Like the native grapes the cultivated blackberries of the United States belong to several distinct types or species. But their near relation is indicated by the fact that the most diverse types, such as the high bush type of the North and the Dewberry will cross when adjoining, and the resulting seedlings bear perfect seeds. But as stated in Section 251 the horticulturists describe the habit of growth, character of cluster, and size and quality of the fruit of the blackberry without much regard to botanic distinctions. See Chapter XVIII for propagation, management, winter protection, and other information.

Varieties Of American Blackberry

Agawam

Large, roundish oblong, irregular; color shining black. Flesh sweet and melting to the core; ripens early. Stands drouth well where it is hardy. Massachusetts.

Allen

Large, oblong, often oval; color jet black. Flesh firm yet tender, melting, sweet; seeds small; quality very good. Season, as early as Early Harvest. Bush vigorous, with relatively few thorns. Pennsylvania.

Barnard

Large, roundish oblong. Flesh soft, juicy, subacid, rich. Canes are more pliable than most varieties in laying down; suckers not numerous. Iowa.

Briton (Ancient Briton)

Medium to large, oblong, black. Flesh melting and flavor very good. One of the hardiest varieties yet tested. The first public mention is found in Wisconsin Horticultural Report of 1869. Mr. J. S. Stickney then reported that it originated with A. H. Briton of Wisconsin. England had no varieties of this type at that time.

Brunton (Brunton Early)

Medium, oblong. Flesh soft, melting, rich in flavor; quality very good. An Illinois variety, now mainly grown in the South as an early shipping variety.

Dallas

Large, oblong oval; quality good; quite extensively grown in Texas and the South. Texas.

Dorchester

Medium to large, oblong; color shining black. Flesh juicy; quality good. One of the first good varieties cultivated and still grown in several parts of the Union. Massachusetts,

Early Harvest

Medium, roundish oblong; color greenish black. Flesh soft, juicy, good. Season, very early. Popular in several States on account of its season.

Early King

Said to be larger than Early Harvest and earner in season; oval in shape, but irregular Flesh tender to the center, and ripe as soon as it turns black. One of the best for home use and a near market; canes rather short, erect, stiff, with several small canes forming a hill or clump.

Eldorado

Large to very large, oblong, irregular; picked when fully ripe, it is jet black, tender, sweet, and nearly best. Commercial in several States. Ohio.

Eldorado. Erie.

Erie (Uncle Tom)

Large to very large, roundish oval, color jet black; quality good. A strong grower that has proven very productive in the middle States and South. Ohio.