144 MINNESOTA STATE HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



THE RASPBERRY FIELD THE FIRST SEASON. 



R. A. WRIGHT, EXCELSIOR. 



In preparing to plant the raspberry field there are three points 

 to be considered : first, the plants should be the very best ; sec- 

 ond, the ground should be thoroughly prepared before they are 

 set out; third, the plants should have the best of care and be 

 properly placed in the ground. 



I like to plow^ the ground late in the fall, from ten to twelve 

 inches deep ; then in the spring as soon as the soil is dry enough 

 I harrow thoroughly, lengthwise and crosswise. I then put on 

 the planker, or smoother, and go over the field, as this puts it in 

 nice shape for marking out. I use a marker five and one-half 

 feet wide, marking the field the long way. I then take the corn 

 marker, which is three feet and eight inches between the run- 

 ners, and cross the field the other way, marking the hills five and 

 one-half feet one way and three feet eight inches the other. If 

 the ground cannot be plowed in the fall I plow it in the spring, 

 but I am careful to wait till it is dry enough, as it is impossible 

 to get the soil in good condition for the plants if plowed when 

 wet. 



When we stop to con-sider that this work of plowing and 

 preparation is to last for several years, it will be seen that it 

 should be thoroughly and carefully done. Our aim is always to 

 have good returns, and we cannot reasonably expect them unless 

 every part of the work has been well done. The plan of plowing 

 from four to six inches deep whenever we happen to be ready, 

 giving no thought to the condition of the soil, then harrow once 

 or twice, and using a line to set with, should be abandoned. 



Now as to the plants : Good strong ones should be selected 

 from a young bed two years old — not over three years at the 

 limit. It will pay every time to set these plants out two to the 

 hill and insures a fair crop the second year. Heel the plants in 

 the ground as near the field as possible. Have a tub of water 

 there when setting out. I also use a large wheelbarrow with side 

 boards on, having wet straw in the bottom. When taking out 

 a handful of plants I dip the roots in the water, then place them 

 in the barrow with the roots on the straw. When filled I cover 

 them with a wet blanket to keep them from drying out, and in 

 this way they go into the ground thoroughly moist. 



In setting out the plants I use a long handled spade. Placing 

 it in the ground where the marks cross I press it down with the 

 foot and \vork it forward and backward to get the hole the proper 



