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Page 40
The selection which places the Cumberland Triumph at the head of
the list is but another proof how kinds differ under varied
conditions. On my place this highly praised sort is but moderately
productive and not high-flavored, although the fruit is very large
and handsome. I regard the list, however, as a most excellent one
for most localities.
The Hon. Marshall P. Wilder's choice for the latitude of
Massachusetts: "Charles Downing, Wilder, Hervey Davis, Sharpless,
Cumberland, Kentucky. Jewell is very promising." A. S. Fuller, for
latitude of New York: "Charles Downing, Sharpless, Miner's
Prolific, Wilson's Albany, Champion." P. C. Berckmans, for the
latitude of Georgia: "Wilson, Sharpless, Charles Downing, Triomphe
de Gand, Glendale." The Hon. Norman J. Colman's choice for
Missouri and the West: "Crescent, Captain Jack, Cumberland,
Champion, Hart's Minnesota, Cornelia."
If I gave a hundred other lists, no two of them probably would
agree in all respects. Mr. Downing often said to me, "Soil,
climate, and locality make greater differences with the strawberry
than with any other fruit." This is far more true of some
varieties than others. I believe that the excellent kind named
after Mr. Downing, if given proper treatment, will do well almost
anywhere on the continent. It will be noted that it is on all the
lists except one. I should place it at the head of garden
strawberries. It is a kind that will endure much neglect, and it
responds splendidly to generous, sensible treatment. Its delicious
flavor is its chief recommendation, as it should be that of every
berry for the home garden.
I have tested many hundreds of kinds, and have grown scores and
scores that were so praised when first sent out that the novice
might be tempted to dig up and throw away everything except the
wonderful novelty pressed upon his attention. There is one quiet,
effective way of meeting all this heralding and laudation, and
that is to make trial beds. For instance, I have put out as many
as seventy kinds at nearly the same time, and grown them under
precisely the same conditions. Some of the much-vaunted new-comers
were found to be old varieties re-named; others, although sold at
high prices and asserted to be prodigies, were seen to be
comparatively worthless when growing by the side of good old
standard sorts; the majority never rose above mediocrity under
ordinary treatment; but now and then one, like the Sharpless,
fulfilled the promises made for it.
In my next chapter I shall venture to recommend those varieties
which my own experience and observation have shown to be best
adapted to various soils and localities, and shall also seek to
prove that proper cultivation has more to do with success than
even the selection of favored kinds.
Nor would I seek to dissuade the proprietor of the Home Acre from
testing the many novelties offered. He will be sure to get a fair
return in strawberries, and to his interest in his garden will add
the pleasure and anticipation which accompany uncertain
experiment. In brief, he has found an innocent form of gambling,
which will injure neither pocket nor morals. In slow-maturing
fruits we cannot afford to make mistakes; in strawberries, one
prize out of a dozen blanks repays for everything.
CHAPTER VII
STRAWBERRIES
There is a very general impression that light, dry, sandy soils
are the best for the strawberry. Just the reverse of this is true.
In its desire for moisture it is almost an aquatic plant.
Experienced horticulturists have learned to recognize this truth,
which the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder has suggested in the following
piquant manner: "In the first place, the strawberry's chief need
is a great deal of water. In the second place, it needs more
water. In the third place, I think I should give it a great deal
more water."
While emphasizing this truth the reader should at the same time be
warned against land whereon water stands above the surface in
winter and spring, or stagnates beneath the surface at any time.
Moisture is essential to the best results; good drainage is
equally so. The marvellous crops of strawberries raised in
California under well-directed systems of irrigation should teach
us useful lessons. The plants, instead of producing a partially
developed crop within a few brief days, continue in bearing
through weeks and months. It may often be possible to supply
abundantly on the Home Acre this vital requirement of moisture,
and I shall refer to this point further on.
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