134 THE HOME ACRE. 



levelled, a line stretched for the row, and the plants 

 set four feet apart in the row. Sink the roots as 

 straight down as possible, and let the bud point 

 upward, covering it lightly with merely one or two 

 inches of soil. Press the ground firmly against 

 the roots, but not on the bud. The soil just over 

 this should be fine and mellow, so that the young 

 shoot can push through easily, which it will soon 

 do if the plants were in good condition. Except 

 in the extreme South, spring is by far the best 

 time for planting, and it should be done early, 

 while the buds are dormant. After these begin to 

 grow, keep the ground mellow and free from 

 weeds. The first effort of the young plant will be 

 to propagate itself. It will sprawl over the ground 

 if left to its wild impulses, and will not make an 

 upright bearing bush. On this account put a 

 stake down by the young sprout, and as it grows 

 keep it tied up and away from the ground. When 

 the side-branches are eight or ten inches long, 

 pinch them back, thus throwing the chief strength 

 into the central cane. By keeping all the branches 

 pinched back you form the plant into an erect, 

 sturdy bush that will load itself with berries the 

 following year. No fruit will be borne the first 

 season. The young canes of the second year will 

 incline to be more sturdy and erect in their growth ; 

 but this tendency can be greatly enhanced by clip- 



