322 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



little soft and should not be allowed to become too ripe before picking. 

 Earlier than cithor rronio or Lncrotin. 



LucRETiA. Undoubtedly the best known dewberry. Prolific, vigorous 

 and hardy. Fruit is large and of good quality. Probably the best ship- 

 ping dewberry. 



Premo. One of the hardiest. Fruit is firm, of good color and quality. 

 Should be set with Lucretia as a pollenizer. 



THE ilULCH METHOD OF CULTIVATION. 



On a small plantation of any of the bush fruits the mulch method of 

 cultivation might be tried with interest and possible profit where the 

 soil is moderately rich and mulching material easily obtained. After 

 two or three cultivations in May a heavy application of some mulching 

 material, preferably straw, is spread about the bushes and between the 

 rows, and allowed to remain the balance of the season. Weeds that 

 may grow through this mulch are cut with a hoe as are the young canes 

 if they grow too thickly. 



Advocates of this practice claim that the frequent cultivations needed 

 to conserve soil moisture destrovs too manv roots and that the niub liing 

 conserv'es the moisture and the result is more and finer fruit. 



