1897.] ESSAYS. 49 



pays to buy stable manure, if at all. I would not take any as a gift 

 if I had to draw it three miles after spring opens, or pay over two or 

 three dollars per cord for the best in winter ; and there is as much 

 difference as there is in fruit in value. If a bed is to be kept over 

 I mow tops and rake them into the paths, then using six-tine forks, 

 turn the mulching tops, etc., bottom up, narrowing the rows to a foot 

 wide, clear out the weeds in rows, sow on some first-class commercial 

 fertilizer and cultivate paths fine. Many new plants will fill in or 

 widen the rows and some varieties give just as good crop the second 

 year. For red raspberries, plow deep and fine, and fertilize as for 

 good crop of corn or potatoes. I prefer to set the plants the last of 

 October, in hills, at least five by five feet, and strong growers five by 

 six feet, two plants in each hill, and put an extra large shovelful 

 manure on the top after treading soil firmly about plants, and best to 

 use scoop shovel. Corn and potatoes may be grown one way between 

 the rows the first year, or a row of root or cabbage. If no winter 

 protection is to be given to them, put back new growth when two feet 

 high, to grow stocky canes, leave four to five in a hill ; but if to be 

 laid down, let them grow high and slender and allow eight to ten to 

 remain in a hill. Lay them down soon after Nov. 1st and cover with 

 earth from being broken by snowdrifts and drying winds, and the 

 canes will come out in the spring, fresh and plump, not fated and 

 shrivelled, as when exposed to the winds and changes of temperature. 

 Using the soil between the rows for covering, forms a trench to carry 

 surplus water away from the hills, also leaves ground in shape to be 

 worked much earlier in spring. Cultivate ground early as possible, 

 making surface mellow and fine, to check evaporation and preserve 

 the moisture stored in the soil. A good dust blanket is pretty good 

 irrigation. Cultivate as often as necessary to keep dust on the sur- 

 face, cut stakes six feet long and tie canes evenly about them, not all 

 on one side. If chestnut stakes are used, by resharpening, they will 

 last as long as raspberries are profitable. Take up canes as early as 

 frost will permit, and cut them back to about five feet high. A dress- 

 ing of fine ground bone and wood ashes or muriate of potash, once 

 in two years is sufficient. Just how much to use the growth of plant 

 and color of foliage will best tell you ; this will give you the best 

 quality of fruit in firmness, color, size, and flavor. If more nitrogen 

 is needed, apply 200 to 300 pounds nitrate soda per acre when 

 foliage is perfectly dry, and be careful not to hit leaves. If you 

 can get cheap mulching, spread enough between the rows to shade 

 ground. About|'middle of June, yofl may save enough clean fruit 



