246 NORTHEAST EXPERIMENT FARM. 
to keep down the weeds and retain the moisture in the soil 
for the crop. The bed should seldom be left to bear more 
than two years as it is so much easier to set out a new bed 
and plans should be made to do so each year. Strawberries 
differ in their adaptability to our conditions and some varie- 
ties do not do well. Of many kinds tested, the Brandwine, 
Clyde, Splendid, Lovett and Bederwood, have given best 
results. All are staminate or perfect varieties and may be 
planted alone. Haverland and Warfield are good but need 
one of the above kinds in alternate rows with them for 
pollenation. 
Raspberries.—It is not safe to grow any kinds of rasp- 
berries here without winter protection, but if this is given, 
most of the better varieties may be successfully raised. This 
simply means keeping them trimmed out in hills by cutting 
off all but a few suckers each summer, then bending the 
bunch of vines over and throwing dirt on the tops and the 
stalks as far as possible. Straw may be thrown on but if 
snow is plentiful, it is not necessary. The kinds successfully 
raised on the farm are Turner, Marlboro and Loudon. 
Others have not been tried. Blackberries, treated similarly, 
will ripen acrop. In 1902 the Snyder, and Ancient Britain 
' varieties yielded well. Currants need a rich preferably clay 
soil and will not thrive on sand. The climate is favorable. 
Apples.—In planting trees it must be bone in mind that 
the northern counties of Minnesota are beyond the natural 
range of the apple. Success can only be won by careful 
choice of varieties and local conditions. A northeast slope, 
not too steep, is universally recommended for apples, as it 
gives protection in the summer from hot winds. But in this 
section the slope is not so important as the soil. Poor suc- 
cess will follow setting out trees on sandy soil with gravelly 
subsoil. The apple needs a clay subsoil at not too greata 
depth. To secure this, it would be better to take level land 
or a south slope if the soil on a north slope is not right. 
The presence of large bodies of water improves the local 
chances of success with apples, by holding off the first frost 
in the fall and delaying the spring thaws which cause sun- 
scald. But unless the hardiest varieties are planted, failure 
is certain. It is a dangerous plan to buy trees of nurseries 
