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BLACKBERRIES. 



The cultivation of the blackbeny in Canada has not received the attention 

 which the quality and excellence of this fruit demands. Again the varieties which 

 were first introduced, from lack of hardiness and without winter protection have not 

 succeeded outside of peach-growing districts. This, coupled with the great abun- 

 dance in some districts of the native species (Rubus Canadensis) has hindered the 

 introduction and cultivation of varieties of more recent origin and gceater hardiness. 

 They should be planted in deep, rich soil, and liberally mulched in dry seasons ; 

 with a careful selection of varieties and good cultivation, paying crops will be ob- 

 tained. In the colder fruit-growing districts the practice of laying down the canes 

 in the fall is generally adopted with profitable results. The canes should be pinched 

 back occasionally during the growing season to induce a stocky growth and aid the 

 process of ripening the wood. 



Of the 20 sorts on trial — unprotected last winter — the following were badly 

 injured : Gainor, Tecumseh, Bonanza, Early Cluster, Wilson, Jr., Early Harvest, 

 Crystal White, Kittatiny. 



The following sutiered, but in a less degree than the last named: — Dorchester, 

 Taylor's Prolific, Wachusett, Wilson's Early, Minnewaski, Erie, Lucretia Dewberry. 



The following came through with slight injury : Snyder, Agawam, Stone's Hardy, 

 Western Triumph. 



For the colder sections this last selection will be generally found most reliable, 

 ripening in the order named. It is difiicult to give a list of the hardier varieties 

 covering the whole season, as these nearly all ripen early. Agawam and Snyder, are 

 close competitors in point of earliness, hardiness and productiveness, but the former 

 has the advantage of greater size and better quality. A good succession for the 

 milder districts is Early Harvest, Agawam, Wilson, Minnewaski. 



The Lucretia Dewberry, a trailing form of the blackberry, has not been produc- 

 tive on light soil, nor has it sustained its reputation for hardiness. From present 

 experience it cannot be recommended for other than garden culture. 



CURRANTS. 



Twenty-two varieties are on trial, made up of black, red and white sorts. The 

 season was a favorable one, and a fair crop was gathered from all varieties, although 

 they have not been planted long enough to give full returns yet. 



The currant worm {Nematus ventricosus) was very troublesome, three broods 

 appearing. The first was treated effectually with Paris green, the second and third 

 when the fruit was larger were destroyed with white hellebore. This was applied very 

 quickly with the ordinary orchard barrel pump. As a rule the grower does not apply 

 the insecticide soon enough to save the foliage, and growers forget, too, that defolia- 

 tion this year means a short crop next ; hence the importance of prompt action as 

 soon as the presence of the larvfe is detected. 



Nearly all varieties of the Red and White Cui-rant suffered from loss of foliage 

 in August, probably due to fungous troubles : White Dutch, Victoria, Baby Castle 

 and Prince Albert were partially free from injury of this kind. 



The following of the red varieties have been most satisfactory in point of 

 vigor and productiveness, and ripen in the order given, though there is very little 

 difference between the earliest and latest: — Victoria, Fay, Red Dutch, Versaillaise, 

 Prince Albert. Among the newer introductions. Wilder, and Moore's Ruby, seem 

 promising. The former is large and of good quality ; the latter is of good quality, 

 but somewhat lacking in vigor. 



There has been practically no change in the list of White Currants, White 

 Grape being rather larger and more productive than White Dutch which is better suited 

 for market purposes. White Dutch is the richest and finest flavored of all the 

 currants. 



