EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 313 



Haymaker: — Berry and growth similar to tliat of the Columbian. 

 In flavor it is somewhat more acid than the Columbian and the berry 

 is less firm. 



Shaffer: — The oldest variety of the purple caps. The plants are not 

 as vigorous as those of the Columbian nor are the berries as firm or of' 

 as good quality. Productive. Susceptible to anthracnose. 



BLACKBERRIES. 



Although the blackberry plantation is but two years old, an excellent 

 crop was secured from nearly all varieties and, the winter being quite 

 mild, all the plants came through in good shape. 



The blackberry does well in practically the same conditions as those 

 outlined for the raspberry, although as a rule it is well to give it 

 somewhat heavier soil and, as the crop ripens a little later in the season, 

 there is more danger from injury by drought. The blackberry should, 

 if possible, be placed upon land where a plentiful supply of moisture 

 will be provided even in dry years. The method of planting and growing 

 the crop would be the same as the red raspberry although eight feet 

 should be the distance used between the rows except perhaps for some 

 of the smaller growing kinds. Summer pruning, that is, heading back 

 the new canes is also generally necessary in order to keep the stronger 

 growing kinds in shape. If they are headed back when they reach 

 a height of from two and one-half to four feet, according to the growth 

 of the plants, they can be readily kept in shape and by cutting off the 

 side branches at a length of about one foot just before the growth 

 starts in the spring, it will result in thinning the crop so that larger fruit 

 will be produced and the injury from drought will be greatly lessened. 



Among the kinds that fruited last year were the following: 



Eldorado : — A medium earl}^ variety ripening a little before the 

 Snyder. The plant is a hardy, vigorous, upright grower. The berries are 

 large, firm and bright, making them very attractive. Quality is the 

 best of the hardy sorts. Productive. A good market and dessert berry. 



Erie : — Maue the best showing this year. Plants are vigorous, upright 

 growers, but are only moderately hardy. Berries are large, round and 

 attractive. Quality very good. Very productive this year but former 

 records show it to be only moderately so. Stands dry weather well. A 

 good berry for fancy trade. 



Minnewaski : — A late variety bearing large crops of good-sized berries. 

 Of rather poor quality but a good shipper. Plants are only moderately 

 thrifty and seem somewhat tender. 



Mersereau : — A thrifty but somewhat tender variety. Berries are 

 large, firm and attractive. Quality good. Bore a good crop this year. 

 Promising. 



Ohmer: — A late variety of vigorous but slender growth, giving it a 

 somewhat straggly appearance. Hardy. Berries are medium large, of 

 good quality and firm. A very good late kind. 



Rathbun : — A very thrifty grower but only moderately hardy. Fruit 

 medium to small. Quality fair. Productive. Season early. Growth 

 spreading. Good. 



Snyder: — One of the most vigorous kinds. Berries are small to 

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