FRUIT CULTURE. 27 



The Currant. 



1875. Yield, 140,588 qts. ; value, $10,605. 

 1885. Yield, 318,588 " " 28,631. 



The rcfreshinsr acid contained in this fruit makes it durinjr 

 the hot summer weather one of the most healthful and ac- 

 ceptable fruits. Its increase in cultivation in the past ten 

 years has not been as rapid as its importance deserves. 



For the production of large, fine fruit, and none other 

 will readily sell, it must be planted in a moist, rich soil and 

 given the best of cultivation. An abundance of manure 

 must bo used and all wood over four years old cut out, to 

 cncourao^e the o^rowth of youns: vijjorous canes. The best 

 fruit is borne on wood two and three years old. 



The Cherry and La VcrsailLiise arc both good varieties, 

 and both will produce largo fruit, if properly treated. 



Blackberries. 



1885. Yield, 382,103 qts. ; value, $38,02-1. 



This is the most easily grown of the small fruits and yet 

 one that is grown more under neglect than any other. For 

 the best results a rather high, strong, gravelly soil is best. 

 It requires good cultivation and a liberal supply of plant 

 food. This especially during the ripening of the fruit. If 

 the land is very light, some mulching material must be used 

 ■during summer, while the berries are ripening. It is best 

 grown in low hedges or hills and is kept low by pinching 

 or cutting off the new canes when they are about two feet 

 high. A second pinching or cutting back may be required 

 durino: the summer if the canes grow so as to interfere with 

 cultivation, but it is best not to prune after August 1st, 

 until the leav^es have fallen. 



Of the varieties which are perfectly hardy and give gen- 

 eral satisfaction, I mention the following in order of merit ; 

 Agawam, Snyder, Wachusett. Early Harvest, Early Cluster, 

 Wilson and Wilson, Jr., are not hardy. 



