8T 



a high and expensive dam. The object of flowing is to protect 

 the plants in winter, the flowers from late frosts in spring, the 

 immature fruit from early frosts in autumn, and both plants and 

 fruit from the ravages of the worms that injure and sometimes 

 destroy the crop. 



To prevent destruction by the vine-worm, or fire- worm as it 

 is sometimes called, the meadow must be kept flowed in New 

 England till near the first of June. This worm is the larva of a 

 moth (Anchylopera vacciniana) which feeds upon the foliage, 

 and gives it the appearance of having been scorched by fire : 

 hence the name, fire-worm. The egg is deposited in autumn, or 

 early in spring, on the underside of the leaf, and hatches in 

 Massachusetts about the 20th of May. The larva is effectually 

 destroyed by flooding the vines. The fruit-worm is also the 

 larva of a moth, but of a species not yet fully identified. It 

 enters the berry and eats out the inside, leaving nothing but a 

 thin shell. Its presence is indicated by the premature coloring 

 of the fruit. 



As there are but few bogs that can be flowed at short notice, 

 the cranberry culturist will often find his efforts baffled by insect 

 enemies, and his hopes disappointed. In flowing for protection 

 from insects, and spring and autumn frosts, the depth of water 



Fig. 37. 



need be only sufficient to cover the plants. It should be borne 

 in mind that water must not be allowed to remain on the vines 

 when in flower for more than twenty-four hours, as it will injure 

 the pollen, and in consequence the crop may be ruined. 



SELECTING PLANTS. 



There are three varieties of the cranberry distinguished by 

 their form as shown in Fig. 37 the bell, bugle, and cherry, the 

 last named being the most common. On Cape Cod, where this 



