56S 
THE RUEAL HEW- YORKER. 
. 7 
STRAWBERRIES. 
THE NEWER VARIETIES. 
THE BEST VARIETIES. 
“The Truth about them,” 
so far as it can be told. 
OUR STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. 
Key to First-Page Engraving. — 1 . Beauty. 
2. DuchesBe. 8. Cumberland Triumph. 4. Cap¬ 
tain Jack. 5. Prouty’s Seedling. 6. Now Do¬ 
minion. 7. Sterling. 8. Belle do Lyons, 9. 
Donaldson’s Seedling. 10. Golden Defiance. 
11. Kerr’s Prolific. 12. Beauty.* 13. Great 
American. 14. Beauty. 15. Sharpless (cluster). 
10. Crescent Seedling (cluster). 17. Forest 
Kose (cluster.) 
- » ♦ » 
NEW STRAWBERRIES. 
DB. F. M. HEXAMER. 
The large number of new strawberries an¬ 
nually introduced and offered for sale at high 
prices. obliges the specialist in this branch of 
Pomology, to invest a considerable amount of 
money in plauts and to devote much time and 
labor to the observation and study of their 
merits. Few varieties miceeed equally well over 
a large extent of country and in different soils; 
and Out a very small percentage of seedlings, 
however desirable in the’place of their origin, 
retain their moritB when planted elsewhere. Of 
the hundreds of seedlings which I had on trial, 
all of which were, by their originators, consider¬ 
ed superior to anything ever grown, hardly ten 
per cent, proved to bo worth cultivating. 
Nearly all now varieties, when first offered for 
sale, have been grown on the place of their 
originators only, where they have been watch¬ 
fully guarded by day and by night, cultivated 
and stimulated to the utmost extent, judicious, 
ly watered with solutions of special fertilizers, 
the frnit-stalks tied up and the blossoms and 
fruit thinned out so as to leave only the largest 
and most perfect berries to ripen for exhibition 
specimens. Can it be surprising that the un¬ 
initiated who buy such plants, expecting to har¬ 
vest such Premium berries, will bo disappoint¬ 
ed and that even the practical cultivator, 
who roads descriptions of new varieties and 
their promising excellences, with some grains 
of allowance, has about as much ehaooe to 
escape disappointment as be has to draw the 
groat prize in the lottery ? Yot the fact remains 
that unless we try for something hotter we can 
never get it, and it is only by comparing the ex¬ 
periences of growers in different localities that 
wo can determine the general value of now 
varieties. With me, on a mediuui day loam, the 
Great American (13), makes a very strong 
growth, bears a fair crop of largo, handsome ber¬ 
ries of rather indifferent quality. It ripens very 
late, which is one of its principal advantages. To 
develop its best features and produce berries of 
fourteen inches in circumference, as was a berry 
exhibited at the last exhibition of the New York 
Horticultural Society, reqnire more skill and 
care than most growers are able to give. 
President Lincoln is not yet fruited on my 
own grounds, but plants grown only a few miles 
from here, under good but not extraordinary 
culture, on (toil similar to mine, produced more 
uniformly large lierries—some of thorn measur¬ 
ing eleven inches in circumference -than any 
variety I have ever seen or heard of, Tho berry 
is bright-red, glossy, very handsome, moderate¬ 
ly firm and of very good quality; tho plant is a 
very strong and healthy grower. 
Orescent (16 ) — (I J ai melee’s Crescent Seed 
bug.) In this variety the climax of productiveness 
seems to have hern reached. From plants set 
out this spring, I have picked more berries than 
from many others a year old ; and on the origi¬ 
nal place 15,000 quarts of berries were picked 
from one acre ot ground. Of good size, hand¬ 
some shape and color, fair quality, enormous 
productiveness and extraordinary vigor of 
growth—even under the most slovenly cultiva¬ 
tion aud on a great variety of soils -tho '• Cres¬ 
cent” seems really dostined to become the 
“Strawberry for tho Million.” 
Forest Rose (17,) originated in Ohio, where it 
had exteusivo trials and was, by competent 
judges, prououucod “one of the very best 
strawberries known. ” At the Last it haB bad as 
yet but limited trials. The fruit is large, ob¬ 
tuse, conical, moderately firm, of good quality 
and light-red color, too pale. I think, for a mar¬ 
ket berry. 
Shakflebs’Seedling (15 )—Unlike other now 
varieties, this one,previous to its being off ered for 
sale, has had fair trials in several localities, and 
wherever grown lias giveii most satisfactory re¬ 
sults. I have not yot fruited it on my own 
grounds, but from tho fact that, by tho highest 
authorities, it was pronounced : ‘ 1 tho largest 
I 
* Beauty is eomotlmes irregular In shape,las In Ug, 
1. It is oftener as in Du. 12 or U. 
and best strawberry in cultivation,” I have no 
doubt that it will prove of great value. 
Of the newer varieties which have been grown 
more extensively, sufficiently to enable us to de¬ 
termine their merits— 
Duchesbk (2) has proved to be a most valuable 
early variety, ripening with the earliest and 
holdiug out well. Its berrus are uniformly 
large and well shaped, of good quality and 
color; the plant is very prolific and hardy and 
succeeds well iii a great variety of soils aud cli- 
matep. No other early variety combiuos as 
many desirable qualities. 
Cumberland Triumph (8) is a very large, pale, 
and juicy berry, too soft for even a near market, 
but Tor homo use—on account of its groat pro¬ 
ductiveness and size—it is a desirable variety. 
Oaptatn Jack (4.)—This is an immense bearer, 
mnch more so than Wilson, which it resembles 
in appearance but excels in quality aud firmness. 
Were it not for its size, which averages below 
Wilson’s, it would no doubt become the most 
profitable market variety. 
Prouty's Seedling (5) is uot as much known as 
it doservea to be. It is certainly one of tho 
most handfiome berries grown, of a peculiar 
elongated, conical shape, large size and excel¬ 
lent quality. With me tho plant is vigorous and 
productive. On the table, few varieties present 
as beautiful aud striking an apperanee. 
Duncan. —Very early, very productive and of 
good llavor Too Boft and pale for market. 
Sterling, Star of the West and several 
other highly recommended novelties refuse to 
hear, with me, enough oven to give a fair taste 
of their qualities. 
Beauty, Centennial, Pioneer, Bf.li.e, Caro¬ 
line and many others have still to bo classed 
among tho promising ones, but it ia doubtful 
whether any of them will ever como up to ex¬ 
pectations and produce satisfactory crops, out- 
Bide of their originators’ grounds. 
Wilson, Triompiie dk Gand. With all our 
grand array of new varieties—and I have named 
only the most prominent ones—have we a better 
market berry than the Wilson or the Triompho 
de Gand. The almost unanimous answer of 
Unit-growers will be decidedly in tho negative. 
And how many of them have actually proved to 
bo better for general cultivation than Charles 
Downing and Seth Boyden ? The number is 
exceedingly small. 
Monarch of the West will probably, for 
many years to come, bo classed among the 
standard varieties, Although it does not suc¬ 
ceed under as varying conditions as Wilson or 
CharleH Downing, yet it has so many good 
qualities that it must be classed among our best 
varieties for home use and a near market. 
Duciiesse is a decided acquisition and will, un¬ 
doubtedly, be planted in preference to other 
early varietiop. 
Black Defiance and Col. Cheney are both 
good amateur varieties, but too uncertain for 
general cultivation. 
Obviously there is yet much room for improve- 
ujcurt In strawberries, if not m size, thon in 
fcexlAe and quality Based upon the expe¬ 
rience of the past twenty years, I am inclined to 
accept as a rule, that of all tho new varieties 
is-oduced during one decade, not more than two 
or three will survive tho next one. 
Westchester Co.. N. Y., Aug. l, 1878. 
STRAWBERRY CULTURE. 
.T. C. WILLIAMS. 
INFLUENCE OF LOCALITY ON CHARACTER. 
We are frequently asked what variety of 
strawberry wo would plant for our own uso, and 
we reply, “ We don’t know.” 
Many sorts possess individual merits and have 
become like so many friends, each having some 
good qualities, and to retain but one to the ex¬ 
clusion of all others, would bo a truly impious 
ant separation. No one variety will succeed 
equally well in all sections, and therefore we 
cannot commend any one as possessing all the 
requisites of a perfect berry. Some will prove 
valuable over a greater extent of country than 
others, like Wilson's Albany, and Charles Down¬ 
ing, both of wLiob have, in reality, become pub¬ 
lic favorites, while even these are in some sec¬ 
tions nearly worthless. Some that on our grounds 
are very desirable, are not worth growing on 
places within a mile of us, and vice versa. 
Some do well if allowed to run freely, form¬ 
ing a matted row or bed, while others need 
keeping in hills or single rows, by clipping off 
all runners. With us, Wilson, Downer’s Pro¬ 
lific, Champion, Crescent, etc., give good re¬ 
sults on the former syslom, while Seth Boyden, 
Great American and Beauty are notable failures 
except ou the latter. 
VARIETIES. 
The Duncan, for earliuess, fine flavor and 
productiveness, we regard as eminently desir¬ 
able. It is probably too soft Tor a distant mar¬ 
ket, but for home use no collection should bo 
without it. 
Cuaklem Downing, for home use or near mar¬ 
ket has few superiors. Its largo size aud beau¬ 
tiful, bright color, make it specially attractive, 
while in quality and productiveness it is hard to 
beat. 
Seth Boyden retains its popularity as a mar¬ 
ket sort, more for its largo size, productiveness 
and solidity, than for beauty or quality. Being 
rather dry-fleshed, it will bear without injury 
more oarolese handling in transportation than 
most others. 
Monarch of the West also boars carnage 
well, and but for the green, seedy end of nearly 
overy berry, which gives them the appearance 
of being unripe, this variety would prove a 
rapidly-welling sort, being of very largo size and 
of a bright, glossy color. For vigor of growth 
and quality of fruit this may be commended, 
but on our grounds it is too shy a bearer to 
grow with any satisfaction. Its popularity as a 
marketing berry, in southern New Jersey, would 
seem to indicate its being better adapted to a 
sandy soil, onrs being a moderately stiff loam 
and quite stony. 
Cumberland Triumph and Springdale, both 
yield a liberal quantity of large, handsome and 
fine-flavored fruit, but are too soft for any but 
a near homo market. 
Great American and Beauty have doubtless 
disappointed many. That they will do well 
grown in matted rows and with but ordinary 
cultivation, I do not believe. Having been 
brought up by tho most thorough culture, to¬ 
gether willi the use of an abundant supply of 
manorial elements for their perfect develop¬ 
ment. anything short of these conditions will 
load to either partial or entire failure. With a 
like amount ot care and attention to what they 
receive under Mr. Dnrand’s management, wo 
know of no reason why, with favorable condi- 
ditious, they should fail to give satisfaction. 
Cbeboent Sekdlino, proves to be a slender 
growor, but a free runuer, and is well adapted 
for growiug thickly, or on tho matted-row sys¬ 
tem. Its claims for productiveness seem well 
founded, and, as quantity iB more essential than 
quality in a market strawberry, the Crescent 
will doubtless become popular, In size and 
flavor, however, I am obliged to say that I sco 
but little to commend it. Perhaps with another, 
aud a rnoro favorable season, I may have reason 
to change my opiuion. 
Shabpless and Forest Rose, are berries of 
which I expect to report moBt favorably another 
year. Offered with the indorsement and com¬ 
mendations of noted and trustworthy pomolo- 
gists, I indulge strong hopes that these varieties 
will prove really valuabio acquisitions. 
In tho enthusiastic attention given to new 
varieties, some of tho older sorts which have 
positive merits, are overlooked and forgotten. 
The Champion, we believe to bo one of this 
number, ripening an abundant yield of fruit late 
in the season, when most others are nearly 
done. Berries are of medium to large size, 
somewhat acid, but of a sprightly, pleasant 
flavor. We shall plant it more largely, believ¬ 
ing it will prove remunerative 
ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE STRAWBERRY QKOWERS. 
We would advise those who contemplate grow¬ 
ing berries for market, to purchase a few plants 
of several of the most promising kinds, and fruit 
them on their own soil For ouu yoar at least, 
carefully noting the character and habits of 
each. The practical knowledge thus obtained 
will prove of much value, and save many dollars 
as well as disappointments. Of late years it has 
been only the large and choice fruits, that Lave 
yielded the grower much if any profit, and this 
can be had only by thorough culture aud liberal 
fertilizing. 
Probably well rotted barn-yard manure, well 
worked through the soil before planting, fol¬ 
lowed by a winter top-dressing of the same, will 
give as good results as anything. Not having 
tested any of tho chemical manures prepared 
specially for fruits, wo are unable to speak of 
their value. 
Montclair, N. J. 
-»•»» - 
STRAWBERRIES : 
MOTES ON SOME OF THE NEW VARIETIES. 
J. T. LOVETT. 
Although thero is perhaps no fruit that is 
found growing, with moro or loss success, ovor 
so large a portion of tho globe as the Straw¬ 
berry, yot there is none over which Boil, situa¬ 
tion and the season have greater influence. 
There are a few varieties that will succeed every¬ 
where, others in oertain soilH only. So many 
are there of the latter class, that those that are 
generally valuable may be considered tho excep¬ 
tions rather than the rule. Thou, again, there is 
an astonishing diversity of opinion as to the 
standard of excellence in a strawberry. Moat 
persons consider Triompho do Gaud aH that 
standard, yet I know an authority and bo is an 
authority—who considers it scarcely lit to oat; 
while, on the other hand, tho Wilson is by most 
persons considered scarcely fit to oat, yot I know 
Borne who consider it without an equal. This 
matter of flavor varies with one’s taste for sweet 
or acid fruit. For myself, 1 prefer a mingling 
of the two- a sort of lemon-ado character of 
flavor, and shall describe the following varieties 
accordingly. Wilson I consider entirely too 
tart—Agriculturist too sweet and insipid ; while 
Monarch of the West and CharleB Downing I 
call very good. These noteB, where not other¬ 
wise stated, are taken from berries grown on 
good loamy soil—not at all light, and yot having 
no traoo of clay—what would be considered first- 
class garden soil. 
Centennial Favorite or New No. 14.—From 
its behavior with me, it would seem that this 
variety has bcou very much over-estimated. 
Plant, a rather feeble grower aDd a poor yielder. 
Berrios medium-sized and of excellent flavor, 
aftor one can be found to ascertain what that 
flavor is. It would perhaps do better on a 
heavy, deep, moist aoiL 
Cinderella. —As I saw this in its original 
home, a sandy slope, it is certainly a superior 
variety. Berries large, conical and regular, 
bright, glossy scarlet, with a large light-green 
" burr,” making if, iu tlie crate, one of the 
handsomest berries I have ever seen. It is 
also firm and of excellent llavor. Plant, an un¬ 
usually strong, vigorous grower and moderately 
productive. With mo the plant is one of the 
best growers, and I am of the opinion that it 
will prove of oonsiderable value generally. It 
ripens quite early. 
Continental originated by the same gentle¬ 
man as Cinderella, Mr. Oscar L. Felton, of Cam¬ 
den Co., N. J. In size and firmness it iB about 
the same as Cinderella, rather late in ripening, 
and too dark in color to bo attractive. Mr. Fel¬ 
ton olaims groat produetivouoss for it, but the 
crop, lie says, was damaged much this year by 
the frosts of May 10th and 11th—seeming less 
hardy than Cinderella. To my taste it is uot of 
such good llavor as Cinderella, although a good 
grower on Mr. Felton's land and with mo. 
Fowler’s Seedling— A strong, robust grower 
and productive. Berries, medium to large, bright 
scarlet; seeds deeply imbedded, very soft and 
of poor quality—lacking character of any kind. 
Russell’s Advance is really very early. 
Berries quite largo, bright and of attractive color 
and fair flavor, but too soft for market. Plant, 
a good grower, free from disease and productive. 
A valuabio variety for amateurs. 
Great American, Fig. 13, lias with me been 
almost a failure, and Isaw large patches on light 
land, that might bo considered total failures. 
The plant lacks vigor, being feeble, and has the 
habit of the mi tor leaves turning to a bronze 
color and losing vitality. Berries few and far 
between and, to my surprise, quite small, only 
rarely one being found as large as a good-sized 
Monarch. As I saw it at Irvington, it surpassed 
any Strawberry I ever saw for size of fruit and 
plant, and waB enormously productive. But I 
believe it only possible to bring it to that state 
of perfection by one who has devoted a life to 
the study and practice of tho art of stimulating 
tho Strawberry. 
Durand’s on Essex Beauty, Figs. 12-14—I 
agree with a correspondent of the Rural, Mr. C. 
W. Idoll, in pronouncing this tho gem of Mr. 
Durand's collection. It has proved to be of large 
Bize, handsome, moderately firm, of good flavor 
and productive. I regret to state, however, that 
it, too, seems to be losing vigor of plant, although 
not to the extent of most of tho others of Mr. Du¬ 
rand’s seedlings. Like tho Black Defiance, it is 
inclined to stool and uond out but few runners. 
Large size, productivenoss and beauty are its 
merits. 
Pioneer - This is receiving considerable com¬ 
ment at present, but I fear it will be of short 
duration. The plant is of stroug growth with 
large leaf and tall leaf-stalk aa yet, aud produc¬ 
tive. The borry is too light in color, to my 
palate lacks character, and I shall be surprised 
if it does not provo too soft for market. It re- 
Bemblea Agriculturist in plant and character of 
berry, and it is doubtful if it will provo superior 
to it. 
Miner’s Great Prolific— I am greatly pleas¬ 
ed with this variety; plant, a very vigorous 
grower, with largo, rich, clean foliage, and ex¬ 
ceedingly productive. BerrieH large to very 
large, regular deep crimson, of a rich aromatic 
Davor, juicy and moderately firm ; ripens late, 
and holds out until very late. Its popularity 
seems to have been retarded by its being first 
offered for sale when the strawberry'growing 
public w«b inflated with Great American, but I 
believe it has a great future and will win honor 
for its originator, whoso name it bears. 
Pres. Lincoln. -This has not yet fruited 
with mo, but. it is scarcely worth while to say it 
Is ouu of the very largest strawberries that has 
yot been produced- I am happy to he able to 
report that the plant is a good, vigorous grower 
in Jersey, even on light laud, and promises 
much value. 
Forest Rose, Fig. 17.—For two years this has 
been I bo best of tho large berries with mo. Early, 
very largo, conical, bright crimson, of splendid 
flavor, handsome, and exceedingly firm. Plant a 
very robust and vigorous grower, and productive, 
but alas ! it rusts and burns. It has not only 
been affected in thiB respect but badly for the 
past few weeks. It may bo owing to the exces¬ 
sive rain followed by hot sunny weather, and 
fnay not do it again. I had great hopes for this 
borry, believing it to bo a variety of decided 
merit, and so it is if its foliage will remain 
healthy and vigorous. 
