Cultivation of strawberries dates back hundreds of years. In 1714, a French engineer sent to Chile and Peru to monitor Spanish activities in these countries came upon a strawberry native to this region that was much larger than those grown in Europe. He brought many samples back to France. These plants did not originally flourish well until a natural crossbreeding occurred between this species and a neighboring North American strawberry variety that was planted nearby in the field. The result was a hybrid strawberry that was large, juicy and sweet, and one that quickly grew in popularity in Europe. The strawberry, like many other perishable fruits of this time, remained a luxury item only enjoyed by the wealthy until the mid-19th century. Once railways were built and more rapid means of transportation established, strawberries were able to be shipped longer distances and were able to be enjoyed by more people.