DISEASES OF THE BRAMBLES 217 



The fruit should be kept in a shady place in the field, and 

 taken to the refrigerator as soon as possible after it is picked. 



Varieties. The brambles vary so in their ability to with- 

 stand cold that they are usually divided into three groups, 

 the hardy, the half-hardy and the tender sorts. The hardy 

 varieties should be selected for planting in the northern 

 regions where severe weather prevails. In such districts the 

 plants should be mulched to prevent them from winter killing. 

 The half-hardy varieties grow and succeed in the middle 

 states or in a region farther south than where the northern 

 varieties are grown. The tender varieties have originated 

 for the most part in the southwest, and are peculiarly adapted 

 to the semi-arid conditions that prevail in those sections. 

 These varieties are somewhat drought resistant and mature 

 their fruits before the season becomes too warm. 



The Pacific coast region grows a large number of varie- 

 ties. Some of these are common in the east and some are 

 adapted to other sections of the United States. There are 

 many brambles grown in the Pacific coast region that are 

 not adapted to any other section of the country. This is 

 possible because of the wide variation in the climate as well 

 as in the rainfall. 



There can be no authentic list of varieties that will succeed 

 in all regions. The grower must first decide whether his 

 local conditions will permit the growing of the tender, half- 

 hardy or hardy types. It is not profitable to select varieties 

 which are not perfectly hardy. An inquiry among the grow- 

 ers in his immediate vicinity as to the best variety 'to select 

 is recommended. The grower should as far as possible 

 select those varieties which are best suited to his particular 

 section. 



DISEASES OF THE BRAMBLES. 



There are several diseases and insects found on both the 

 blackberry and the raspberry. However, by the use of 

 the proper preventives these troubles can be held in check 

 and good yields obtained. 



Leaf Spot. The leaf spot is a disease found upon the leaves 

 of the blackberry and the raspberry. The disease appears 



