Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 7.pdf/160

154 abundant. A black raspberry (Rubus spectabilis), being rather hard and dry to rank first class, yet with a peculiar flavor; very palatable to some tastes.

The wild strawberry (Fragaria Chilensis) is widespread, abundant and very prolific, so that in some regions it is said hogs fatten on them. The berry is not large, but improves under cultivation, and by some is classed superior in flavor to the cultivated kinds. Several fine varieties have been produced by cross-fertilization with this, among which are the Triomphe de Grand, True Chili, and several other varieties.

We have several wild currants, one a beautiful shrub and sought in the Eastern States and Europe as an ornamental lawn plant, and valued for its elegant foliage and early and profuse bloom of pink and scarlet flowers; berry not edible. The yellow currant (Ribes aureum) responds well to cultivation, and in the wild state is good sized and edible.

Of gooseberries, two or three kinds are common. Ribes Menziesii is a large, hairy berry, edible, but rather insipid, and is not much used. Two others are red and brown when ripe, a fourth of an inch in diameter, sweetish, tart; good for culinary purposes; do not know of their cultivation.

Four or more cranberries are found in the State. Vaccinium parvifolium is a pale, red berry, small, dry, with a very slight cranberry taste, and not used. Vaccinium ovalifolium, high bush cranberry, is a large, blue berry, good and in some localities where fruit is scarce very useful; much sought by the Indians. Vaccinium microphyllum is a red, high bush cranberry, smaller, juicy and palatable; only found high up in the mountains. Another is found in the Cascade and Coast ranges as an evergreen bush, and bears a dark, purple berry; edible. Local botanists speak of other varieties.