J. Jay Smith, Esq. - Dear Sir: - The enclosed drawing is a correct representation of a seedling strawberry (Chorlton's Prolific) which I raised seven years ago. The whole branch from which this was taken off contained twenty-two berries. It is a cross between Iowa and Burr's Pine, and, like both of them, an early variety. In form the fruit bears unmistakable evidence of the latter parentage, while the growth of the plant is equally vigorous with the former, and does not burn in summer. It was tested this season alongside of Wilson's Albany, and was more productive and better flavored than that excellent variety; the berries are equally large, but not so dark-colored. During the last five years I have made it the principal family crop, and have never had it fail; even when all others were a partial disappointment, this was a surety. Several friends who have grown it, testify to all of my own experience, and I feel confident that it will prove generally, one of the most profitable berries in cultivation.

The plant is a strong grower; leaves large, dark green and leathery, with well-rounded serratures; flowers hermaphrodite and showy; fruit borne on strong footstalks above the foliage, light red, melting and sweet, somewhat pine-shaped, with a neck at the calyx, which renders it easily removed in gathering. With good culture many of the berries will measure from four to five inches round. From a bed planted five years ago I gathered many which were fully four inches, and the soil' of very indifferent quality.

It has only been twice before the public, viz.: four years ago as one in a collection of four varieties, which gained the first prize at the New York Horticultural Society, and this season, without competition, at the Farmer's Club in the same city, when it was very highly spoken of. Not having any plants for sale, I have been indifferent in obtaining notoriety for it, and send on to you nothing but a candid statement of my proofs.

Yours, most respecfully, Wm. Chorlton.

New Brighton, Staten Island.