The Hudson River Antwerp probably . has the greatest reputation as a market berry; still, its cultivation is confined to a few localities.

Fig. 134. - Clarke.

Where it does succeed, it is certainly one of the most profitable and best varieties known. The plant is tender, and requires protection in winter; it also requires a rather heavy soil, and fails in seasons of drought. It is but little cultivated south of New York city, and the same remark may be applied to a majority of this class.

There are certain gardens and farms where they are grown, but they are so few in number, that in truth it may be said they are not generally successful.

One of the best varieties ever produced in this or any other country was raised in Philadelphia. I refer to Brinckle's Orange, which has probably a greater reputation and is more extensively grown near other cities than that of its nativity. The Orange Raspberry should be the amateur's pet, for it will repay him for extra care and culture, and careful protection in winter, with large beautiful fruit of the very best quality.

There are many varieties belonging to the Antwerp family that are really superb, but they require particular care, such as protection in whiter, and a rich heavy soil in locations where long droughts are not common.

Among the best known wo will name the Downing, French, Franconia, Fastolff, Fillbasket, Hornet, Souchetti, Wilder, and others, nearly if not equally as good.

Among the newer varieties, the Clarke (fig. 134) promises to be an acquisition. The fruit is large, bright crimson, and of the best quality. It is very productive, a strong and vigorous grower, retaining its foliage until very late in the season. This variety was raised in Connecticut about ten years ago, and the originator says that he has never protected his plants, and that they have not been injured by the cold in winter or heat of summer. I have allowed my plants to remain unprotected for the past three winters, and they have received no injury, which appears to be quite remarkable, as others of apparently the same class are invariably winter killed unless protected.

To give winter protection to Raspberry plants is in itself not a very expensive operation, particularly with those kinds that have long flexible stems, that can be easily bent down and covered with soil. Still, it adds expense to cultivation, and most people would avoid it if possible.

Whether we have as yet obtained really first-rate varieties that are perfectly hardy in our Northern States, may not be fully determined, but from present indications we are led to believe that such kinds have been produced. The Belle Fontenay and Marvel of the Four Seasons are really hardy varieties; and when the immense quantity of suckers which they produce is restricted to a half dozen to each stool, they bear a fair crop of large and good-flavored fruit.

These last two varieties with the Yellow Marvel of the Four Seasons, offer us a foundation from which to produce excellent hardy sorts. Mr. Charles Arnold, who has been so successful in hybridizing the grape, has already made some experiments in hybridizing these last-named varieties with the native White Cap Raspberry.

Fig. 135. - Arnold, No. 1.

His seedling No. 1 is a pale yellow variety of good quality, and the plant is very stocky and apparently very prolific. No. 2 is also a very promising variety of the same color. No. 3 is a beautiful orange-colored variety, of most excellent flavor.

Fig. 136. - Arnold, No. 2.

Among the red varieties, No. 2 is a very firm berry, of good size and quality. There are several more of Mr. Arnold's seedlings, which we have not fruited, but judging from those we have, we are disposed to think that some of these varieties will be decided acquisitions, as all are hardy even in Canada.