304, 
AMERICAN AG-RICULTUMST. 
[August, 
engraving gives a representation of the 
plant, reduced, of course, in size. This 
Ci'inum is a native of the river swamps 
of Florida, and it will probably be nec- 
essary to take up the bulbs at the ap- 
proach of winter. We shall be very glad 
if Mr. Allen succeeds in adding this 
to our list of popular bulbs ; aside from 
the fact that it is a native plant — which 
we are always pleased to see brought 
into cultivation — it has merits of its 
own which will commend it- to those 
who love delicate and modest flowers. 
Notes on Strawberries. 
In conversation with an experienced 
strawberry amateur a short time ago, 
he remarked that we had made no 
progress in strawberries in ten years — 
indeed, that our present varieties were 
not so good as those that were popular 
ten years ago. Our friend was nearly 
right; we have allowed many excellent 
varieties to fall into neglect, and instead, 
accepted fruit that was eitherof large size 
or very productive. The ease with which 
the Wilson can be raised has caused 
fruit which required careful cultivation 
to be discarded ; and the enormous size 
of the Seth Boyden has made us forget 
the flavor of such varieties as Hovey's 
Seedling and Hooker. Then again 
the introduction of such musky varieties 
as the Triomphc de Gand, which has 
but little strawberry taste about it, has 
created a false staudard of flavor. We 
would not be understood as condemn- 
ing large berries, but size cannot com- 
pensate for lack of flavor. The grower 
for market needs a productive fruit, one 
that is sufficiently firm to carry well, and of 
good color and size. The amateur who grows 
for his own table will be content with fewer 
berries of a high flavor, and the ability to bear 
transportation is of no consequence to him. We 
append a few notes on some of the newer varie- 
ties we have grown or have tested this season. 
Nicanor. — We fruited this variety on young 
plants put out last fall, and have seen it on two- 
year-old plants under the best treatment, and 
wonder why so little has been said about it. It 
is vigorous, hard}', and in productiveness it is 
remarkable, if not unequalled. The berry, 
though not of the largest, is of good size, a 
bright scarlet, and of excellent quality. Our 
illustration, (fig. 1,) is from only a medium-sized 
berry. Should this variety, in other parts of 
the country do as well as in the instances re- 
ferred to, it must become a popular fruit. 
LATE PROLIFIC. 
Seth Boyden. — This was first exhibited as 
Boyden's No. 30. Three years ago we de- 
THE AMERICAS CRINU1I. 
scribed and figured it as " Seth Boyden," and 
since the death of the originator, this name has 
1. — NICANOR. 
been generally adopted. It stands at the head 
of the large berries, being a good bearer, of a 
fine shape, and little disposed to cockscomb, and 
its conspicuous polished neck makes it showy 
and attractive. It unfortunately lacks flavor 
and is rather soft, but it is the best large 
berry yet introduced into general cultivation. 
Colfax. — This variety was heralded a year or 
two ago, as something remarkable. Dr. Hex- 
amer recently exhibited it as the "poorest 
strawberry ever grown," a statement that both 
its appearance and taste confirmed. 
Late Prolific. — E. AT. Durand, Irvington, N. 
J. This variety took the prize at B. K. Bliss 
& Sons' Exhibition, as the best variety not before 
exhibited. It is a cross between Haquin and a 
seedling of Mr. Durand's, which was itself a 
cross between Green Prolific and Triomphe 
de Gand. Hermaphrodite. The foliage is 
very vigorous, of a dark green, and endures 
the sun. The fruit of the largest 
size; obtusely conical, and not inclined 
to cockscomb. Seeds in medium de- 
pressions ; surface brilliant, bright crim- 
son ; flesh crimson with a few white 
streaks, very juicy, with a rich, spright- 
ly flavor. On Mr. Durand's grounds 
this is certainly a very promising berry, 
but Mr. D. wisely declines to dissem- 
inate it until he is thoroughly satisfied 
that it retains its good qualities. (Fig. 3.) 
Rubis. — Mr. Louis Eilz, of San Souci 
Fruit Farm, Plaiuville, Ohio, has a re- 
markable collection of novelties, espe- 
cially of foreign varieties. He sent us 
a number of varieties for trial, and 
though small plants, some of them fruit- 
ed. One of them, Rubis, pleased us so 
much that we have figured it, (fig. 2,) 
though being the product of a plant set 
out this spring, it cannot do justice in 
size. This variety originated with Dr. 
Nicaise, iu 1868. The berry is bright 
scarlet, and very glossy ; seeds but little 
imbedded; flesh rosy- white, solid, juicy 
sweet, and of excellent flavor. It is not 
safe to commend a berry with so slight 
an experience with it, but it is a va- 
riety of which we have strong hopes. 
Her Majesty is another new sort from 
Mr. Ritz. The few berries we had 
were large, of a fine carmine color, and 
possessing excellent characters, being 
fine, sweet, and of delicious flavor. 
Mexican Everbearing. It will be expect- 
ed that we shall say something of this 
bone of contention. We have it grow- 
ing, and if it is in any important char- 
acter different from, or better than, tbe 
Month!}' Alpine, we are unable to see 
it. Mr. Meehan finds a difference in the young 
leaves, but as we do not grow the plant for 
leaves, that has no practical bearing. There 
are some who fancy Alpine strawberries, and 
these will be pleased with the Mexican, Autumn 
Galande, or a half-dozen others, the chief dif- 
ference in which consists in the name. A pot 
each of the Mexican and Alpine was exhibited 
at Bliss & Sons' show, without labels. There 
were many persons present who are practical 
strawborry growers, and none of them could 
see in what particular the plants differed. 
Black Defiance. — (Fig. 4) Another seedling 
by Mr. Durand, which received the premium at 
the N. J. State Fair in 1868. It was exhibited 
at B. K. Bliss & Sons' show, where it attracted 
much attention by its large size and very dark 
rich color. This year it has not proved as 
Fig. 4. — BLACK DEi-'IAJSCE. 
abundant a bearer as heretofore. Its richness of 
color and flavor will commend it to the amateur. 
