FRUIT CULTURE. 4^ 



the winter be kept covered with water, nor should they be left 

 entirely out of water until all danger of frost in the spring is over. 

 When the worms make their appearance, flowing the land for a 

 short time is sufficient to destroy them. In the month of Septem- 

 ber, if it should be cold, the water should be let on, and the fruit 

 thus protected. It is very essential that they be not shaded. 



Grapes have suffered much the past two years from the extreme 

 wetness of the seasons. Very few, except in the most favorable 

 situations have ripened. These years however, may be an ex- 

 ception, and may not be repeated for many years to come. The 

 safer course will be to cultivate early varieties only, and such as 

 are comparatively free from mildew. 



Strawberry culture requires care and attention to make it a 

 success. Unless the soil is kept in rich condition," and all weeds 

 and grass carefully destroyed, and the runners cut, we can expect 

 but little fruit, and that of a poor quality. But with proper care 

 nothing yields better then the strawberry. The fruit is delicious 

 and refreshing, and particularly so, coming, as it does in the early 

 part of the season. Set in August — they will yield a partial crop 

 the next year, and this at less labor than to keep up an old bed. 



The raspberry can be raised with the least outlay and care of 

 any of the small fruits^ — especially in a section like ours, where 

 the snows are usually deep enough, and continuous enough to 

 protect them fully. Jt likes a rather dry, sandy soil, and does not 

 require very high manuring. The American Red and Black, are 

 very good varieties for garden culture. The habits of this plant 

 are peculiar. In the fall, the shoots will extend themselves to 

 great length, bending over in a curve towards the ground as if 

 aiming to reach it, which they are very sure to do ; they then send 

 out roots, and fasten themselves to the soil, and furnish good 

 plants to set out the next spring. The raspberry bears on new 

 growth, that is on last year's canes. The best way to treat them, 

 is, soon after the crop is off to cut away at the ground all the 

 bearing stems, and all feeble young ones, leaving three or four of 

 the best new canes. Then manure and work it in. I have not 

 found it necessary to lay them down in winter. In the country, 

 where the wild fruit grows in abundance, and where there is little 

 market for them, it will not pay to bestow much labor ; but where 

 they are not to be had wild and plentifully, we may well give them 

 a place in our gardens, and we shall find that no luxury is more 

 cheaply obtained. I would say to every person, who cultivates a 



