SMALL FRUITS. 



BY JEREMIAH BROWN, OF BATTLE CREEK. 



RASPBERRIES. 



After a trial of many varieties for a long time, I have abandoned the culti- 

 vation of any but the Philadelphia and Clark (both red), and the Doolittle, 

 and an accidental seedling discovered on my farm in 1865. These are both 

 blackcaps, and are perfectly hardv except in such fearful winters as that of 

 1874-75. 



The Clark is a newer and much better variety than the Philadelphia. It 

 must, however, be placed among the half hardy, which is a serious objection. 



My seedling is far superior to the Doolittle in quality and productiveness, 

 but is about two days later in ripening. 



For field culture the stools should not be less than five feet apart each way, 

 but in the garden four feet will do. 



The Kaspberry luxuriates in a rich soil, and will not tolerate the company 

 of grass and weeds : clean cultivation throughout the summer is of the utmost 

 importance if you wish to secure an abundance of fine, large fruit. 



In planting, cut the top off to within two inches of the ground, and never 

 set the plants any deeper than they stood before taking up ; mulch with coarse 

 manure, but do not cover the plants ; they will not require pruning the first 

 season ; the next spring cut the canes back to within two feet of the ground, 

 and the laterals to within twelve to sixteen inches, according to size. From 

 three to four canes in a hill is better than more. 



The second year the canes may be left from three to four feet long, and no 

 longer if you want fine, large berries. 



A good mulch of straw or coarse manure is very desirable every spring. It 

 tends to enrich the soil and retain the moisture in dry summers. A good au- 

 thority says that thorough cultivation is the best mulch in a dry season. I 

 have found both very beneficial. 



THE BLACKBERRY. 



I have often been requested by different parties to give my opinion as to 

 which is the best Blackberry, — taking into consideration quality, hardiness, 

 and greatest fitness for market purposes. Having tested thoroughly all the 



