230 ANNUAL REPOET 



planting, having the rows six feet apart, and the plants in the row- 

 four feet. We have the Doolittle, Mammoth Cluster, and Gregg for 

 black; the Turner, Philadelphia, and Cuthbert for red. We cover 

 the Cuthbert and Gregg with earth and mulch all kinds heavily. All 

 large bushes need supporting by stake or wire. We trim as we find 

 time through the summer. Suckers should be treated as we'rjds unless 

 plants are wanted. The thorough mulching helps keep down weeds 

 and ensures a crop if tiie season is dr}' 



For blackberries I make the rows seven feet apart, and plants four 

 feet in the row. I have the Ancient Briton, Snyder, and Lawton. 

 The Lawton with protection is a good bearer. The Snyder has not 

 done well — seems hardy but does not yield much fruit. The Ancient 

 Briton I consider a profitable variety if rightly managed It must be 

 laid down and covered with earth; and all kinds require to be sup- 

 ported with stakes, or stakes and wires. Our rows are mostly north 

 and south I have no choice of the points of compass. I find the 

 stalks soon come up straight after being taken up. 



To raise currants, work the soil, enrich and thoroughly mulch. In 

 the fall cut out all old wood and leave seven or eight thrifty stalks. 



I think small fruit pays richly in the family. Beginning with 

 strawberries in the early part of June, one can have a succession till 

 the frost comes and cuts off the blackberry crop. Then if any time 

 you have a surplus, some one is ready to purchase, or if your home 

 market is overstocked, the wholesale dealer is ready to take all you 

 have to spare. 



DISCUSSION. 



' Mr. Wilcox inquired as to cause of failure of the Snyder. 



Mr. Danforth did not know the cause unless it was from lack of 

 drainage. The land needed thorough drainage by tilling and he would 

 try that the coming season. Other varieties had succeeded well. He 

 had a clay subsoil, and there was standing water on the ground at 

 times. 



Mr. Busse. I would like to ask how yoo cover the Ancient Briton 

 without breaking the canes? 



Mr. Danforth. We use a fork to loosen the dirt on one side of the 

 hill and then bend them over. The ground descends to the north and 

 we bend them carefully up the hill, using the foot and in handling 

 wearing a leather apron. 



Secretary Hillman inquired as to the amount of his grape crop. 



Mr. Danforth said it was a good yield, but he had not had much 



