While there is
a wide difference between what plants can do under unfavorable
conditions and what they can be made to do when their needs are
fully met, they will probably in any event yield a fair supply of
delicious fruit. Secure this as soon as possible. At the same time
remember that a plant of a good variety is a genius capable of
wonderful development. In ordinary circumstances it is like the
"mute, inglorious" poets whose enforced limitations were lamented
by the poet Gray; but when its innate powers and gifts are fully
nourished it expands into surprising proportions, sends up
hundreds of flowers, which are followed by ruby gems of fruit
whose exquisite flavor is only surpassed by its beauty. No such
concentrated ambrosia ever graced the feasts of the Olympian gods,
for they were restricted to the humble Fragaria vesca, or Alpine
species. In discovering the New World, Columbus also discovered
the true strawberry, and died without the knowledge of this result
of his achievement.
I can imagine the expression on the faces of those who buy the
"sour, crude, half-ripe Wilsons," against which the poet Bryant
inveighed so justly. The market is flooded with this fruit because
it bears transportation about as well as would marbles. Yes, they
are strawberries; choke-pears and Seckels belong to the same
species.
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