Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-03-19
ai4 For the SPECTATOR.
Mammoth Strawberries.
NEW VARIETIES OF MERIT.


Some of the recent acquisitions to tht
fruit garden seem to be greatly appreci-
ated, and have been received with many
an exclamation of surprise and pleasure
So many are accustomed to look upon
the berries of the "Wilson's" as the linn
it In size that the Strawberry can be
grown, that when they are permitted tc
see berries from select varieties weigh
ing three or four times as much, we dc
not wonder at their tokens of surprise.
The largest specimen that has yet been
grown in this country, was one that
was produced last year, having a meas
urement of eleven inches in circumfer
ence. 1t would seem to be almost inn
possible to excel this, but we know not
what further experiments may reveal.
1t only requires now two or three of
these large berries to make a respectable
saucerful, while in times past it has re-
quired almost as many dozens of the old
fashioned kinds. Mammoth berries, in
deed, they are, and well do they deserve
the cordial welcome they are receiving.
l have already furnished description
Of some of them, but there are other
kinds on my grounds whose merits will
be read with interest.
Forest ROse.-The unusual brilliancy
Of color of this variety is one of the first
things, after its great size, that attracts
attention. This matter of color is now
becoming very important quality in
the selection of varieties for market pur-
poses, as berries of certain shades of red,
will frequently command five or ten
cents moro per quart, than will others
OF the same size or quality. For private
,nf o1y
ence, although many like to form con-
trast, and arrange their fruit dishes with
alternate layers of dark, medium col
ored, and light varieties Of strawberries.
The good shipping qualities and fine fla
vor Of the Forest Rose will not be over
looked. The fruit is conical shaped, of
very large size-the largest up to this
time measuring between seven and eight
inches, emitting it to stand in the very
foremost rank. Plants are productive
and early.
Captain Jdck.-Though exceeded in
size by some others, yet the great pro-
ductiveness of this variety, and the ex-
cellent keeping qualities of the fruit,
have made it a great favorite with many
especially with those who are growing
fruit for market. Some of my cores
pondents seem to be greatly pleased with
it. One gentleman in Mississippi, who
obtained supply of plants early last
Spring, writes met do not know of
variety that keeps its color, and stands
up as we'll in the box as the CAPTAIN
jock, and intend to plant it out large
ly for market" It proves to be we'll
suited to warn, sandy and gravelly soils.
seasoa Queen.-This royal berry
seems to combine in marked degree,
the many qualities thought desirable in
popular Strawberry. The fruit is
large, OF regular shape, of a dark rich
color, and in flavor can be olassed among
the "hest.n The plants are of vigorous
and productive habits of growth.
EsseI Hedast1i, Cinderella, Pioneer and
Duchesse, are all large berries that will
be well appreciated by those in search of
veay early varieties; while Champion,
Continental, Golden Defiance and Cres-
cent Seeding will prove equal favorites
with those who may wish an assortment
of later kinds. Great Prolific, President
Lincoln and Great american are three
good natured varietes-each claiming to
be the largest. The experiments of this
year will perhaps help to decide the
matter. .&
1t is one of the beauties of this fruit,
that it can be grown so easily, and in SO
many different soils and localities. If
the ground is well enriched, thsn any
one by keeping tho ground free from
weeds, and by giving good cultivation
will be enabled to obtain abundant crops
of berries. Sandy loans, good clay
loans, and rich gravelly soils are all
suitable: The earlier in Spring that the
plantations can be made, the stronger
will the growth of the plants be at the
end of the season. However, if obtained
from the North, they can be planted out
as late as the 1st of May. A little plot of
ground rod or two square, planted with
selected varieties, will serve to brighten
many home. r. H. HAINEs.
Saugerties- -en-Hudson, u. Y.