The Yazoo Democrat

Hovey's Seedling and Boston Pine STRAWBERRIES.—Several persons were recently invited by the Messrs. Hovey, at Boston, to compare these strawberries. The examination is thus noticed by the editor of the New England Farmer:—Louisville Journal.

After a thorough examination and discussion, the guests, seven in number, were called upon to decide which variety had the precedence, and it was agreed that the opinion of each should be written upon a slip of paper. The result was—Hovey's Seedling had three votes, the Boston Pine three, and one scattering, or, in other words, the person stated he could not tell which was best. Of course, it was a draw game, and it was suggested that another trial be made a year hence. To this proposition no objection was made.

We fancied Hovey's Seedling to be a little superior in flavor to the other variety; the fruit is a shade larger. On the other hand, we were satisfied that the Boston Pine is the most prolific variety. Every flower appears to set in fruit. On one root we counted fifteen stems or clusters, and on each cluster there was an average of ten berries. It is somewhat earlier than the other variety; the berry is rather more globular, and higher colored. Neither variety ever assumes the cockscomb shape.

Taking all things into consideration, we believe it to be equal to Hovey's Seedling. The two varieties were grown side by side, in rows about two feet and a half apart. The soil, of a heavy clayey character, but, from the luxuriant appearance the foliage and fruit stem, there was evidence of high cultivation. The spaces between the rows were neatly covered with cut straw, to keep the fruit from the ground.