The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1907-08-07
TIMELY TOPICS.
The New Pineapple introduced by the Agricultural
Department During the Past Year Described.
Edited by w. E. Pabor.

Of Agriculture Tor 1900, recently issu-
ed, adds another volume of value to
the book shelf OF the agriculturist
who reads as we'll as works. While
there is not a great deal within it's
covers peculiarly Of interest to the
Florida farmer Or fruit grower, still
the article by Herbert J. Weber on
new citrus and pineapple productions
OF the department, shows that one of
our specialties-that Of the pineapple
is not being neglected.
Last year several new varieties
were announced and described in the
Year Book, and this year adds to
their number. AS to whether these
will eventually displace the two vari-
cites that now hold first rank for
commercial purpOseS-the Red Span
1sh Of open field and Smooth Cayenne
Of shed culture,-time and experience
must determine.
The six new varieties that were de-
scribed last year and specimen plants
sent out to certain localities in South
Florida, were named Miami, Semi
mole, Eden, Matthams, Deliciosa and
Gale. Since that time, the report says,
the Miami has proven to be one Of
the best appearing fruits Of these va
rious hybrids but, while of fairly
rood quality, is much inferior in this
regard to some Of the others. It is,
however, apparently a good shipper
and, as its quality is certainly CD SUI
perior to that of the ordinary vari-
cites Of pineapples, it should prove
a desirable sort" True, if Of superior
quality. | have four plants in my ex-
perimental patch that were received
late last fall, passed safely-thanks to
the watering pot-through the eight
months drouth and are now making
fine growth, but will not, Of course,
fruit this season. [ also have plants
of all the six named above, except
the Seminole and Gale these two
were not received, as none were Of
size large enough to send out at that
time
The Matthams 'has proven to be an
all-round good sort" It seems odd
to. read what follows. "At the grad
uate school of agriculture held at the
University Of Illinois (don't think I
have made mistake in the name of
the state), held in July, 1906, Prof.
Weber had the pleasure of having a
large number Of these hybrids tested
by the various students and instruct
ors, fully fifty persons having taken
part i'll the test. A vote on the quail
ity Of the fruit tested resulted in an
almost unanimous vote in favor of
Matthams first, Eden for second, and
Miami for third place. The Seminole
and Gale were not fruiting in guam
titles to be entered for testing. The
Matthams is a yellow heshed variety
of a rich, sweet flavor which, on first
testing is likely to be preferred by
many people, Prof. Weber, how
ever, believes it to be inferior to the
Eden and Deliciosa.
Seven new varieties are described
in this new and most interesting Ito
Weber. Six Of these ESQ., are of the
smooth-leaved kind, which gives us,
for future exploitation, nine where
heretofore we have had only one.
the Smooth Cayenne Only those who
have worked in Red Spanish planta-
tons will be able to fully appreciate
this particular feature of the new va
rieties. Scratched hands and shins
are some day, perhaps, but memories
Of the past
Pineapple hybrid No. 90, now known
as Deliciosa, is said to be stated
as the standard of excellence, reach
ing, in jury parlance, the perfection
total of 100 points presume But