J. H. Shivers Plant Farms, Allen, Maryland 5 



EARLY VARIETIES 

DORSETT 
PLANT GROWTH. The Dorsett was introduced several years ago. The 
old reliable Premier has been replaced by the Dorsett and Blakemore in this 
section to a large extent. The plant is a very vigorous grower, producing 
many runners. In good soil, it has a tendency to become too thick and a 
matted row is the result. The plants are not as large as the Fairfax. 
SIZE AND QUALITY. Under favorable conditions the berries are very 
large and conic in shape. At the proper picking stage, the berries are 
medium light in color and retain their lightness even after they begin to get 
quite ripe. The appearance alone should sell them. Its flavor is mildly sub- 
acid; under normal conditions it is sweet and very pleasing in flavor but not 
so rich as Fairfax. However, when the fruit is overripe the flavor does not 
become so objectionable as in many other varieties. In one season of much 
rainfall in Maryland when berries Jacked sweetness the flavor was better 
than that of Fairfax. It has proves especially well on heavy soils. 
PRODUCTIVENESS. They ripen about the same time as Premier, and 
are very productive. Some of my customers claim they yield fully as well 
as the Premier, while others say they do not. With me, experience has proven 
that they do not produce quite so well as the Premier although the quality of 
the berries is better throughout the season. Should you be short of pickers 
or weather conditions prove unfavorable for picking, Dorsett berries will 
carry over in better condition than the Premier. 
