J. H. Shivers Plant Farms, Allen, Maryland 9 


PREMIER 
(HOWARD 17) 
PLANT GROWTH. Premier plants from good stock will make a good 
fruiting bed of perfectly healthy plants. Premier does well over a large 
territory, chiefly in the middle and northern states. They are usually called 
the frost proof berry and for this reason are grown by more commercial 
growers than any other variety ever introduced. 
SIZE, QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVENESS. The berries are a medium 
red in color, have a medium size green cap that will stay green throughout 
the season under favorable conditions. I still think a quart of Premier berries 
that have been grown right and picked well has a very handsome appearance 
and is attractive as any variety in its box. The quality will compare well with 
most other varieties. It is moderately firm and looks well. Good for local 
market or long truck shipments but do not advise it for ice shipments. 
FAIRFAX 
PLANT GROWTH. The Fairfax makes a strong robust growth of per- 
fectly healthy plants. The plants are larger and spaced farther apart than 
the Dorsett. The leaves are large, dark green, and somewhat glossy. 
SIZE AND QUALITY. The berries average very large. In size and 
appearance they resemble the Chesapeake, having prominent yellow seeds, shiny 
almost polished surface which makes the berries very attractive to buyers 
upon reaching the market. Appearance alone will make the Fairfax bring top 
prices on the market. 
The berries are light when they first ripen but become dark when over 
ripe and are sometimes dark when they reach the market. This does not mean 
a state of decay for they retain their flavor and remain firm for several days 
after they turn dark. Buyers have learned that the berries, even though 
they become dark in color, hold their flavor and firmness. This has given 
them a high place on the market. From my experience you will not go 
wrong by trying Fairfax and see how attractive they are. It is a strong 
competitor for leadership and is gaining in popularity. 
PRODUCTIVENESS. The Fairfax will not make as many plants as 
Dorsett or Premier, but not subject to become too thick for a good crop of 
fruit. The fruit of Fairfax is larger than Dorsett but does not produce quite as 
many berries. The higher price received for berries the past seasons has 
eaused a demand for this variety. It rates as “tops” for the home garden. 
