J. W. JONES & SON, FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA 
9 
Dorset! and Fairfax 
It has been said that history has a persistent way of repeating itself. 
It seems to be true, not only with reference to the movement in world currents, 
but also with reference to varieties of strawberries. For, again and again 
when old tried varieties seemed to be “running out” and growers wondered 
what to plant, or whether to plant at all, some new variety has appeared 
superior to anything ever seen. For unquestionably there is a slow but 
steady improvement in berry varieties. The latest to appear in this role are 
the Dorsett and Fairfax. For there is a remarkable agreement of opinion 
that they are superior to any known kinds, and of their season will eventually 
take the place of all others. They are the result of scientific effort, having 
been originated by the U. S. Dept, of Agriculture from a cross between Pre¬ 
mier and Royal Sovereign. The former well known for vigor and product¬ 
iveness and the latter for its very fine dessert quality. 
HEALTH AND VIGOR 
Of all the varieties we grew last season Dorsett and Fairfax showed the 
greatest health of foliage and most marked vigor of plant growth. This 
manifested itself when they were planted, for hardly a single plant could be 
found in our entire setting that did not live and sta.t to grow promptly. 
Dorsett makes about 20% more plants; Fairfax are naturally larger. 
FIRMNESS OF FRUIT 
We do not believe that there has ever been any kind that is firmer than 
these wonderful strawberries. Perhaps Fairfax is slightly firmer, as it will 
keep on the vines, even in rainy weather until the berry actually dries up. 
Dorsett is firm enough, however, for the most distant shipment. This quality 
will become of great importance as a selling factor, as the grocer who buys 
them will know that the next day all unsold berries will still be in the finest 
condition. 
ADDED TO THE FIRMNESS OF DORSETT AND FAIRFAX IS THE 
REMARKABLE FLAVOR OF THE FRUIT. THEY ARE BOTH OF THE 
VERY HIGHEST TABLE QUALITY. 
COLOR OF FRUIT 
Dorsett berries at the proper picking stage are medium light in color, and 
Fairfax at the proper picking stage is medium dark, becoming very dark 
after they get riper, and almost purple for several days before they begin to 
decay. 
FROST RESISTANCE 
In the several years that they have been fruited no appreciable damage 
from frost has been noted. This is true of the Premier, and since they are 
of the Premier parentage, it is understandable how they can come through 
quite heavy frost and still produce a full crop of fruit. 
PRODUCTIVENESS 
All tests and observations to date indicate that they will produce as many 
quarts per acre as any grown, even the Premier. They do not set quite as 
many berries as Premier does, but there are fewer small ones in them, so 
that the total is as great and there is the added advantage of larger average 
berries and consequently better prices. 
WHICH IS BETTER? 
There seems to be little choice, except in the color. Two years ago Dor¬ 
sett seemed to be slightly better; last season Fairfax was a little more pro¬ 
ductive. Naturally there will be a slight variation from year to year. If 
you wish light fruit plant Dorsett, if dark plant Fairfax. This advice would 
seem to about sum up any definite difference between them. 
