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further trial. When all inferior to the variety from which the 

 seeds were taken have been weeded out, the trial bed is not likely 

 to be much crowded. 



In growing seedlings, as before intimated, select as the parent 

 a variety as nearly perfect as possible ; that is, sow the seed of 

 the best variety attainable. If you want hardy plants, sow the 

 seeds of hardy varieties ; if size is desirable, with superior fla- 

 vor, color, &c., then select from varieties possessing all these 

 characteristics, if such are to be found. 



If crossing or hybridizing is attempted and it should not be 

 neglected let it always be between varieties or species of 

 the highest merit. The method of crossing may be found in the 

 section entitled " Crossing the Strawberry." 



The flowers of some very desirable varieties of the raspberry 

 are imperfect, and such will yield a much surer and better crop 

 when planted by the side of other kinds as a fertilizer. 



MULCHING THE RASPBERRY AND BLACKBERRY. 



The practice of mulching has heretofore been confined mainly 

 to the strawberry, to protect the plants from frost in winter, and 

 the fruit from becoming soiled by sand. But mulching secures 

 other valuable ends, if seasonably and properly applied. If at- 

 tended to before the heat and drouth of summer, it keeps the 

 soil not only moist, but loose, and aids in suppressing the 

 growth of weeds. No matter how heavily rains may beat, nor 

 how hot the sun may shine, there is never any compacting or 

 baking of the soil under a mulch. Raise the mulch at any 

 time, and the ground will be found loose and mellow beneath. 

 This condition of the soil is desirable whether the season be wet 

 or dry, while any surplus of water will leach rapidly from such 

 a soil ; instead of washing the surface, there will always be 

 moisture enough retained for a vigorous and healthy growth of 

 the plant. 



The mulching of the raspberry, blackberry, currant, and 

 gooseberry, or even fruit trees, large and small, will be followed 

 by good results. The fruit will be more fully and uniformly 

 developed, and of superior quality, the conditions being more 

 uniform and favorable. 



The raspberry crop is often ruined by a sharp drouth during 



