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AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
TWENTIETH BIENNIAL MEETING. 
(RURAL SHORT-HAND REPORT.) 
STRAWBERRIES. 
On assembling for the afternoon session of 
the second day, Mr. Barry presiding, several 
resolutions wore reported from the committee 
as having been approved and accepted. 
Among these was the following offered by Mr. 
Lyon: 
Resolved, That In all cases in which new, 
newly named, or recently introduced fruits 
shall for the first time come under the con¬ 
sideration of the society, it shall be the duty 
of the presiding officers to submit the name of 
the variety for approval, and that if objected 
to, the variety should be designated by the 
name of the originator, the introducer, or of 
the place of origin, as the society shall direct, 
pending the designation of a suitable name, 
as provided in rule second, section one, of 
society’s ndes, and the approval of such name 
by the society. 
The first subject then taken up was upon the 
"INFLUENCE OF POLLEN 
on the size, form, color and flavor of fruits." 
Prof. Lazenby gave the results of some exper¬ 
iments tried by him at the Ohio Experiment 
Station two years ago. Crescent Strawberry 
plants, closely protected in boxes, had been 
fertilized with pollen from different perfect¬ 
flowering varieties. The fruit produced by 
such cross-fertilization presented the charac¬ 
teristics of the pollen plant so strongly that 
any one familiar with the varieties could 
name the sort from which the pollen had been 
obtained, in all cases. Unfertilized Crescents 
covered produced no fruit. Thisyear.however, 
he said the influence of the pollen used was 
far less marked, and none could have traced 
its origin by tbo appearance of the fruit pro¬ 
duced, Prof. Rudd said they had tried simi¬ 
lar experiments in the West some years ago, 
using the Colfax, a strictly pistillate and ex¬ 
ceedingly productive variety. Results varied 
materially, but pollen from Wilson or Down¬ 
ing always improved the fruit, while that 
from the wild strawberry made it very poor 
Indeed. 
A lengthy paper on the same subject by A. 
S. Fuller, of New Jersey, was then read by 
Ex-Secretary Beal. A comprehensive re¬ 
view of a long series of experiments with 
pistillate strawberries, beginning in 1850, was 
given by the writer. The theory of Mr. 
Prince that pistillates were the most pro¬ 
ductive by reason of their unisexual character, 
seemed plausible; but tests in the field and 
basket proved otherwise. Pollen from vari¬ 
ous stamiuates was used. Boston Pine pro¬ 
duced little change in size or color, owing, he 
thought, to its close relationship with the 
Hovey, upon which the pollen was used. 
But the distinct male sort, Peabody, caused a 
very marked change; its long neck and 
deeply ribbed coxcomb shape beiug readily 
transferred. The same was true of the 
Triomphe de Gand, Mx\ Fuller’s paper 
then treated of the scientific aspects of this 
polleuizatiou theory, giving many natural 
reasons for the influences noted, with con¬ 
siderable botanic minuteness. But his de¬ 
ductions are perhaps the only points 
of special interest and value to the average 
horticultural reader. Thus in conclusion he 
says: "In my experiments with the straw- 
berry 25 years ago, l found the influence of 
the pollen extended not only to the seed and 
fleshy receptacle of fruit, but to the fruit, 
stalks, and the entire plant. Further investi¬ 
gations in regard to the influence of tbo pollen 
reaching so far beyond the seed as to affect 
the fruit sufficiently, in many instances, to 
change size, form, color, and eveu flavor." 
The paper provoked some discussion, and the 
pro* and cons seeiued about equally divided 
iu the convention. Most of the opposition had 
never made auy experiments. Those who 
had, were inclined to favor the influences of 
pollcuization to a greater or less extent. 
A short paper, by E. Williams, of Now 
Jersey, was then read by Dr. Hexamer. Mr. 
Williams bad made some observations In abed 
of the Jewell Strawberry on the grounds of its 
originator. He was opposed to the doctrine 
of polleuating influence as now advanced. But 
Dr. Hexamer disagreed with him. Said ho: 
“No matter what scientific men say 
about those things, that it canuot be, be¬ 
cause it is against all principles of 
science, I consider the theory highly prob¬ 
able, ttndl know that such influences do occur.” 
The doctor made a characteristic aud earnest 
address, bringing out his well knowu indi¬ 
viduality of opinion, and‘eliciting.’frequent 
appluuse.Sk Speaking of the'progress in small 
fruits since 1852. when the first catalogue was 
issued by the society, be said: “We cannot 
hope to get all the good qualities combined in 
a single berry; we must sacrifice something. 
I think the strawberry of the future will be a 
berry of less size aud better quality. It must 
be firm in texture; and I doubt if we ever find 
anything much better than the Wilson in this 
respect. More attention should be given to 
the individual character of the plant. We 
are letting our berries run down altogether by 
careless propagation. Different varieties need 
special treatment. Now, look at the Great 
American. I cannot grow it at all. Others 
succeed well with it.” 
“THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF PLANTS” 
was the next topic, and on it Cbas. A. Green 
read a thoughtful paper. He was much inter¬ 
ested in the hard iuess of fruits, he said, and 
with a view to learning their climatic adapt¬ 
ations, he had noted the similiarity between 
plants aud animals. “There are no functions 
of animal life differing from those of plant 
life sufficiently to define the dividing line. 
Even the instinct of animals, if plants do not 
possess it, what shall we say of the impulse 
that leads the vine to throw out its tendrils in 
the direction of a support, and twine itself 
around it with the greatest tenacity? Or of the 
roots of a vine pushing to a manure heap or a 
supply of water far away? Or of the turning 
away of the vine from an obstacle before 
reaching it ? Man and most animals come 
from a mild clime. They have beeu thous¬ 
ands of years coming north, becoming slowly 
acclimated on the way. Most fruits came also 
from a mild climate ages ago. But now we 
seek to hasten the process by long leaps. We 
take a seedling from New Jersey to Minnesota 
at the rate of 40 miles an hour. The change 
is too sudden and violent, and the petted vari¬ 
ety dies young. We should look to our native 
stock for our best success.” 
Mr. Harrison, Pennsylvania: “I would like 
to know if there is any standard by which 
the quality of fruit can be judged?” Mr. 
Rogers thought the long, smooth neck was a 
sign of excellence in the strawberry. Dr. 
Hexamer; “Not always, I think.” Parker 
Earle was asked to name 
THE BEST STRAWBERRIES 
growu with him. He replied: “I consider 
Crescent best of all with me. I fail with al¬ 
most all other kinds. I use several kinds of 
fertilizers; all seem to be successful. I am 
now planting Sharpless as a companion al¬ 
most exclusively.” Commissioner Colman: 
“Why is Crescent, better than Wilson?” Mr. 
Earle replied: “Because we can grow it and 
get it to put into the market, which we can’t 
do with the Wilson." Mr. Green: “I am nn- 
able to name any one variety that is better 
than all others.” Mr. Colman found the 
Wilson best. Mr. Earle said, “The rust 
troubles us greatly in Southern Illinois: we 
cannot grow the Wilson for this reason, Cres¬ 
cent escapes the rust so far. Then the Tar¬ 
nished Plant Bug is another terrible enemy 
with ns, preventing successful culture of most 
other kinds.” Mr. Morrill, Michigan: “Down 
on the Lake shore we grow immense crops 
of strawberries for the Chicago market. We 
use Crescents for early on light soil, and 
Sharpless for late on heavy soil,” Dr. Hape: 
“Sharpless is best iu Georgia, especially in 
the vicinity of Atlanta. We have none of the 
troubles spoken of by Mr. Earle.” Mr. Engle, 
Pennsylvania: "We grow Sharpless mainly; 
Crescent is more productive, but it does not 
sell as well and never brings as much money.” 
At this point a member started 
BIO STRAWBERRY YARNS 
by telling how he raised a pretty large straw¬ 
berry; for the contagion spread at once until 
eueh member seemed desirous of tolling a 
bigger story. The irrepressible Dr. Hexamer 
alluded to the mammoth President Lincoln 
berry shown at the New York Horticultural 
Society’s meeting some years ago, which 
measured, he said, 14'.,' inches in circumfer¬ 
ence. He said members might believe or 
disbelieve it, as they chose; but it was a fact. 
But just as everybody was content to award 
the honor of the biggest strawberry to the 
Empire State, a gentleman from that obscure 
cornerof the universe known as Rhode Island, 
arose for the climax, and I’ll assume he doesn’t 
waut his name published. He said a nest of 
rabbits was once found in a good sized straw¬ 
berry raised in his State; he never measured 
the berry. After this period of amusement 
rather than profit, Chairman Barry finally 
shut off the big stories and the society took 
up the discussion of 
BLACKBERRIES. 
Stone’s HardyBlackberry,as compared with 
the Snyder, was asked about. Mr, Lyou; “Tt 
is too small, although as hardy as Snyder; but 
too small for market.” Mr. Johnston, N, Y.: 
“I find it very hardy, better than Snyder, but 
small. I j] believe] all the hardy blackberries 
are small. It continues longer in bearing than 
Snyder. We think well of it.” Mr. Green 
inquired about the Tecumseb; bat in vain, 
there being no response. Mr. Plumb, Wis¬ 
consin, spoke of the difficulty in laying down 
blackberry caues for Winter. Mr. Wood¬ 
ward asked abonttbe Evergreen Blackberry. 
Mr. Grepn said it was of no value, though 
very pretty. Mr. Morrill asked information 
about the Mammoth Dewberry, receiving no 
response. Mr. Lyon, speaking of the Early 
Harvest, said it did not succeed with him; he 
bad found it very tender. Mr. Morrill: “I 
have it growing quite extensively, but have 
been deceived as to its hardiness. It was 
killed to the snow line last Winter. But from 
500 hills protected, T picked nine cases of 16 
quarts each. For its season, with Winter pro¬ 
tection, it will doubtless prove a good sort. 
It holds color well after picking; is black and 
glossy, and ships well." Mr. Scott. Michigan: 
“With me it kills dead as a door nail every 
Winter.” Others gave similar reports. Mr. 
Munson: “The Brnnton and Early Harvest 
belong strictly to the South. We have grown 
both for years. Brunton was worthless at 
first, but when the Harvest was planted with 
it, both succeeded well. They resemble each 
other very much. Brunton is the hardiest in 
our climate, as to rust and drought. Both are 
very prolific, producing ]from 5,000 to 6,000 
quarts per acre. ” 
Mr. Hobbs, Indiana: "We cannot grow 
Early Harvest, it is too tender. The Lucretia 
Dewberry is hardy with us, but poor in qual¬ 
ity.” Speaking of the latter. Mr, Campbell 
said: “It originated in Miami County, Ohio. 
It is very prolific, large aud handsome, and 
when perfectly ripe, it is as good as anything 
I ever tasted in the wav of a blackberry, but 
it must be entirely ripe.” Mr. Scott: “I have 
fruited Taylor’s Prolific six years: quality 
much better than that of Snvder; a week later; 
does not turn red after shipping.” Mr. Green: 
"The Taylor is a remarkable berry, very pro¬ 
ductive, and the largest we have. Downing 
considered it among our best hardy sorts.” 
Mr. Phillips, Michigan: “It succeeds well with 
me; bears heavy crops on the lake shore at 
Grand Haven, while Early Harvest kills right 
down.” Mr. Hobbs: “Taylor’s Prolific origin¬ 
ated in Indiana; it is not as hardy as Snvder, 
but larger and much better in quality to my 
taste.” Mr. Lyon: “I discover little differ¬ 
ence between Snyder and Tavlor as to hardi¬ 
ness. Regarding the Lucretia Dewberry, one 
great trouble is the fruit, being so near the 
ground, becomes covered with dirt. 
Mr. Morrill, on being asked to describe hi 3 
method of laying down blackberry canes, said 
he dug away the soil ou one side, bent over the 
canes, and threw dirt over them and passed on 
to the next in the same way—a very simple 
matter, he said. Mr. HUbora, Canada: “I 
have tried the Taylor for six years, but have 
never been able to raise a quart of the fruit 
yet.” Mr. Gibson: “In Colorado the hardiness 
of blackberries and raspberries is not so im¬ 
portant. We cover everything in that shape 
out there; we don’t look for a berry that will 
stand our Winters. Quality and productive¬ 
ness are the points with us. Iu covering for 
Winter, in addition to bending over from the 
roots, we plow the soil up against the canes.” 
RASPBERRIES. 
Some of the newer and a few of the older 
raspberries were next discussed, beginning 
with the Caroline. A member fouud it insipid 
though hardy. Mr. Green considered it an ex¬ 
cellent Iierry. So did Mr. Rogers. He said 
it was'too soft for market, however. Mr. Tay¬ 
lor wanted to know if there was auy difference 
between the Tyler and Souhegan, and was 
told their origin was quite distisct, Souhegan 
having beeu sent out a year before Tyler was 
known. 
Shaffer’s was next called. Mr. Scott: “A 
great bearer—better than anything else; color 
too dark to sell well; excellent for canning; 
uotso good for entiug fresh.” Mr. Augur: 
“It does admirably in Connecticut: a strong 
grower; briugs good prices; one of the most 
profitable sorts ” Mr. Hobbs: “Strong grow¬ 
er; most productive; largest in size; color 
somewhat against it; but one of the best 
for cooking we have." Mr. Hathaway: “I 
agree with Mr. Hobbs, and, besides, it is more 
hardy than anything else almost." Dr. Hape: 
“Itsucceeds admirably South; don’t think it 
is fully appreciated throughout the country,” 
Mr. Munson: “If we could succeed with rasp¬ 
berries at the South it wool ! be very valuable 
there. I would be glad to hear from others 
at the South as to raspberry growing; it is a 
failure iu Texas,” Virginia reported fair suc¬ 
cess with Shaffer's, but preferred Herstine. 
Mr. Johnson: "I think very highly of it, es¬ 
pecially for evaporating, for which purpose I 
would especially recommend it. I have never 
heard any complaint of the flavor. My fam¬ 
ily like it well.” Mr Rennet. Michigan: “The 
color is against it, even here in Grand Rapids; 
it is too soft for shipment ;ioue of the largest 
and bestfor canning: would raise it if confined 
to one berry.” Dr. Hexamer: “Tf the Shaffer 
can be eaten with the eves shut it is all right. 
It is all very well to talk about educating the 
taste, but it is a most unprofitable business; 
better cater to tastes already existing,” Mr. 
Streeter. Ohio: “I think well of it; it has 
more good points than anv other.” Mr. 
Obmer: “A stropg grower, of muddy color; 
berrv large: excellent for eookiug; lowest 
priced berry in the Dayton market; people 
roust shnt their eves in ordpr to eat it.” Mr. 
Lyon proposed to drop the Shaffer discussion 
and the Chairman so directed. 
Mr. Morrill inquired about the Nemaha. 
Mr. Green had found it hardier and better in 
quality than the Gregg. Mr. Scott: “I have 
1.000 plants of it.; it is fully as productive as 
Gregg.” Mr. Munson: “I would like to hear 
about the Marlboro, as to hardiness and its 
ability to stand drought,at least.” Dr. Hape: 
“I have tried it one season. It stood the sun 
well in Georgia, ani did well generally.” Mr. 
Collins. New Jersey: “I can 'speak well of it; 
it’s a fine berry. Its weak point with us seems 
to be its prolonged period of ripening. I fear 
it will not ripen promptly enough together 
for our market. It grows and produces well, 
quality not very good ” Mr. Augur: “I have 
fruited it a little. It is eertainlv early and 
productive—no question about that. In qual¬ 
ity I call it good, not the best. Its fine ap¬ 
pearance and earliness will probably sell it.” 
Mr. Manning: "I saw it growing at Col. 
Wilder’s place: it grew well, but there seemed 
to be very little quality about the fruit.” Mr. 
Hooper: “It seems to succeed finely along the 
Hudson River.” Mr. Green: “I think it is 
destined to become a very popular raspberrv. 
Tt is not. high in quality, however.” Mr. 
Hobbs: “Vigorous, hardy, productive, of good 
size, about as good as Hansell.” Mr. Gibson: 
“I am very much pleased with it. indeed: it 
must prove valuable for market; very early 
and solid; larger than anything I have fruited; 
quality from fair to good.” 
Mr. Morrill asked about Rancocas. Mr. 
Woodward: "A very good berry; have not 
tried it thoroughly yet. but it seems worthy 
of cultivation.” Mr. Collins: “Produces its 
crop early.” Mr. Engle: “I fullv indorse 
what has been said of it. I think it has come 
to stav.” Dr. Hexamer: “I talked with five 
New York commission dealers, who have 
handled the Marlboro to some extent. Fonr 
of them considered ft the most profitable for 
market of all sorts: the fifth preferred Cuth- 
bert. The Rancocas ripens its entire crop in 
from eight to ten days.” “Mr. T. T. Lyon 
asked about the Hilborn: be tbnuehtitwas 
fine-flavored and of good-size. Mr. Hilborn: 
“I have fruited it now for ahout seven years, 
and find it the most profitable sort I have. It 
is about as earlv as Souhegan Commission¬ 
er Colman wanted to know about the Parnell. 
It did well with him. Dr. Hexamer; "T think 
it is not much cultivated now; there are many 
sorts much better.” Mr. Colman: “It has 
outlived many other varieties with us " 
Mr. Hobbs: “What about Crimson Beautv? 
It is a good, strone grower, hardy, of beauti¬ 
ful color, better than Hansell or Marlboro. 
Its onlv failure seems to be its habit of drop¬ 
ping off the bush in pieces.” Mr. Lvon: “I 
find it to bear many imperfect berries of late 
years.” Treasurer Smith asked about the 
Souchetti. which he said the President liked 
very much. Mr. Engle: “I fear Crimson 
Beautv is going to fail in several respects, al¬ 
though the quality is good.” Mr. Green: “I 
never could get a perfect berry from it yet, 
after four years’ cultivation. It’s a poor 
tiling " Mr. Scott said the same thing of it. 
Mr. Moore, speaking of the Souchetti: “I 
think it finer in quality than put sort spoken 
of here to-day, but uotfit for general culture.” 
Mr. Miles, of Delaware, considered Crimson 
Beautv of no value. Turner was ten times as 
good, he said. 
CURRANTS. 
Fav’s Prolific Currant was inquired about.. 
Mr. Smith. Massachusetts, does not like it: it 
will not succeed with him. Mr. Rogers: “One 
of the best and most promising in Now Jer¬ 
sey." Mr. Scott, and others from Michigan, 
spoke well of it, a3 did Pennsylvania and 
several other States. Mr. Lvon: “We have 
a peculiar difficulty with currants of late: the 
borer eats off the bush near the roots. The 
only kind that has escaped so far is the Vic¬ 
toria.” Mr. Augur asked about Lovettis Im¬ 
proved. “It is a great bearer; larger than 
Red Dutch, pot as large as Cherry. 
__ H. H. 
THE “COMET” AND FRENCH JARGONELLE 
REARS. 
I notice some remarks iu the Rural, page 
650, about the Comet Pear being identical 
with the French Jargonelle, as stated by Ohas. 
M. Hovey. I have no apprebeusions that 
such is the case. The age and location of the 
original Comet tree indicate that it must be 
a seedling. In » recent conversation at 
Grand Rapids, with Robert]Manning, of Salem, 
