246 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



the fence, and about four feet distant in the row, planting the 

 second row six feet distant from the first; next plant a row of 

 red raspberries six feet from the last, and two and one-half or 

 three feet apart. These rows I would not have run the entire 

 length of the garden, but would fill out the end of each for about 

 thirty feet with Snyder blackberry. The reason for this is that 

 a row of blackberries planted along with other fruits would soon 

 become troublesome on account of their disposition to propagate 

 from the roots. ]^ext I would set two rows of Red Dutch currant 

 six feet from the last row, and six feet apart; plants distant in the 

 row, four feet. This quantity of fruit, shrubbery and vines, if well 

 cared for, will furnish all the fruit that a large family can con- 

 sume while fresh, and afford a supply for canning, drying or pre- 

 serving. Should they some seasons produce more than can be 

 used, we will always have some neighbor without a garden who 

 will be ready to purchase the surplus at a remunerating price. 

 A row of asparagus will now finish the permanent plantation. 

 This plant delights in a warm, rich soil, and pays well for liberal 

 manuring. This row may be six feet from the currant bushes, 

 or on the other side of the garden, eight or ten feet from the 

 grapes. 



i^ow the cheapest and best way to make the asparagus bed is 

 to use a strong team and plow and run back and forth until a 

 ditch is opened, say three feet wide and fifteen inches deep. In 

 the bottom of this ditch place six inches of strong, well rotted 

 manure — that from stall-fed cattle is the best — and run the plow 

 through again to somewhat mix it with the soil below; then plow 

 the soil back until the ditch is filled. Xow we are ready for the 

 plants. Having secured well grown two-year-old roots, with the 

 plow or a spade open a straight furrow, eight inches deep, drop 

 the plants in the furrow eighteen inches to two feet apart, stretch 

 a line so that the crown of the plants will come under it, and 

 make the row absolutely straight. Next s)n*ead out the roots in 

 a natural position and draw about three inches of soil over them, 

 then press it down, being careful to throw out all gravel and 

 stones. After the sprouts have appeared, give frequent hoeing, 

 each time drawing a little more earth over them until the ditch 



