136 SUCCESS WITH SMALL FRUITS. 



soil. Never plant when the ground is wet and sticky, unless 

 it be at the beginning of a rain-storm which bids fair to con- 

 tinue for some time. If sun or wind strikes land which has 

 been recently stirred while it is too wet, the hardness of 

 mortar results. 



In spring it is best to shorten in the roots one third. 

 This promotes a rapid growth of new rootlets, and there- 

 fore of the plants. In the summer and fall the young 

 plants are not so well furnished with roots, and usually it 

 is best to leave them uncut. 



Root Pruning. 



It often happens that during long transportation the roots 

 become sour, black, and even a litde mouldy. In this case, 

 wash them in clean water from which the chill has been 

 taken. Trim carefully, taking off the blackened, shrivelled 

 ends. Sprinkle a couple of table-spoonfuls of fine bone 



