SMALL FRUITS. 195 



shaded situation. The north side of a board fence 

 or row of wild plums, or, better, Russian Mulberrie r 

 will furnish this. For field culture plant rows 6 to 

 8 feet by 2 to 3 in the row. 



The ground must be of the best, and then they 

 will be benefitted by a yearly application of stable 

 manure. Keep them cultivated and the ground in 

 a loose, mellow condition, in order to keep it 

 moist. 



A heavy mulching of sawdust or partly rotted 

 straw, applied in the fall after the leaves have been 

 shed, will insure a crop which in other cases might 

 fail. It will be left on indefinitely, and save culti- 

 vation. This is especially desirable in sandy lands, 

 and in places where they cannot have the shade 

 referred to, as it prevents the ground from becom- 

 ing -too hot, and supplies some moisture to the 

 foliage. 



The currant starts to grow very early in the 

 spring, and if young plants are received that show 

 much starting of the buds the tops should be cut 

 off to near the ground. The same treatment should 

 be given if they appear to be dry when received. 

 This is very important. 



The White Grape is the best of the white varie- 

 ties, and with us has. been the most prolific of any. 

 It is also for home use the best of any in quality, 

 but is not so good as a market variety as the red 

 ones, as the fancy of the consumer is for the reds. 



The Victoria stands first of the latter class, is a 

 very strong grower, and makes the largest bush of 



