The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1905-03-29
THE WIZARD or HORTICULTURE.

Public attention has recently beer
attracted to the work of Luther Bur
bank, the 'wizard Of horticulture
through the action of the Carnegie In.
stitute in granting him an annuity o
go, 600 a year to continue his expert
ments. Burbank is now the greatest
living horticultural authority and to
his credit are a host of achievements
that tax the credulity of the layman to
believe. During a third of a century
this remarkable man has been busy in
natures laboratory literally "paint.
ing the lily" and improving the varie-
ties of many growing things, includ-
ing vegetables, fruits, flowers and for.
age plants.
Although born in Massachusetts,
Burbank went to California early in
life, attracted to the coast land by the
more salubrious climate and more
favorable opportunities for pursuing
his studies and experiments. Since
settling in California he has worked
constantly in his experimental gar
dens until they have become the Mecca
for scientific pilgrims of an horticul.
tural turn.
There are few farmers of the Uuited
States who are not familiar with the
famous Burbank potato, which as a
variety was developed by Mr.. Bur-
bank before he went to California.
While this achievement was notable
and gained for the young experiment
err wide recognition, it was only the
beginning. In California he started
experimenting with the plum, and Don
produced a variety now grown all
over the world. This work revolu-
tionized the plum trade. Burbank
next turned to the pruno. The Cali
fornia %orchardists We're growing u
small German prune, which when dried
consisted mostly of pit and skin. He
developed the prune until now there
are hundreds of acres of orchards in
California producing prunes four
times the original size and of delecta.
bic flavor.
Among the more picturesque achieve
meuts of Mr.. Burbank was the elimin-
alton of seeds from oranges and the
pits from plums. He has also devel.
oped blackberries of great size and Of
many colors. His ,hornless rasp.
berry hasn't a pricker on it and was
evolved after seventeen years Of study.
He has also made exhaustive expert.
ments with sugar can and bamboo,
the latter having been acclima-
ted to California. One of the most
wonderful things accomplished by Mr..
Burbank was the development of the
thornless cactus, which, 1t is predicted
will rob the desert of its chief terror.
The wild cactus contains a heart that is
suitable for foodland it also yields a
grateful moisture. But the plant Is SO
covered with dangerous thorns that,
unless one is u plainsman, he can OBJ
tain neither food nor drink from it,
The Burbank development, it is said.
will prove a great blessing, as it car
be p%ropagated in the most desolate O.
regions and will not only furnish
s%ustenance for man, but is an excel
lent forage for animals.
Among tlowers this wonderful in
v~estigator has changed form and color
to suit his whims and has general,
played havoc with natures own sys
tenn. His latest creation, however
and the most marvellous thing he ha
yet produced, is the everlasting Aus
tralian flower. This is Il large PIN
flower that does not shed its petal
either on the tree or when cut from ii
The petals always retain their bril-
liant coloriugs and the colors may b
changed to suit the fancy OF the cult
vator This flower can be used 70
trimming hats, being far more bcauti
tul than artificial blossoms now en-
ployed by milliners.
Although be has done SO much i
his chosen field of Investigation, NJ,
Burbank is very modest aud retiring
He rarely sees the idly curious visi
tors to his establishment, and says h
is too busy to attend conventions o
to prepare technical treatiscs. n
pecuniary reward al tempt him frOi
his beloved gardens, where, amid thei
varieg ated iloral loneliness, he hope
to end his days.