RAISING PLANTS OP THE RASPBERRY AND BLACKBERRY. 353 



Black raspberries are multiplied by layerage. The extreme tips 

 are secured by covering the current season's growth with a light 

 ' covering of earth, and a strong plant is formed thereby for next 

 season's planting. Some propagators wait until the new wood is 

 partially matured before tipping. We tip as soon as possible after 

 the old canes are through fruiting. In our experience, the sooner 

 tipped the stronger the new plant. Black -caps may also be pro- 

 pagated by root cutting, though it is very seldom resorted to. 



BLACKBERRY CULTURE. 



ROLLA STUBBS, BEDERWOOD. 



For blackberries I prefer clay soil, as it holds the moisture much 

 better than black loam. After putting my ground in good condi- 

 tion for planting I take a single shovel plow and run furrows eight 

 feet apart. Then I take good thrifty plants and plant in the furrows 

 four feet apart in the row. When through planting I cultivate be- 

 tween the rows to fill up the furrows. The first season I raise pota- 

 toes between the rows set. I hoe and cultivate blackberry plants 

 every season and do not mulch with hay or straw. I prefer keep- 

 ing the ground clean and a dust mulch. Plow two or three times 

 a week with cultivator. 



My experience has been mostly with the Synder, I think 

 they are most prolific in bearing and surer of a crop than Ancient 

 Briton or Stone's Hardy. With me the canes do not grow large or 

 stiff, which makes them easier to lay down in the fall. In this respect 

 I prefer the Synder, and they are not much harder to handle than 

 raspberries except for the thorns. In putting them down I use the 

 same method as in raspberries. 



I do not pinch or trim the vines off in spring, but I go through 

 and trim off the new wood that comes out in the way of picking the 

 fruit. Early in the spring I cut off the tops of canes that are to bear 

 fruit, leaving canes three and one-half to four feet high. Pruned 

 in this way, they send out branches producing, a heavy crop of fruit. 

 The last two years I have received $2.00 per case for 24 quarts each 

 throughout the season, making $200 per acre some sea- 

 sons. Some of my neighbors have tried raising blackber- 

 ries on marsh lands, but it has not proved a success. One 

 great objection is that the stalks grow too large and are then too 

 brittle to lay down. 1 do not wire them upon a trellis, as the vines 

 hold the fruit up good in clay ground. Those vines that are 

 eighteen inches to two feet above ground and where the fruit is 

 shaded, I find bear the largest and sweetest berries. 



