Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/219

 its culture. Its uses are generally known. A certain species of beauty is compared to “Strawberries smothered in cream,” a portion of the dessert palatable to all, though the beneficial effects of the fruit is most certain when fresh from the vine, unmixed and unadulterated. The immense number of varieties now cultivated renders it rather difficult to select from them a few sorts that will continue the season to the longest possible period. In attempting to do so, however, we give preference to varieties obtained from seed in this country, which resist the vicissitudes of our climate, and give more general satisfaction than any imported variety. Our selection comprises two seedlings of Pennsylvania origin, one of New York, and one of Massachusetts.

Early May—is a pistillate (female?) variety. Fruit above medium size; color bright red; shape conical; flavor very rich, with a delightful aroma. Ripened last year on the 14th of May (season two weeks later than usual). This variety requires to have a row of the Hudson strawberry planted with it to produce the very great crops of which it is capable. It will be a general market fruit.

Hovey’s Seedling.—This pistillate (female?) variety is now universally cultivated in every part of the United States, and greatly admired. Fruit very large, heart-shaped; color dark red, when fully ripe; flavor good, with a fine aroma. Ripened last year about the 22d of May. This variety requires a few of the Hudson, or some other staminate sort to be planted near it, when it produces extraordinary crops. Is a general market fruit.

Prize Seedling.—One of the finest flavored strawberries in cultivation. A staminate variety, and produces a crop of fruit, when planted alone, of very large size, of a rounded, heart-shaped form. Color dark crimson, when fully ripe, with a polished surface; seeds prominent. Ripened last year on the 20th of May, and continues fully three weeks in bearing; an unusual length of time with us.