14 The Bulletix. 



TREATMENT THE SECOND SEASON. 



Beginning with the second season, the treatment differs in some 

 respects very materially from that given the first season. The first 

 operation the second season is that of training or tying up the plants. 



TRAINING. 



Two methods are employed in training dewberries — the stake and 

 the wire methods. 



Training to Stakes.— By using this method of planting and train- 

 ing, the plants are equally distant apart in both directions, and culti- 

 vation in two directions can be practiced. This is an important mat- 

 ter, especially in this State, where labor is now so scarce. Very little 

 hoeing need be done where this method of planting is employed. ^ The 

 disadvantage is that it requires a large number of stakes, which in 

 some sections are rather costly. 



Stakes.— In this method, stakes high enough to support the plants 

 are placed at each hill. These should be about 7 feet long, being 

 placed in the ground 2 feet deep, and extending above the ground at 

 least 5 feet. The thickness of the stake varies considerably among dif- 

 ferent growers. In some instances growers are using a stake that is 

 really larger than is necessary. If the wood is of the proper kind, 

 a stake about 2 inches square is sufficient, although some as large as 

 3 1/2 to 4 inches square are in use. 



The stakes should be of the very best kind of wood obtainable for 

 this purpose. They should be strong, rigid and very durable, and 

 should last, if possible, as long as the plantation does. This means 

 that there are only a few kinds of wood which are well adapted to 

 this purpose. The best kind in use at present — and nothing better 

 can be suggested — is the heart wood of long-leaf or yellow pine. 

 This usually contains a large amount of pitch, which makes it very 

 durable. The sap wood of this pine will not answer the purpose; 

 the stakes rot too readily. In some sections in the eastern part of 

 the State white cedar (Chamsecyparis thyoides), more commonly 

 known in this State as juniper, can be had, and is excellent for this 

 purpose. Eed cedar, the heart wood of short-leaf pine, and white 

 oak can also be used with good results. 



The setting of the stakes is an important matter. Great care 

 should be taken in distributing the stakes throughout the field, being 

 careful not to drop any of them on the vines, as this bruises and 

 breaks the vines and often renders them useless for bearing purposes. 

 In setting the stakes, care should be taken not to injure the crown of 

 the plant. It should be placed at least 2 or 3 inches from the center 

 of the crown and driven into the ground so that it will stand in a per- 

 fectly upright position. This will prevent trouble in cultivation. 



