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690 Report OF THE ASSISTANT HortTIcULTURIST OF THE f 
RASPBERRIES. 
Several of the new varieties tested here give promise 
of being additions to the popular varieties now in the 
market. Amongst them, the Columbian is probably the best in 
the purple class. This variety resembles in a marked degree 
the Shaffer, and it would necessitate a thorough knowledge of 
each variety for one to distinguish the fruits of them, one from 
fhe other. The growth of the Columbian is, however, more vigorous 
than the Shaffer, and with one season’s test more productive; 
“aS its season is later, it will probahly be a desirable variety 
ito plant with Shaffer, thereby lenythening the fruiting 
season in sections where the latter is grown for canning purposes. 
The originator of the Columbian claims that this variety does 
mot shrink as badly as others in the operation of canning, and is, 
therefore, very desirable for that purpose. It retains its peculiar 
rich flavor when canned, and on the whole, is well worth trial. — 
The Royal Church, as tested here, has many good qualities 
to recommend it. The growth of canes is abundant, the foliage 
a rich dark green: leaves crinkled, resembling very much some 
foreign varieties. The fruits are of large size, quite firm, a beau- 
tiful dark red, and of extra quality. If it proves as productive 
as if gives proniise, it will become a prominent variety. ) 
Cardinal, a Kansas berry, resembles Shaffer in color, but is not so 
yigorons or productive. It may be able to stand extremes of 
weather better than the latter, but longer trial is necessary in order 
to recommend it above other well-known varicties. 
Of the Blackcaps, three seedlings from Uharles Mills, of Fair- 
mount, N. Y., Nos. 1, 7, and 15, each of them a pedigree variety, | 
give promise of being valuable sorts. They are crosses between 
the Gregg and the Tyler. No. 1 yields fruit of good size and quite 
‘firm, but was not extra productive this seasun. No. 7 bears enor- . 
zous berries, jet black, firm as Gregg and same season. This, I ES 
think, will become a valuable acquisition. No. 15 is a very vigorous 
vrower and fairly productive; berries of good size, extra tlayor 
and very sweet. 
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