410 ANNUAL REPORT 



to take off all the blossoms, keeping the strength in the plants 

 the first season. 



PROTECTION. 



In the fall, as soon as the ground is frozen, I take marsh hay 

 ■or straw; straw is just as good if there are no foul seeds in it. 

 In Wisconsin straw has foul seeds in it generally so I prefer 

 marsh hay. I cover the plants just so you can see the leaves. 

 That is all there is to do till spring. In the spring do not be in 

 too much of a hurry to uncover; the object of the covering is to 

 protect the plants, for as you all know, in the spring we have 

 freezing nights and it thaws day-times; consequently the ground 

 will heave up and become very loose; in doing this it raises the 

 plant a little breaking the roots of the plants, and this is a serious 

 matter for your future croj). Hence I say don't be in a hurry to 

 remove the covering. 



DRAINAGE. 



I should have said before that the ground should be well 

 drained, either by surface or under-draining, or both; you can 

 do both, but you should certainly use surface draining. No 

 water should be allowed to stand upon the surface of the land 

 or about the roots of the plants if a large crop of fruit is to be 

 expected. 



In the spring leave the plants covered till all danger from 

 freezing nights is past, then remove the covering, and if you 

 wish to leave it in the alleys you can do so, or if you can as well 

 as not, take it off and sprinkle on some fine manure. If you hav9 

 wood ashes you will find them a good fertilizer and a protection 

 in time of drought. I had a very fine crop last season which I 

 attributed largely to the fact that I used ashes for a dressing, 

 putting on about one hundred bushels to the acre. 



Mr. Hoxie. How can you get themi 



Mr. Smith. Farmers generally burn wood and they can save 

 their ashes. I am talking for the farmers of Minnesota. If you 

 cannot get ashes then you can get fine manure and sprinkle it 

 on the ground, and if your plants are not thoroughly protected 

 by standing up against each other,putsomeof the covering back 

 to serve as a mulching for the plants. Put on enough to pro- 

 tect from dirt and dust in very dry weather, and from the spat- 

 tering of rain. Keep all weeds out. 



By following this plan I do not think the ordinary farmer will 



