The following tribute from Rev. J. R. Reasoner, veteran strawberry
grower and originator of Senator Dunlap and Dr. Burrill, two of the most
popular varieties ever introduced--(each the result of many years of
untiring effort in scientific crossing and breeding)--should be of
special significance to every one who grows or contemplates growing
strawberries. Dr. Reasoner is of quiet, unassuming disposition. To know
is to love, respect and admire this grand old gentleman to whom honor
and right are paramount. He has been acquainted with us for years and
his selection of our Company to present to the world Dr. Burrill, the
Million Dollar Strawberry, was a substantial expression of the tribute
presented below. Read his letter:
URBANA, ILL., August 10, 1921.
R. M. KELLOGG CO.,
Three Rivers, Mich.
Gentlemen:
For many years I have read with considerable interest “Great Crops of
Strawberries and How to Grow Them” and have been very favorably
impressed with your fair, honest descriptions of varieties and the
scientific methods under which Kellogg Pedigree Plants are produced.
Your claims of superiority impress me as being fully justified.
Your efforts in improving the strawberry, stimulating its culture and
especially in encouraging the home strawberry garden are highly
commendable. I am convinced that you are doing a wonderful work and
that as plant breeders, you rank among the country’s great
benefactors.
If I were twenty-five years younger and in good health, I would again
engage in plant breeding but when a fellow reaches my age, he loses
his recuperative forces.
My Senator Dunlap and Dr. Burrill were not financial successes to me
counting the years of labor required to perfect them, but the
satisfaction that they have been of such great benefit to humanity is
ample compensation to me.
You have my best wishes for abundant success which you so fully
deserve and I hope that you may realize your largest expectations.
[Illustration: Fraternally Yours