6 
W. S. Todd, Greenwood, Delaware 
the Howard 17, although under some conditions they probably will not average 
as large as the latter variety. The Blakemore variety produces runners and 
runner-plants in abundance. For this reason the plant beds may readily become 
too dense unless methods are adopted to control this. If set early in the spring 
plants may be set 3 or 4 feet apart in the rows with confidence that under ordi¬ 
nary conditions the beds will be filled in. This variety responds well to fertilizer 
and yields well on fertile soil. 
FAIRFAX. (Per.) 
This is probably the result of a cross of Royal Sovereign and Howard made 
in 1923. It was among the selections made in 1925. In 1928 its characteristics, 
fine appearance, exceptional firmness and high dessert quality were outstanding 
throughout the whole season. In 1930, in Southern New Jersey, where a large 
number of U. S. D. A. seedlings were being tested, it, together with Dorsett 
again had these qualities as well as vigor and productiveness. Under the con¬ 
ditions observed, the Fairfax produces more runners than does the Howard 17. 
It is however, a moderate runner producer, not usually making a dense matted 
row. The leaves are dark green, somewhat glossy and usually large. The flower 
stalks are strong and upstanding. As the fruit matures the clusters tend to fall 
over but the later ripening berries are usually held off the ground. The flowers 
of Fairfax are large and are among the most abundant pollen producers of all 
varieties. As a result, all the fertile flowers set fully pollinated fruit. All or 
nearly all of the flowers are fertile and set under ordinary conditions. 
In season the Fairfax is about the same as Howard 17. Though it begins 
blooming early, no appreciable frost damage has been noted. The fruiting season 
extends over a long period. When grown under favorable conditions the primary 
berries, also the later ripening berries, become very large. Generally the shape 
remains very regular throughout the whole season, and is one of the most uniform 
in this respect of any variety. The berries am typically conic. In color it is a 
bright red, becoming dark when over-ripe, its seeds are yellowish green. The 
calyx is large and dark green, enclosing the immature fruit but becoming re¬ 
curved as the fruit ripens. Because of its shape it presents a very handsome 
appearance. It is much firmer than present commercial varieties in the East, 
with a much tougher skin than Howard 17, and will stand long distance ship¬ 
ment. 
Fairfax has now been generally tested in all sections and it too should be 
grown on soils that are not too light for best results. While it does not make as 
many plants as Dorsett it is a good grower and the plants are somewhat larger 
and heavier rooted than Dorsett. Here Fairfax does not ripen quite as early 
as Dorsett but the fruit is somewhat larger and firmer. Fairfax is a good variety 
and one that is fast becoming popular. 
W. S. TODD, Nemaha Co., Neb., March 10th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I am enclosing my order and check for 26000 plants. I had sev¬ 
eral thousand of your plants last year and they were very nice and reached me 
in good condition. 
Yours truly, EDWARD ASKRBN. 
W. S. TODD, Hamilton Co., Ind., May 10th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I am enclosing my order for plants. I know it is late and if you 
are out of the plants I order I will leave the selection to you as I have heard of 
your plants through some of the berry growers here, and they said you would 
give me good varieties for this section. 
Respectfully, WADE E. FURNAS. 
