THE BLACKBERRY. 73 



the Antwerp raspberry ; but to produce berries of the largest size, 

 they should have a heavy, damp soil, and shade." 



Ever since the introduction of the Lawton, cultivators have been 

 seeking lor nevsr varieties — the aim being to obtain a better and a 

 hardier sort — for, notveithstanding the claim put forth in the fore- 

 going extract, the Lawton is not sufficiently hardy to withstand 

 the hard winters north of Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. 

 Of later sorts — 



The Kittattnnt, which originated near Philadelphia, has been 

 widely disseminated, and claim is made that it is a hardy variety. 

 It is of excellent quality, very sweet and large, though not quite so 

 large as the Lawton, and ripens a little before it. 



Wilson's Early. — This is another later introduction, very good 

 and productive, large and long, and ripens early. About as hardy 

 as the foregoing. 



Missouri Mammoth. — This blackberry originated in north Mis- 

 souri, and has been persistently disseminated as a superior variety. 

 It is larger than any of the sorts named, and about equal in quality 

 to the Lawton ; but does not promise well for hardiness. In that 

 respect not any superior to the former. 



Western Triumph. — A variety originating somewhere in Illi- 

 nois. Not sufficiently tested to justify extensive planting. 



Crystal White. — With nothing to recommend it but its name ; 

 and it is very far from being a white blackberry. It is bitter, 

 small, and worthless — and the wonder is that nurserymen will 

 continue it in their catalogues. 



The Snyder. — This is a new variety, put forth with strong 

 claims for its value as a hardy sort. Said to stand the winters 

 where most of the varieties above named have failed. It is prolific, 

 but of only small or medium size. It promises well, though its 

 hardiness must be its chief recommendation. 



Cultivation and Management. — For field culture the black- 

 berry should be set in rows, not less than eight feet apart and three 

 to four feet in the rows. Care must be taken that the roots do not 

 become exposed to the sun or atmosphere before planting. The 

 stem of each plant should be cut back to four or six inches — ^just 

 sufficient left to facilitate handling. If well planted, the new 

 shoots from the roots will begin to show themselves in two or 

 t/u'ce weeks. Not more than two or three of these should ^e 



