Small Fruits. 183 



roots aud that many trees will be killed. I would advise farmers 

 to mulch their choicest trees, putting it on before the snow goes 

 off and the ground thaws out. This mulch will doubtless prevent 

 root-killing, the thing we have the most to fear to-day. 



SMALL FRUITS. 



I. N. Stone, Fort Atkinson. 



The subject of small fruits has been so widely discussed that it 

 is not expected much will be offered that is new, nor is it neces- 

 sary to dwell on the importance of growing them in abundance, 

 as the increasing demand for all kinds is sufficient on this. It is 

 my aim in this paper to present a practical method, which I have 

 tested, in field culture and marketing strawberries, raspberries 

 and blackberries, which can easily be adapted to garden culture, 

 with slight variations. 



As growers of small fruit, we need to originate, or select from 

 the many methods, one which will enable us to produce and place 

 before the consumer fruit that will not only arrive in a satisfac- 

 tory, but in an attractive condition. As farmers and tillers of 

 even one-half acre, we should never rest satisfied until we succeed 

 in producing a succession of berries for family use, from straw- 

 berries to grapes. 



After thirteen years' experience in fruit growing, and a longer 

 time in general farming, I claim every tiller of the soil can pro- 

 duce an abundant supply of berries for his family, with as much 

 certainty, and as little expense for labor, as it would cost to 

 produce a supply of potatoes for the same family ; provided, 

 varieties and a method for cultivation adapted to the locality be 

 selected. 



We read in the horticultural journal?, published mostly in the 

 east, that fall is the best time to transplant; but every practical 

 small fruit grower in Wisconsin knows that early spring is much 

 the best time to transplant nearly, if not all kinds of small 

 fruit roots in this state. While fall planting may be best in cer- 

 tain localities, it will not do as well here. 



For small fruits, select land that is free from sod and coarse 



