STATE HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 



441 



done before a hard freeze in the fall or early 

 winter. Freezing will arrest the growth of 

 the plants, and they can then be covered 

 with the mulch without danger of smoth- 

 ering them, as a more early mulching 

 might do. 



The best material for mulch is fine hay 

 or fine-cut straw, and chaff that falls be- 

 hind the machine in threshing. All that is required is fineness 

 of the straw or hay. Long straw cannot be spread evenly, and 

 it cannot be removed from the row in spring when the plants are 

 starting into growth. The thickness of the mulch depends upon 

 the material and the climate. When the mulch is fine and the 

 winter mild, from four to six ordinary loads, per acre, are suffi- 

 cient for a covering an inch or two thick. When the mulch is 

 coarse and the winter severe, from four to five inches are used. 

 In spring the mulch must be carefully removed from the crowns 

 of the berry plant, or it will smother them. Mulching always 

 pays well. It makes larger berries, keeps them free from sand 

 and dirt, and by making them later in bloom, lessens the danger 

 of injury by late frosts. Many Western growers, after the croi> 

 of berries is gathered, set fire to the mulch to kill the insects in- 

 jurious to the fruit. 



PICKING AND MAEKETING. 



Berries carry, keep fresh longer, and of course sell better,, 

 when a portion of the stem is left on Avhen picked. This is done 

 by pinching off the stem above the berry, with the thumb and 

 finger nail, taking care not to bruise the fruit. Pulling or strip- 

 ping the berries from the plants will lessen the market value and 

 when very carelessly done, the berries are valueless for shipment. 

 Berries carry better when picked in the cool of the morning, and 

 allowed to stand open to the air in the shade. Picked in a hot 

 sun, and at once put in a tight box, out of 

 the wind and air, will cause speedy softening 

 and decay. Always ship berries in a well 

 ventilated car. Ventilation will always keep 

 the fruit in good condition. It is needless 

 to say, make your berries good for good 

 prices. The crates for shipping should be as 

 light and have as much spring as possible. 



The boxes must be packed closely in the crates to prevent shak- 

 56 



FIGURE 12. 



