipper, never crumbling or crushing either in handling (H 
transportation. 
12 It finds a ready market; over 20,000 quarts sold for family use during the past an 
son, and some orders could not be supplied. 
13 It is wonderfully prolific, yielding over 8,000 quarts to the acre; 3,500 bushes pro 
duced on an average five quarts each, or 17,500 quarts. 
From this it is plain to be seen that this berry has come to stay. AVe know of no ofhei 
variety with so many points of excellence as this. To summarize briefly its main claims: II 
is extremely vigorous and resisting drought. Propagates by tips and no suckers. Fruit verj 
large. Best berry for canning, retaining size, color and flavor. Long season of fruiting anil 
high quality of late fruit. Fruit adheres to the stem, not dropping. Does not crumble ii 
picking. Fine and excellent shipper. Wonderfully prolific, over 8,000 quarts per acre. 
