THE RASPBERRY PATCH 



L. W. 



1"> HE raspberry field is considered by 

 many fruit growers the most re- 

 munerative part of their plantations. The 

 profit depends largely on the soil ; if heavy, 

 or poor, or too dry the best results cannot he 

 expected. On deep, rich, moist sandy loam 

 most satisfactory returns may be counted on. 



The pruning out of the dead canes, which 

 fruited last year, is completed by most grow- 

 ers early in April. If not yet finished, the 

 work should be hurried up, and all rubbish 

 burned, so that nothing will interfere with 

 early and constant cultivation. 



The planting of red raspberries in April 

 is usual, but some growers prefer to wait 

 until May and move the young growing 

 shoots. If these can be taken up and set 

 immediately after, the plan, is excellent, and 

 few failures will result. Take them up 

 with a ball of earth attached and set them at 

 once in holes prepared for them. 



PLOWING INJURES THE ROOTS. 

 Plowing the small fruit plantations is not 



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as a rule to be commended ; not even with a 

 one-horse plo,w, because it is almost certain 

 to cut the roots and lessen the vitality of the 

 bushes. It is better to use a first-class one- 

 horse cultivator and keep it constantly going 

 until the fruiting season. A one-horse disc 

 which will stir the ground to a depth of ay 

 three inches without disturbing the roots is 

 even better still. 



The habit of growtk of the young canes of black raspberry 

 plants is here shown. 



Dark brown or reddish spots, sometimes with a light centre as 

 here shown, may be seen on the foliage of raspberry plants when it 

 IS attacked by the fungus disease, anthrocnose. If not checked by 

 spraying, as described on this page, the disease will soon ruin the 

 plantation. 



Blackberries need topping during the 

 growing season unless the object in view is 

 the propagation of young plants., The habit 

 of growth of the young canes is shown in 

 the illustration. With a little encourage- 

 ment they will reach to the ground and take 

 root. 



If the object is to harvest as much fruit as 

 possible, these canes should be stopped at a 

 height of about 2^^ or 3 feet, so that they 

 may make a stocky growth and throw out 

 laterals from each bud. 



GUARD AGAINST THIS DISEASE. 

 Anthracnose of the raspberry is a conta- 

 gious fungous disease which spreads rapidly 

 especially during wet weather. The first 



