232 



THE FRUIT GARDEN. 



[MARCH 



Fig. 22. 



Previous to planting shorten the shoots, cutting off about one- 

 fourth of their length, trim the roots and cut away any old stumps 

 or hard woody parts annexed thereto, then plant them in rows four 

 feet and a half asunder, and from two to three feet distant in the 



rows; they will produce some 

 fruit next summer, and more 

 abundantly the second year, &c. 

 Dig the ground between your 

 old plantations of raspberries 

 after pruning, taking out the 

 suckers, &c., as directed last 

 month. 



The Fastolf and Red Ant- 

 werp raspberries are among the 

 most esteemed market varieties, 

 and we therefore give their por- 

 traits. 



Brinkle's Orange raspberry is 

 considered one of the most de- 

 Red Antwerp. sirable for private gardens, and 

 has become much introduced. 



DIGGING THE FRUIT- TREE BORDERS. 



Dig the fruit-tree borders as early in this month as you find the 

 ground to work freely, previously giving them a good dressing of 

 well rotted manure. This will be serviceable to the trees, the bor- 

 ders will appear neat, and be ready to receive any small crops, which 

 may be proper to sow or plant therein. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



The strawberry plants will now begin to push, therefore the sooner 

 they receive their spring dressing, after the weather becomes tolera- 

 bly favorable, the better. 



Clear the beds from weeds, and the plants from decayed leaves 

 and old runners ; it is most advisable to keep the plants in single 

 bunches, clear of each other, so that there may be room to hoe be- 

 tween, and occasionally to dig round them with a narrow spade or 

 trowel, by which means they will fruit in much better perfection than 

 if crowded together. 



The beds -being cleared from litter, loosen the earth between the 

 plants; and if you add a little fresh earth from the alleys, &c., to 

 the beds, drawing it close to the plants, it will greatly strengthen 

 them, and cause them to flower strong and bear plentifully. 



Strawberries may be planted about the middle or latter end of the 

 month, but if planted in September, or early in October, they would 

 bear fruit the summer following; not but those planted now will take 

 root freely and bear some fruit, but they will be few in comparison 

 to those of the autumn planting ; however, next year they will bear 

 abundantly. 



