SMALL FRUITS. 21 



feet in the row; use a line to make the rows straight and a spade 

 for making- holes. The roots should be spread out fan shape and 

 not set too deep; 5,0(X) plants will set one acre. An acre of good 

 strawberries should yield 100 to 125 bushels and ought to bring at 

 least $300. The fact seems to be that profits depend almost entirelj- 

 on the method of CTiltivation, the most profit coming- only by the 

 most thorough cultivation and care in gathering- and marketing. 



Blackberries are very profitable when raised successfull\'. I have 

 known of 2,000 bushels being raised from 10 acres, selling for $.5,500. 



Raspberries, both red and black, sliould jueld from 75 to 10(1 bush- 

 els per acre and sell from $3(X)to $4(X) per acre, although I have seen 

 a larger yield than this. I have never yet produced a large yield of 

 currants and g-ooseberries, usuallj- having onl}- a small acreage and 

 variation in prices. In good seasons the yield considerablj- exceeds 

 any of the other berries, although prices are much lower. I like to 

 be cautious in giving large yields, so few realize the work necessar}- 

 to produce best results. The}^ are apt to be deceived and disap- 

 pointed in results. 



The fruit grower of toda}' must be well posted. growonl3' the best 

 varieties, and ship only perfect fruit, use plenty of fertilizers and the 

 best of cultivation. In growing small fruits, I make no iron-clad rule 

 to govern all minor details. The selection of a location, the quality of 

 the soil, the varieties to grow, the manner of planting, trimming and 

 manj' other things must be determined by circumstances and 5'our 

 own good judgment. 



In close connection with this subject let me «?ay, the greatest need 

 of Minnesota farmers and horticulturists today is organization. We 

 need a good horticultural society in every town, and representatives 

 to our state meetings from everj^ localit3\ We want hundreds of 

 members where we now have tens. We want acres of small fruits 

 where we now have rods. We are jDaying thoixsands of dollars to 

 other states every season for fruit that should be grown here, and 

 the great Northwest is clamoring for berries we cannot supply. 

 Therefore, I say, organize at once. Subscribe liberallj- for good 

 papers; it will benefit you intellectually. Plant a small fruit gar- 

 den: it will aid you financially, and add comfort to your familj' and 

 friends. 



DISCUSSION. 



Pres. Underwood: Thank you, Mr. Sampson. It was a 

 very interesting paper. This is the conclusion of our program 

 and it gives us now about thirty minutes for discussion, in 

 bringing out any thought along the line of small fruit culture 

 that is desirable. Let every one feel perfectly free to ask 

 questions and give their experience and thus add to the infor- 

 mation that doubtless some will glean in regard to these things. 

 This will go into our reports and make valuable reading for 

 those who have them to read. 



Mr. J. S. Harris: I would like to enquire of Mr. Sampson if he 

 thinks it would make any difference whether the rows in that 

 fruit garden ran east and west or north and south? 



