STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 21 



from five square rods. I attributed my success largely to the 

 use of the hoe. The witch-grass made a strong fight but by 

 taking pains I never allowed it to breathe, and easily came out the 

 victor. 



RASPBERRY AND BLACKBERRY. 



The treatment of the raspberry and blackberry should be much 

 the same as I have recommended for the strawberry. Do not 

 plant too closely. Three feet apart in the rows, allowing seven 

 feet for blackberries and at least six feet for a row of raspberries, 

 is the proper distance. Keep all sprouts cut down, as weeds, 

 except a few in each hill. More berry patches are ruined by 

 allowing too many sprouts to grow than from any other cause. 

 What I have said about cultivating the soil applies here as well 

 as in the strawberry patch. The raspberry roots run very near 

 the surface and the soil must be kept moist and free from w'eeds, 

 but worked very shallow. 



VARIETIES. 



I have little to say about varieties of small fruits, as soil and 

 situation have so much to do with this question. Among straw- 

 berries. Crescent and Greenville have been the most prolific with 

 us. Beder Wood and Clyde have been used to furnish pollen 

 for these varieties. The Clyde will produce a large quantity 6i 

 fruit if given a deep rich soil and plenty of water, but with 

 ordinary treatment is hardly equal to the two first named. 



The Snyder blackberry is probably one of the hardiest on the 

 list and will give fine fruit if allowed to remain on the bush until 

 fully ripe, — this means several days after it turns black. 



Among the red raspberries, the Cuthbert is an old standard 

 and one of the best. To prevent winter-killing I would recom- 

 mend bending over the canes and throwing a little dirt on the 

 tips to hold them down. A few shovelfuls of dirt at the base 

 of the canes will prevent breaking at the ground. 



The White Imperial Currant is not as acid as the red currants 

 and is therefore fine for the home table. Fay's Prolific is the 

 best red currant we have fruited among a dozen kinds. 



In conclusion I would say, secure plants as near home as pos- 

 sible, of the standard sorts, which thrive best in your locality. 



