FRUIT CULTURE. 



831 



This pinching off of the canes causes them to send out lateral shoots, so that nearly 

 double the crop can be obtained by it. Where these lateral shoots have made a growth 

 of a foot from the canes, they can be pinched off, causing them to put out new later 

 als. This second heading back may be deferred until early in spring, when desired. 

 When treated in this way the plants become quite strong and stocky, and are enabled to 

 withstand ordinary winds, and to hold up their fruit without the assistance of stakes. After 

 the first year, raspberries need not be pinched off until the canes are from three to three and 

 a half feet high. Some of the laterals, growing nearly upright, afterwards give a height to 

 the plants of from four to five feet. 



THE HERSTINE. 



Winter Pruning. South of Virginia, this may be performed at almost any time 

 during the winter, but where the cold is severe it is well to defer it until the winter has 

 passed. All the old canes, or such as had fruit upon them, should be cut out at this pruning, 

 as fruit is only produced on raspberry or blackberry canes of the previous year s growth. 

 With a pair of pruning shears and thick gloves, this part can be easily done; or a short briar 

 hook on a long handle can be used. 



Some persons make a practice of cutting out the old canes in July or August, immedi 

 ately after the fmiting season, but I do not consider it to be advisable, as cutting away so 

 much foliage is liable to check the growth of the young canes; while, if left, they are also 

 quite a help in assisting the plants to withstand winter winds. In districts where half-hardy 

 varieties require winter protection, the old canes can be cut out, and the others pruned in 



