REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS, 317 



a vigorous uew growth has thus been obtained. We look for a 

 fair crop for next season, but do not expect prize berries. For 

 what length of time this hill system ma}" be continued with profit I 

 do not say ; but it is clear that the largest berries (though possibly 

 not the best) will come from new plantations. 



My plot of Raspberries was planted in the spring of 1893, in 

 rows four feet apart, and one foot apart in the row. With flat 

 culture it was easy to keep down all suckers, leaving single stalks 

 in a straight line, a foot apart. These were so stout as to be self- 

 supporting the first season. When four feet high, they were 

 clipped at the top and then allowed to throw out three or four 

 branches. Just before the ground froze up, the canes were bent 

 in line, and, as far as possible, were covered with earth taken 

 from between the rows. In addition, the ground was well covered 

 with forest leaves, which were kept in place by several loads of 

 underbrush. This winter protection I regard as very important, 

 in order to insure sound wood, full of sap, capable of nourishing 

 fruit of the best quality. It is a misfortune to be induced to 

 plant any variety" said to be hardy in this our changing climate, 

 for although fair crops may be secured they will not compare with 

 the luscious fruit which is sure to come from the half-hardy, 

 winter-protected sorts. I planted only the Cuthbert and the 

 Golden Queen of the Red kinds ; of the Black Caps a few Gregg 

 and Lovett, under different treatment. The Black Caps are 

 not wanted in our markets, by the side of the others, and even the 

 beautiful Golden Queen is but sparingly taken, in comparison with 

 . Cuthbert. From this last variety the net sales were at least at 

 the rate of $900 per acre. This, however, was in an exceptionally 

 good market, where quality was fully appreciated. This autumn 

 the canes are stronger and cannot be brought so close to the 

 ground as last season, but a few more leaves and boughs will 

 make them safe. Under proper treatment the plantation should 

 continue indefinitely. 



With me the North Star Currant is stronger in growth 

 than the Victoria (syn. Raby Castle). In other respects it much 

 resembles it. As to productiveness it is all sufficient. It is a 

 misfortune to have over-productive varieties among small fruits. 

 It is possible, but laborious, to thin pears and apples, but who 

 would undertake to thin out the Beder Wood Strawberry, or a 

 variety of Currant, in order to get fruit of good size? Great dis- 

 ^8 



