Our Wonderful Magic Gem 
MAGIC GEM is a midseason-to-late bisexual which was originated by Edward Vance 
of Idaho, and since its origination has been grown exclusively by him. Because of 
the unusually large size and high quality of the berries and its long fruiting season, 
it has been possible for Mr. Vance to control the strawberry trade in his local market. 
This variety made Mr. Vance such large annual profits that he refused to allow any of 
the plants to leave his farm, as his profits were greater from the sale of the berries than 
they would have been from the sale of plants. 
However, after we saw Magic Gem in fruit during the season of 1914, we were so 
highly pleased with its performance that we were determined to have the honor of intro- 
ducing this variety to our friends, and we made Mr. Vance such an attractive proposition 
that he could not afford to decline it. A contract was executed which gives the R. M. 
Kellogg Co. the exclusive right to propagate and sell the plants of this variety. We ob- 
tained the entire stock of plants from Mr. Vance so that we might have a sufRcieiit 
acreage to develop the number of plants required to supply the great demand which this 
variety is sure to create. The large acreage which we have set to this variety makes it 
possible for us to offer these plants at an unusually low price for such a profitable new 
origination, and no one, whether growing strawberries for home use, pleasure or profit, 
can afford to be without Magic Gem plants. 
Magic Gem grows the largest foliage we ever have seen. Many of the leaves 
measure four inches across the center, and neai-ly six inches in length. The unusually 
large leaves, together with the long leaf -stems, furnish a perfect protection to the 
abundance of berries this variety produces. No other variety with which we are acquaint- 
ed will produce more large fancy berries per acre than the Magic Gem. The berries are not 
only large and abundant, but they also are beautifully formed and are distinctly cone- 
shaped, just as shown in the photo-engraving above. The berries are highly colored, 
being dark red with glossy surface, and bright yellow seeds, which are imbedded in the 
surface just deep enough to produce a beautiful contrast." The flavor of the fruit is mild 
and delicious. The calyx is a dark, rich green, which adds to the beauty of the berry. 
The berries are very firm and ship exceedingly well. Another valuable point in addition 
to the vigorous nature of the plant, its productiveness and high quality of fruit, is the 
fact that it is an exceptionally strong bisexual. 
Judging from the performance of this variety in Idaho and on our farm in Michigan, 
we are confident that it will succeed universally. All points considered, this variety is 
most appropriately named, as it surely is magical in its productive powers, and the ber- 
ries it produces so abundantly are gems of beauty and deliciousness. 
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