278 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



grower. The only remedy that can be ofifered is in the line of 

 cheaper production. 



The strawberry season closes about July Ist. Unless there is a 

 good home demand only those kinds should be kept which are 

 good shippers. The very best are none too good in a wet season. 

 Consult the catalogues for varieties of firmness, color and quality. 

 All varieties, if productive, are good enough for family use. As 

 soon as the berries are picked, mow the vines and, if not practicable 

 to burn, rake clean and plow two or more furrows between the rows, 

 and then level the ground with the harrow. Hand weeding, hoeing, 

 etc., add materially to the cost and cannot be done profitably. In 

 my experience, a proper preparation of the ground before planting 

 is of more importance than manuring the mature plants. 



Red raspberries closely follow strawberries. The cheaper method 

 of producing them is first to secure varieties adapted to your soil, 

 as they are full as variable as strawberries. Plant four feet apart 

 in the rows, with rows at least eight feet apart. Use the cultivator 

 as much as possible and avoid hand labor. Allow the canes to grow 

 without clipping or pinching back. In the spring cut back one- 

 third. Keep them in hills by cultivaling both ways. Most varieties 

 have need to be laid down for the winter. If not to be laid down 

 do not thin out in the fall, as the snow will give more or less 

 protection. 



Black raspberries need a different treatment from the reds, as their 

 habits of growth are different. The tops of the new shoots need 

 clipping to make them branch when they have grown from one foot 

 to eighteen inches. If cutting back is delayed too long, the canes 

 are top-heavy and fall down. If properly cut back, they need no 

 stakes nor wires to hold them up. For wintering, the same rules 

 may be observed as for the reds. 



Blackberries and grapes need little care this month except to keep 

 them free from weeds. All young fruit trees need careful watching 

 to prevent excessive growth of foliage or limbs upon one side, 

 injuring the shape. 



Trees and plants set this spring will need especial care if dry 

 weather occurs, as the season has been so wet that there is now an 

 unusual growth of foliage, which will then have to draw upon the 

 roots for moisture, and unless the plants are well mulched, culti- 

 vated or shaded they will suffer much more than if there had been 

 a moderate growth. 



There has been up to this time an unusual fall of tree fruits, 

 occasioned by excessive wood growth, which prevents the develop- 

 ment of fruit. Though trees blossomed very full, and a large 

 quantity of fruit set, the production will be light, especially of 

 apples. 



