84 THE BLACKBEKKY. 



CHAPTER XVL 



THE BLACKBERRY AND RASP- 

 BERRY, 



THEIR PROPAGATION — TRANSPLANTING CULTURE PRUNING — 



WINTER PROTECTION — VARIETIES — GATHERING MARKETING 



PROFITS. 



The Blackberry (Rubus villosus) is a native fruit, and found 

 in almost every section of the country. The fruit is noted for 

 its medicinal qualities, and is a valuable addition to the late sum- 

 mer fruits. It is more largely grown in field culture on the thin 

 soils of New Jersey than in any other section of the country, 

 from whence it is shipped to the large cities, both North and 

 South. 



The Blackberry is very commonly planted in the fruit garden, 

 in some out-of-the-way corner, where it is allowed to spread un- 

 molested until it becomes an impenetrable jungle, where neither 

 man nor animals can get at the fruit. Then we hear it voted a 

 nuisance, when witli a little care at the proper time it would have 

 yieliied an abundance of rich and healthful fruit. 



Propagation.— The Blackberry is naturally propagated by 

 suckers from the roots, and for all ordinary purposes no other 

 means need be employed. The number of suckers may be 

 largely increased by running a sharp spade into the soil in the 

 fall, eight or ten inches deep, near the plant, at intervals of every 

 three or four inches. The roots thus cut off will throw up 

 numerous shoots and result in independent plants. 



The Blackberry is also propagated by root cuttings. In the 

 fall the roots are dug up, using everything the size of one-eighth 

 of an inch in diameter and upward, and cutting them into three 

 or four inches in length. These are put in beds of rich soil and 

 covered with two or three inches of soil. The bed should be 

 protected from severe freezing by covering it with from ten inches 

 to one foot of mulching material. In the spring this mulch is 



