202 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



NOTES ON SMALL FRUITS. 



|HE progress made in the culture of small fruits 

 during the past twenty years has been rapid and 

 substantial, but even at the present time the im- 

 portance of this branch of horticultural work is 

 not fully recognized by the people of the State. 

 From the very nature of the soil and climate of 

 Maine we must look to intensive rather than to 

 extensive operations for the most profitable 

 returns. At the present time there is no line of 

 work which seems more promising than that of 

 the culture of small fruits. With the Increasing 

 importance of our summer resorts, new and extensive markets are opened ; 

 while the operatives in the factories are always large consumers of fruit. 



The purpose of this Bulletin and of the succeeding ones is to give brief, 

 concise hints on the culture of small fruits, and information concerning some of 

 the more important varieties. 



The essential elements of success in small fruit growing are : suitable loca- 

 tion ; thorough preparation ; the best varieties ; careful planting ; thorough 

 culture ; the application of business principles in marketing. 



The Stpawberpy. 



A warm, rather moist, sandy loam is usually preferred in growing this fruit, 

 but in general any soil that will raise a good crop of corn will raise good straw- 

 berries. I would not be understood as encouraging neglect in any way, but the 

 minute directions sometimes given for preparing the soil and for planting, are 

 misleading, and are enough to discourage any novice from attempting to grow 

 fruit. 



Thorough drainage, either natural or artificial, is absolutely essential, and 

 thoroughness in the preparation of the soil is of prime importance, but the exces- 

 sive application of manure and the hand labor frequently advised are unnecessary. 

 It is well to grow some hoed crop, as corn or potatoes, on the land for one or 

 two years before setting the plants, as in this way there is less danger from attacks 

 of the " white grub." 



The month of May is, perhaps, the best time for setting strawberry plants 

 in this latitude, though good results often follow fall setting. Two very important 

 considerations in setting the plants are, that the crowns be just even with the 

 surface of the earth, and that the soil be pressed firmly about the roots. These 

 points cannot be too strongly emphasized, for to their disregard may be traced 

 more than half the failures in starting new plantings. 



For general field culture the " matted row " system is probably best. The 



