VIRGINIA Agricultural and Mechanical College EXPERIMENT STATION. Series of 1 889-’90. BULLETIN No. 6. MARCH, 1890. VARIETY TESTS WITH POTATOES. J. P. Bell Co., Prs., Lynchburg, Va. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Capt. C. E. Vawter. Hon. Jno. E. Massey. Hon. J. Thompson Brown. General L. L. LOMAX, President. STATION STAFF. William B. Preston, Director. William B. Alwood, - - Botanist and Entomologist. Walker Bowman, M. A., Ph. D., - - Chemist. D. O. Nourse, B. S., - - - - Agriculturist. •Judge John Gardner, - Treasurer. B. F. Finney, - P. H. Price, W. H. Beynolds, ASSISTANTS. Assistant Chemist. Ass’t in Horticulture. Ass’t Agriculturist ; in charge of Meteorological instruments. All communications for the Station should be addressed, Director Experiment Station, Blacksburg, Va. Freight and Express packages should be addressed, Director Experiment Station, Cliristiansburg, Va., (N. & W. R. R). b 3>0 ."7 wimsm OF lamois AGRICULTURE EIBRARV VARIETY TESTS WITH POTATOES. WM. B. ALWOOD. R. H. PRICE. INTRODUCTION. The culture of potatoes in this State is of such importance as to demand early attention from the Station. Some sections of the State are so favorably situated, in regard to soil and cli- mate, and have such excellent facilities for reaching markets, that proper attention to this crop cannot fail to be remunerative. From the latest statistics at hand it appears that Virginia has six crops, the valuation of which, in 1887, reached into mil- lions of dollars. These, named in order of precedence, are corn, tobacco, hay, wheat, oats and potatoes. It is believed from the manner in which this data is collected, that on the five first named crops the statistics have been more accurately gathered than on the potato crop. Farmers generally know within a small margin how much grain they harvest or how many pounds of tobacco they make, and with nearly equal cer- tainty how much hay is cut on the place, but potatoes rank along with truck crops, and the yield is not so carefully noted. Hence the inference is, that the statistics concerning this crop are not so accurate as for the others mentioned. But the fact that the potato crop ranks sixth in total valuation is no criterion by which to judge the profits accruing to the growers. The truth of this statement will become more apparent from an examina- tion of the acreage, yield and value of the six crops mentioned, as shown in the following table : TABLE I* — Showing Acreage, Yield, Value, Etc., of the Six Prin- cipal Crops Grown in Virginia in 1887. Quantity Produced. Average Yield Per Acre. Acres in Each Crop. Value per unit of Quantity. Total Value. Value of Product Per Acre. Corn — bushels Wheat, “ Oats, “ Potatoes, “ Tobacco — lbs Hay — tons 87.680.000 4,832,000 1 1.095.000 1.894.000 79.408.000 434,663 17.5 7.6 17.0 53.0 600.0 1.2 3,153,126 635,838 652,665 35,741 132,346 362,219 $0 47 81 35 01 08 10 24 $17,709,600 3,913,920 3,883,250 1,155,340 6,352,608 4,450,949 $8 22 6 15 5 95 32 33 48 00 12 28 * Compiled from Rep. U. S. Dep. Agr., 1888, p. 423. Later statistics were not ob- tainable. 4 A brief study of this table illustrates the point as to com- parative receipts per acre of potatoes and the other crops men- tioned. The acreage of the several crops ranges from more than sixty times as many in the case of corn down to four times as many acres in tobacco, which ranks next above potatoes in number of acres under cultivation. The value of an acre of potatoes, according to these statistics, is four times that of an acre of corn, more than live times that of an acre of wheat, nearly six times that of oats, and about two and two- thirds that of hay. Tobacco alone exceeds it by one-half in valuation per acre of crop. The cost of production is the only true standard by which to judge these figures ; accurate information, on this point, concerning the crops under consideration is not available, but the use of the best improved machinery as planters, cultivators, diggers, etc., places potato growing very nearly on a par with the cereal crops, acre for acre. The difference in cost is not at all commensurate with the difference in value. In fact modern machinery has made the growing of a bushel of potatoes about as easy as one of corn. The expense of making an acre of tobacco exceeds that of making an acre of potatoes, hence the apparent average value per acre is fully offset. An additional fact of still greater importance in this connection is, that while the yield per acre of the cereals mentioned can be doubled, possibly trebled, the yield of potatoes can be as easily increased four to six fold. This of course implies the use of fertilizers and high culture. To obtain such an increase, the cost of fertilizers for a potato crop would exceed that of the grain crops, but not nearly in pro- portion to increased yield. Three hundred bushels of potatoes is not an extraordinary crop, and is commonly produced in many places where methods of cultivation have been properly studied. Five to seven hundred bushels per acre are within the range of possibility. These statements are not made with a view to en- courage the extension of the area now planted in potatoes, but merely to show what is, and what ought to be, attained in the culture of this crop. 5 This Bulletin, however, is not intended to deal with methods of culture hut with variety tests, and the foregoing remarks serve to indicate the importance attaching to this crop, and ap- propriately preface the results of variety tests which follow. We may add, that important questions of a practical nature in the general culture of this crop are receiving attention. NEW VARIETIES. The subject of new varieties of potatoes is always one of great interest to the grower because of the fact (now too w'ell known to need discussion) that the old standard sorts are one by one dropping out of the list, and being replaced by new in- troductions. This deterioration of the potato, while affected by various circumstances is, doubtless, caused largely by the fact that varieties are, and must always he, propagated solely from cuttings — the tuber being simply an aggregation of buds on a more or less enlarged rhizome. Hence, when old varieties fail, recourse must be had to the production of new ones from seed, the true fruit of the plant. This is a tedious process, re- quiring time, patience and judgment. The actual results show a thousand failures to one success. And even many of the supposed successful varieties are scarcely ever heard of a year or two after being introduced. It has certainly come to be an evil that so many new varieties are put upon the market each year without sufficient test to es- tablish their value. This evil has grown to such dimensions that the average grower might consume a large part of his energies in an attempt to keep himself posted on the value of the new' sorts as they appear. However, this work is now quite thoroughly undertaken by the Experiment Stations. Through concert of action on their part, in this and other mat- ters, it may be possible to make variety tests a real guide to growers. Under the present circumstances it seems unwise that indi- vidual farmers should make extensive trials of the many new sorts constantly being offered ; they should rather wait and see how such sorts stand the test at the Stations. It is un- doubtedly wise to purchase new varieties after sufficient tests 0 have shown them to be valuable ; but until their value has been determined, it is advisable to use the best known standard sorts. SOIL AND PREPARATION. The soil of the plots used in this test is a heavy clay, very retentive of moisture. It has a gentle slope to the west, w T ith good surface drainage, which it was hoped woul % d, in a measure, overcome its otherwise unsuitable character. But the unusual character of the season was highly prejudicial to the growth of potatoes, and caused a partial failure on this soil. The land had been in grass and used as a pasture for the pre- vious two years. A light dressing of barnyard manure was spread over the sod, which was broken up six weeks before planting. The ground was thoroughly worked with harrow and roller, and w r as in excellent condition when the seed was planted. The season, up to this time, had been favorable and the conditions at the time of planting were all that could be desired. The rows were laid off three feet apart and four inchs deep, with a view of giving surface cultivation without hilling up. A special fertilizer, containing 3 .4 per cent, nitrogen, (equiv- alent ^o 4 per cent, ammonia), 8 per cent, potash and 3 per cent, soluble pliosporic acid, was made at the Station from nitrate of soda, muriate of potash and dissolved bone black, and used at the rate of 1,500 pounds per acre, mixed with the soil in the trenches before planting. PLANTING, CLIMATIC CONDITIONS, ETC. The varieties were all cut and planted May 7th. Only fine medium size tubers were used. The cutting was done by one man, and all were cut to u one eye pieces” as accurately as pos- sible, the seed end not being used. The pieces were placed one foot apart in the row, and covered with the hoe four inches deep, just filling the trenches level with the surface. Cold, rainy weather set in almost immediately after planting, and, as a consequence, the plants did not come through until June 1st. The plots were all cultivated on June 8th, and again on the 20th — this being the only work possible to put upon 7 them, because of the unusually wet weather. The result was, that while the vines grew finely and made a heavy growth, the whole area was soon overgrown with weeds. The season was, without exception, the worst we have ever known for work of this character, and, as a consequence, the results have much less value than would otliewise be the case. Mr. Reynolds, Meteorological Observer for the Station, kindly furnishes the following data concerning rainfall and tempera- ture from May 15th to August 1st. These facts will, in a large measure, account for the failure to secure better results. May, average temperature 67.38 F., maximum 85, minimum 40, rainfall 2.86 inches ; June, average temperature 63.53, maxi- mum 86, minimum 41, rainfall 6.56 inches ; July, average tem- perature 78.7, maximum 98, minimum 56, rainfall 11.01. The cool, wet weather began in May, increased very markedly in precipitation during June, and culminated in July with a rainfall of over eleven inches. Along with these facts must be mentioned that the rainfall and temperature do not fully express the conditions prevailing. There were scarcely two days of successive sunshine, and the air was constantly laden with excessive moisture. July shows a record of but four fair days. As a result of such favorable conditions for the growth of fungi, the plots blighted without exception. The disease made its appearance the last of July, and in ten days not a plant was alive. A note concerning this disease occurs at the close of this article. The time of ripening could not be determined, because of the blight, but in the table the varieties have been separated into four classes, viz. : early, medium, late and unclassified. The separation of the first three is made from previous knowl- edge of the varieties and from the records of other stations. The unclassified group embraces those concerning which suffi- ciently definite information was not at hand. There are, doubtless, a few errors in this classification. SIZE OF PLOTS. In an experiment designed to have a direct, practical bearing 8 upon field work, the larger the area, within certain limits, the more reliable are the results, considered on general principles. But in exact experiment work there must be a sharp limit to size of plot, and generally it is not a question as to how large the plots can be made, but what is the minimum size which can be used and obtain reasonably reliable answers to the questions proposed. The time and critical attention which must be given to an experiment makes it imperative that the area shall be reduced to the smallest compass possible. Hence, in an experi- ment, like the one under consideration, the inquiry must be limited, and it must not be presumed that the results can be accepted as conclusive even on the points noted. The results, especially as to yield, on small plot experiments, must, then, be afterwards put to the tests of larger areas. However small, plot work gives valuable indications as to earliness, character and quality of varieties. The full size of plot was twenty feet long by three feet wide. OBJECTS OF THIS EXPERIMENT. The objects had in view in this instance were : 1. Character of varieties in regard to earliness ; 2. Prolificacy of varieties in number of tubers and general character of growth ; 3. Size and character of tubers in regard to marketable quality ; 4. Table quality, and 5. Yield per acre. The character of the varieties, in regard to earliness, has been alluded to under a previous heading, and the reasons for failure to observe it more carefully are there given. This is a very important point, as early maturity means a great deal to the trucker. Further work in this line will be undertaken. Prolificacy of varieties in number of tubers and the charac- ter of tubers as to size, smoothness, etc., are very important considerations in a study of varieties. The data on these points is only partially published at this time. Table quality, while of prime importance to the user, is not 9 of first importance to the grower. Undoubtedly the grower wishes to produce a crop of as high edible quality as possible, but yield and market quality are the prime considerations with him. The old Snow Flake variety, when it can be well grown, is one of the finest potatoes for table use, yet it is seldom grown for market, because it is not profitable. By market quality is meant those characters which relate to appearance, as color, shape, smoothness and size. These vary in value in different markets, according to the demands of buyers. In some markets the Burbank type will command the most money, and in others the Rose type. These points are of importance in the study and development of new varieties. Yield per acre in this experiment is the point of least value ; not because the facts were not carefully noted, but because the results obtained from such small plot work can only indicate probable results on a larger scale. The results of several sea- sons’ work are necessary to furnish reliable data. In the first column is shown the number of hills actually harvested, and in the second the weight of crop in pounds and ounces. The comparisons made from these two columns are far more reliable than calculated yields per acre. The full plot was nineteen hills ; where a less number came to maturity, in calculating the yield per acre, the plot has, in all instances been reduced to a perfect stand. The possibility of misleading results in yields so calculated are patent to all. The column which shows per cent, by weight of marketable tubers, taken in connection with total weight of crop, as given in pounds and ounces, is the best data by which to judge the comparative yield of the varieties. One very important point to be borne in mind is, that a greater or less percentage of all varieties rotted in the hill, of which no reasonably accurate ac- count could be taken. A column, giving the number of rotted tubers observed when dug, appears in the table, but this is not reliable data upon which to form a comparative estimate of freedom from rot. It is very plain, however, that some sorts rotted badly, while others were but slightly affected. Table quality could not be fairly determined on tubers grown 10 under the conditions stated in the above notes, but desiring to begin at once the complete record which it is intended to carry out in this work, the note was made as fairly as possi- ble. • The varieties were all cooked and graded under the same con- ditions within three days time. Two average specimens of each variety were selected and cooked by boiling with the skin on. They were then subjected to examination and tested by tast- ing without seasoning, and also seasoned with salt and butter. Notes on appearance and condition were made and an arbitrary grade was given each variety. This grade was fixed on a scale of 0 to 10, and it is the only part of the note on table quality published at this time. No variety in the tests is graded perfect, but some stand very high for the condition under which they were grown. A grade of 7 to 9 is quite good, but when a variety falls below 5.5 it is rated poor in quality. The decision was in all cases made by the waiters. The short description or attempt to characterize each variety in a few words, as is done in the table, cannot, for limit of space, be very specific, yet it is believed will not be unappre- ciated, and will add something to the interest of the grower in the work here given. If many of the brief descriptions are similar, it is because the varieties are similar. This fact of the similarity of varieties is well known, and there is probably no expert who could sepe- rate more than a small percentage of these varieties if mixed together and placed before him. This may argue against the value of varieties in the minds of some, but at the same time it is all the more reason why the Station should test and care- fully report upon them. They will be constantly offered to the public, and the facts must be ascertained at some one’s expense. It is probably true that if nine-tenths of the new varieties now offered could be destroyed before introduction it would be a blessing to the growers at large. But who is to do it ? Who knows before hand but the next new sort may be such a boon as the Early Rose or some few others that have been introduced within the remembrance of the present generation ? 11 Table II., which follows, contains the more practical features of the test. The nomenclature here used is, with one or two exceptions, that of the seedmen’s list, but a protest is here entered against some of the names used, and they would have been revised in this Bulletin if it were not that the committee on nomenclature of the American Association of Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations has, at the present time, under consideration a standard list of names of vegetables ; hence, in the interest of uniformity, the matter of revision is deferred until their list shall appear. 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M a &P •” -o *r -gK-S 2 a 3 be 8 ^ £ M a Ha -2 .£ 'S ^ .' 3 w t4 ! lo •s s V ^1 § « s- © © 71 18 THE BLIGHT OK KOT. In a previous paragraph mention is made of the appearance of this disease in the experiment plots, and it is here briefly characterized. The blight or rot is caused by the growth of a parasitic plant within the tissue of the potato plant. Though its entire body, except some special organs which will be men- tioned later, is developed within the tissue of the potato plant, it is as truly a plant as the potato itself. This parasitic plant belongs to that great subdivision of the vegetable kingdom known as the Fungi, many of which are parasitic, i. e., live within or upon the living tissues of higher plants, and draw their sustenance from them ; and others are saprophytic, i. e., live upon decaying organic matter. The botanical name of the plant in question is Phytophthora, infestans. These lower orders of plants are not differentiated into ropt, stem, branch, leaf, etc., but are composed of a thallus or body which in a measure performs the offices of the differ- ent organs in the higher plants. Some parts of the thallus body are differentiated into specialised cells which either take food, form reproductive bodies, or perform other special offices. The body of the plant in question is composed of much branched thread-like hyphse, which penetrate between the cells of the host plant and thus ramify throughout its entire system. These thread-like processes can not be seen without the aid of a microscope. When they pass out into the branches, and thus reach the leaves, short specialised branches are thrown out through the stomata (breathing pores) of the potato leaves and bear on their terminal points special cells which are reproductive bodies (seeds or spores) of the fungus plant. These cells (spores) are minute, spherical in form, and are cast off from the spore stalk rapidly, whence they float away in the air. Alighting on other plants, they spread the disease to every available spot. These germs are either the zoospores or conidiospores of the Botanists. The two forms of spores differ simply in the fact that the former gives issue to several motile spores from its contained 19 protoplasm, and the latter germinates directly in itself by send- ing out a germ tube which under proper conditions produces a new plant. The zoospores, after they have escaped from the sporage, germinate in practically the same manner. These reproductive bodies (spores) are borne in immense numbers upon the plants first infected, and thus under favora- ble conditions of moisture and temperature the disease is spread over a large area in an incredibly short space of time. The spores germinate quickly under favorable circumstances, and ten days are sufficient to destroy a large area. The attack spreads first to the foliage and stems of all adja- cent plants, but spores are also carried down into the soil and there attack the tubers. They germinate in contact with the tubers and send their germ tubes through the epidermis, and penetrate all the tissues. This is what induces the rot of the tuber so well known to the growers. But the fungus in itself is only the indirect cause of rot. After the fungus has done its work, the infested tissue is attacked by one of the germs of decay, a still lower form of plant life, and the rot is thus produced. The affected tuber before decay supervenes shows the presence of disease by discoloration of the tissue. The only reproductive bodies known to this species are the summer spores previously mentioned. Although borne in great abundance, they retain their vitality but a short time, and are of no service to the plant in carrying it over the winter season. It is quite well proven that the disease is spread each succeeding year by the growth of mycelium (the plant body) which has hibernated in the tissues of affected tubers. However, there may be cases where infection comes from other sources. The cells composing the body of the fungus plant are at once destroyed when decay supervenes in the host plant, but many tubers are carried over the winter in the store-rooms or pits, the tissue of which is packed with mycelium, and if these tubers are planted some of the buds may yet have the power to germi- nate, and thus the hybprnating mycelium is furnished an oppor- tunity of growing out into the new plant, perfecting repro- ductive bodies, and thus spreading the disease again. 20 St) far as possible, all affected tubers should be rejected from seed stock However, it will never be possible to entirely prevent this disease any more than the thousands of other ills which the farmer contends with. Intelligent understanding of it, however, and due care in guarding against infection, are proper precautions. Remedial measures have been tried in a small way against this disease, but very few reassuring facts in this regard have come to light. If the season is favorable the development is so rapid, and it is a task of such magnitude to apply a remedy to the tangled vines, that there are grave doubts a, bout its practicability. Where the plants have been blighted with this disease, it is usually believed to be best to dig the crop at once and store in a dry cool place, as this will hinder development of spores which might otherwise develop and continue the attack. The potatoes should not be piled up in a large bulk where heating will take place, or the disease will in this manner be enabled to propagate itself. It is recommended by many persons to apply dry slacked lime to the tubers, and there is reason to believe this might be of some value, as it would tend to take up the moisture and thus make them less liable to attack, as the spores of this fungi cannot develop in dry situations. VIRGINIA Agricultural and Mechanical College EXPERIMENT STATION. Series of 1889 -’90. BULLETIN No. 7. JULY, 1890. VARIETY TESTS WITH STRAWBERRIES. BOARD OF CONTROL. Capt. C. E. Yawter, Crozet. Hon. John E. Massey, Richmond. J. Thompson Brown, Esq., Brierfield. General L. L. LOMAX, President. STATION STAFF. General L. L. Lomax^, - Acting Director. William B. Alwood, - - Botanist and Entomologist. Walker Bowman, M. A., Ph. D. Chemist. D. O. Nourse, B. S. - Agriculturist. W. H. Reynolds, - - - Ass’t in Agriculture. R. II. Price, ----- Ass’t in Horticulture. Thos. L. Watson, - Ass’t in Chemistry. Judge John Gardner, - - Treasurer. W. W. Hurt, - Clerk and Stenographer. All communications for the Station should be addressed, Director Experiment Station, Blacksburg, Ya. The Freight and Express office is Christiansburg, Ya. VARIETY TESTS WITH STRAWBERRIES. By Wm. B. Alwood. INTRODUCTION. r Notwithstanding the importance of fruit culture to the coun- try at large, statistical data have never been collected, from which a fair estimate of the value of fruit crops could be made. Yet to the observant agriculturalist the vast importance of fruit culture to a State like Virginia need not be stated. Situated as she is, with the soil, climate and carrying facilities to virtu- ally command the markets of the Northern sea coast cities, such special crops must be, in large measure, the hope of her future agricultural prosperity. And the rapid increase in con- sumption of wholesome fruits, both in the country homes and cities, invites the best agricultural talent to such specialties, which yield not only better remuneration than general farm- ing, but appeal to the higher tastes of the individual. There is in the present indications no probability of a fall- ing off in the demand for fine fruits, but rather that it will constantly increase and at all times exceed the supply of choice products. Hence, there is no reasonable probability that the present rapid development of fruit growing will suffer any check. On the contrary, the era of horticultural progress seems but fairly begun. However, there is a precaution to be noted : that success comes only with vigilant care and pains- taking effort. STRAWBERRY CULTURE Has been so rapidly extended of recent years that it is quite within bounds to give it first rank among small fruit specialties. The rapidly increasing area which has been devoted to this fruit, and the profit realized from well conducted plantations, has so tended to concentrate effort and capital upon its develop- ment that at present it is receiving, perhaps, more attention in the matter of culture, special varieties, and methods of hand- 4 ling than any other small fruit. And the fact that these ques- tions must be severally answered, independently, for the va- rious sections of our country makes this concentration of effort the key-note of success. As indicated at the head of this arti- cle, it is not possible, from lack of statistics, to make a state- ment which shall convey any accurate idea of the importance of this crop to the State, yet the writer has seen loaded on a single steamer at Norfolk, for a Northern market, five hun- dred bushels of berries ; and when it is understood that these are worth from $3 to $8 per bushel, Varying with season and quality, and that shipments are made daily by steamer and rail, the value of a season’s shipments, which lasts some twenty days, oan be in part realized. THE TEST PLANTATION. The varieties under test were planted April 1889, on a fairly strong clay loam soil, which had but recently been broken up from sod. The land has a gentle slope to the south, and except that it is somewhat inclined to wash, is a fairly good situation. It should be stated in passing that planting strawberries on recently broken sod land is not to be recommended, as such land is apt to be infested with grubs, (larvae of Lachnosterna a S p .), and also the land should be put in suitable tilth by at least one year’s good culture in hoed crops. In this case, however, no better choice could be made. The plants were set in rows four feet apart, and two feet in the row, and were given clean culture, care being taken to remove all blossoms which appeared the first year, as it was desired to get a strong stand of plants for this year’s test. The runners were trained so as to give matted rows. The length of row was quite uniformly thirty feet. Some of the plants were weak and # inade a poor stand, setting but few young plants ; but most of the varieties made a vigorous growth and set a full row. These facts will be given under “ Notes on Varieties.” There was but little appearance of u leaf-blight ” or “ spot,” and the general conditions were favorable to strong growth. 5 MULCHING THE VINES. The plants went into winter in good condition, and on November 30th a mulching of straw was put on sufficiently heavy to cover the entire surface and hide the plants from view. While it is contrary to the practice of growers in Vir- ginia to thus cover strawberry beds, the writer believes that this practice modified to suit conditions of soil and climate is of very great importance to strawberry growing in this State. It is well known that in northern latitudes the strawberry can- not be cultivated successfully without resorting to mulching. This is not so much from the effect of the absolute cold as from variations in temperature. Hence from the character of recent winters the practice would seem not only to be rational but an actual necessity to successful cultivation of this fruit in Virginia. % During the past winter there was recorded at this Station a range of temperature of over 50 degrees in seventy-two hours, and wide ranges of temperature are very common occurrences, though seldom so extreme as the one here noted. The past winter was so capricious that peaches and also straw- berries where not mulched, bloomed at short intervals from January 10th until late in spring, and many other plants were in blossom out of season. The result was that fruits which start early were almost wholly killed over large portions of the State. Strawberries near the Station grounds were almost en- tirely destroyed by frost, and a plantation of several acres belonging to Mr. Wm. Simpson, situated a few miles distant, was injured to the extent of about one half the crop. Both caused by being forced into early bloom by the unseasonably warm weather. It was feared that the mulched plants might take harm from the unusually high temperature which prevailed at times, hence men were sent over the patch once during the winter with forks to raise the covering and admit air and light to the plants. On April 14th the covering was removed and the land thoroughly cultivated. The plants were found to be in excel- lent condition — the crowns, strong and vigorous, were starting " 6 new foliage, and the roots were especially vigorous, having ap- parently grown some during the winter. After cultivating the straw was replaced between the rows and spread very lightly over the plants, that they might grow up through it and thus the fruit be kept clean. The first point wherein mulch is important is in holding the plants dormant during warm weather in winter, thus preventing unseasonable bloom which very much weakens the plants. Productiveness is therefore increased by mulching. As for earliness, it is yet a question for practical demonstra- tion, but the results here, in comparison with, the plantation before mentioned, were favorable. The plants in the Station beds were in full bloom May 5th to 10th, and first picking was made June 2d, being fully as early as Mr. Simpson’s planta- tion, yUcIi is considerably lower than this elevation and situated in the valley of New River. A second but almost equally important point in the utility of mulch is its value in retaining moisture during a drouth. There are none of the small fruits so subject to injury by drouth as the strawberry, and, as it often happens, a drouth may occur even after the fruit begins to ripen and cut off a large part of the crop. A good mulch will enable the beds to resist much better than if the ground be bare. Also protection from late frost can be secured even after the plants are in full bloom, by sending men over the beds late in the evening, when frost is threatened, and turning a light cov- ering from the mulch over the vines. This requires extra labor, but if it is profitable argument against it fails. The best yield at the Station were from five thousand to eight thousand quarts per acre. This, it is true, is an estimated yield, made from thirty feet of row, and no one pretends that it could be easily duplicated on an acre, yet as an indication of what can be attained, it certainly has value. One to two thous- and quarts per acre ought to be grown in practical culture. It is not the intention of this Bulletin to deal with questions of culture, yet the foregoing discussion is given as matter of interest in connection with the experiment. 7 The following table gives the general data as to blooming, ripening, length of bearing season, quality, etc. The letters B and P, which follow the variety names, indicate the sexual character of the flower — B indicating bisexual, or perfect flowering kinds, and P pistillate kinds, the flowers of which have no anthers (or, at least, imperfect ones), and are thus wholly or partially devoid of pollen. TABLE I. 1st Bloom. 1st Picking. Last Picking. Length of Bearing Season in days. Quality. Scale 0 to 10. Market Value. Scale 0 to 10. Value for Home Use. Scale 0 to 10. Atlantic .B Apr. 29 June 2 June 24 23 6.5 5 6 Belmont .B 29 2 18 17 8.5 6 8 Bomba .B May 5 2 24 23 8 6 7 Bubach No. 5 P U 9 2 18 17 7 8 9 Capt. Jack P U 11 5 24 20 7.5 5 5 Champion P 5 2 18 17 6 5 6 Chas. Downing.... .B “ 5 2 18 17 7.5 6 6.5 Cinderella .B U 5 2 14 13 Cohanzick .B Apr. 29 2 11 10 Crawford .B May 5 2 18 17 8" 7“ s" Crescent .P “ 1 2 24 23 5 7 5 Crimson Cluster... B Apr. 29 2 18 17 8.5 5 6 Crystal City .B “ 29 2 14 13 7 4 5 Cumberland .B May 1 2 il 14 13 . 7.5 5 8 Eureka .P “ 5 5 24 20 5 8 5 First Season P “ 13 5 24 20 8 6.5 8 Florence .B Apr. 29 2 14 13 7 Gandy .B May 5 2 24 23 7 7“ 7“ Glendale .B “ 5 5 24 20 6 6 5 Gold .P “ 10 6 a 18- 13 8.5 6 7 Haverland P Apr. 29 2 u 24 23 7.5 10 9 Henderson .B May 7 5 9 Iron Clad .B Apr. 29 2 “ 14 13 6.5 4 "* 4 * Itaska P. and B May 5 6 u 14 9 6 4 4 Jas. Vick “ 5 2 24 23 7.5 6 7 Jersey Queen .P “ 10 2 IS 17 7 6 6.5 Jessie .B Apr. 26 2 18 17 8 6 8 Jewell .P May 5 2 18 17 7 5 6 Jucunda .B 5 11 14 4 4 Kentucky .B h 5 2 “ 24 23 7 7” ' 6.5 Lida P “ 5 2 u 14 13 7 4 5 Longfellow .B Apr. 29 2 14 13 8 6 7 Mammoth .B May 5 2 IS 17 7 5 6 Manchester .P “ 5 2 24 23 6 6 5 May King .B “ 1 2 14 13 6.5 6 6 Miami .P “ 13 2 u 24 23 6.5 8 6.5 Miner .B “ 1 2 u 24 23 6 8 5 Monarch .B “ 6 2 14 13 5 Monmouth .B 9 2 18 17 7 Ohio “ 9 2 u 14 20 6 bloom it promises much and possibly might do better under higher culture. Jersey Queen — Pistillate, fairly strong plant, does not set freely; fruit abruptly conical, side lobed, bright red, fairly firm ; seeds not abundant, sunken. A rather indifferent sort, yielding fine fruit but not promising. Jessie — Bisexual, plants strong, does not set freely ; fruit conical, few irregular and flattened, deep red, fairly firm ; seeds moderately abundant, slightly protruding. Perhaps no variety has ever been introduced with more iclat than this, yet its position has very soon been settled to be that of a first- class amateur berry. It does wonders under suitable conditions and high cul- ture, but has little place in commercial growing. The quality here was good. Jewell — Pistillate, plants only fairly strong, sets poorly ; fruit conical, slightly lobed, Vermillion red, fairly firm ; seeds not abundant, sunken. Has little value. Jucunda — Bisexual, weak and poor plant. Apparently has no value. Kentucky — Bisexual, strong, vigorous plant ; fruit flattened, conical, some ribbed ; bright red ; good texture ; seeds abundant, sunken. An old variety, but one of the best late sorts ; is not very productive. Lida — Pistillate, weak grower unless given best conditions. Has little value. 13 Longfellow — Bisexual, only fair grower; fruit long, conical, necked, deep, glossy red ; fairly firm, seeds abundant, protruding. Seems to have lit- tle commercial value, but has good quality and is worthy of trial for home use. Mammoth — Bisexual, weak unless given high culture. Apparently of lit- tle value. Manchester — Pistillate, a weak grower here; fruit abruptly conical, bright red, fair texture ; seeds abundant, slightly protruding. Old, late sort, of little promise here. May King — Bisexual, only fair grower and sets plants poorly ; fruit coni- cal, some abrupt, bright red, texture fair; seeds moderately abundant, slightly protruding. Small growing plants ; blooms early, and bear abundant pollen, and is a rather promising market sort, if a good set can be obtained. Miami — Pistillate, with also many imperfect anthers, rank grower, sets plants well ; one of the best rooted plants grown here ; fruit flattened, conical, deep suture on both sides of many berries ; deep red color, texture good ; seeds moderate, sunken. As a late berry, one of the promising new sorts, worthy of trial for commercial growing. Miner — Bisexual, many of the stamens short and imperfect, strong grower, sets heavily ; fruit acutely conical, quite regular, bright red, textjire fair ; seeds abundant, protruding. This is an old sort, medium early, but holds out to end of season ; fruit small, even ; heavy yielder ; far better than Cres- cent for commercial berry here. Monarch — Bisexual, weak ; fruit of fine form and beautifully colored ; ap- pears to have little value here. Ohio — Pistillate, good grower; fruit rather small, fairly firm. Only value would be for late market, and that doubtful here. Ontario — Bisexual, only fair grower ; fruit conical, flattened, and lobed, deep red, only fair texture ; fine quality, but little else to recommend it. Parry — Bisexual, fairly good grower ; fruit conical, regular, fine form and size ; crimson red ; texture fair, seeds moderate, sunken. A variety well worthy of good treatment for amateur growing. Pine Apple — Bisexual, strong grower, but weak in fruit ; large, bushy calyx ; fruit irregular, flattened, lobed ; rapidly deteriorates in size ; good quality. Do not consider the variety of any value. Prince of Berries — B isexual, weak grower, of very little value. Sharpless — Bisexual, strong grower ; fruit oblong, flattened at tip, cox- combed, colors unevenly, fair texture; seeds abundant, mostly sunken. An old standard variety of excellent quality ; not very productive, but, where given good care and suitable location, a very satisfactory berry. Should be in every home garden. In some localities quite successful with commercial growers. Summit — Pistillate, weak grower, sets plants poorly ; fruit fine in form and good quality ; only suitable for home' garden, where, with good culture, it may be made quite successful. Warren — Bisexual, fairly strong grower; is of very little value; fruit inferior in size and quality. 14 Windsor— B isexual, only fairly strong; thought by some to be same as Champion, but our plants showed some difference ; however, appears to have little value here. Wonderful — P istillate, only fair strength of plants, sets poorly; fruit quite irregular, lobed, etc. ; has few good points, yet will be interesting to amateurs. PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS. The practical bearing of an experiment should always be kept in view, and w T here results will permit of it should be clearly indicated. However, it is misleading to draw too exact and dogmatic conclusions from test work, hence it is necessary that results of field work be considered more as an indication than as a demonstration or certainty. 1. In this instance it is thought safe to say that the following list of new varieties is valuable and worthy of trial in this State for commercial purposes about as indicated by their respective grades attached : PRODUC- TIVENESS. SCALE 0-10. MARKET VALUE. Scale 0-10. BUBACH.. No. 5 P... 8 8 CRAWFORD B... 6 7 EUREKA P... 8 8 HAVERLAND P... 10 10 MIAMI P... 7.5 8 PARRY B... 6 6 In this connection the whole record of the variety, and also the special note concerning it, should be carefully considered. The above recommendation includes only the newer varie- ties ; most of the old are sufficiently well known. Attention should be cabled to the fact that most of this list are pistillates, and must not be planted without sufficient bisexual sorts to effect perfect fertilization. 2. The following list is recommended for home growers, with this reservation, that it is only intended to advise the growing of three or four varieties by one person. Amateurs will find the entire list of interest, and worthy of good care. 15 The asterisk indicates those which are specially recommended. QUALITY. Scale 0-10. VALUE FOR HOME USE. Scale 0-10. PRODUC- TIVENESS. Scale 0-10. BELMONT 8.5 8 5 BOMBA 8 7 6 *BUBACH No. 5.... ’ p... 7 9 8 CRAWFORD 8 8 6 FIRST SEASON... p... 8 8 5 *H A VERL AN D ... 7.5 9 10 JESSIE 8 8 5.5 PARRY 7 8 6 *SHA RPLESS 9 9 6 In specially marking the three varieties above it is not in- tended to convey the idea that they are far superior to others, but simply that they will perhaps give better satisfaction than any other three. 3. It is thought that mulch, even in the warm climate of this State, can be profitably used. The facts in this regard should be learned by careful tests. 4. It is advisable to plant but few varieties, and select them with care, having in view vigor and productiveness of plant, size, character, and quality of fruit. Pistillate varieties should be interspersed with perfect flowering sorts, usually three to five rows of the former to one of the latter. NEW VARIETIES. * The Station desires to extend the list of varieties under cul- ture to include all new sorts of supposed merit, and to this end invites correspondence. t All tests will be impartially conducted, and the Station guar- antees to originators that it will exercise due care to keep all new sorts entrusted to it from passing out of its control. For full information concerning the co-operative tests in hor- ticulture conducted by the Experiment Stations, qriginators are referred to Bulletin 4, Office of Experiment Stations, U. S. Department of Agriculture, which will be sent to parties in- terested on addressing a request to the Secretary of Agricul- ture, Washington, D. C. 16 The following list of varieties includes those now in the test plantation : Adkins No. 1, Logan, Longfellow, Adkins No. 2, Adkins No. 3, Loudon’s No. 15, Acme, Alpha, Lovett’s Early, Mammoth, Atlantic, Manchester, Beder Wood, or Racster Martha, Bomba, May King, Bubach No. 5, Miami, Captain Jack, Michel’s Early, or Osceola, Cardinal, Middlefield, Champion, Miner, diaries Downing, Monmouth, Cinderella, Monarch, Clara, Morris, Clingto, Mrs. Cleveland, Cohanzick, Mt. Vernon, Crawford, Ohio, Crescent, Crimson Cluster, Old Iron Clad, Ontario, Crystal City, Osceola, (?) Cumberland, Parry, Daisy, Pearl, Pine Apple, Dew, Eureka, Porter, First Season, Price, Florence, Prince of Berries, Galena, Racster, (?) Gandy, Seneca Queen, Glendale, Sharpless, Gold, Shuster’s Gem, Great Pacific, Summit, Gypsy, Thompson’s No. 1. Haverland, Thompson’s No. 5, Thompson’s No. 7, Thompson’s No. 8, Henderson, Hoffman, Indiana, Thompson’s No. 25, Thompson’s No. 26, Itaska, Ivanhoe, James Vick, Tippecanoe, Townsend, J essie, Townsend’s No. 3, Jersey Queen, Van Deman, Jewel, Viola, Jucunda, Warfield No. 2, Kentucky, Warren, Lady Rusk, Westbrooke, Leuella, Windsor, Lida, Wonderful, Little’s No. 4, Yale. FOREIGN VARIETIES. Belle Bordelaise, Triumph de Gand, Montreuil, White Wood Alpine. Royal Heautbois,