76 THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FRCITS. 



allowed to e^row the first year, and the ground should be fre- 

 quently stirred, aud kept free of weeds and grass. If the soil is 

 rich and mellow these shoots will grow stout and stocky, and reach 

 a height of four or five feet by fall. But it is best to pinch off the 

 terminal shoot of each plant when it reaches a height of three or 

 three and a half feel — thus cau-^ing it to throw out side-shoots and 

 form a bushy top. 



Of course no fruit can be obtained the same year of planting. 

 The growth of this season will bear a crop the next, and then 

 die — thus renewing themselves annually. While one season's 

 growth is bearing fruit, another growth is coming forward lo 

 take its place ; and as soon us the fruit is gathered, the stalks tl.at 

 bore it should be carefully cut away to make room for the new 

 growth. 



Some cultivators allow the stalks to grow tall and slender, 

 without nipping back. These tall s'alks require support, and if 

 they are not staked or trellised, will be apt to blow over by the 

 wind. Those that are shortened, and made to grow stocky, will 

 support themselves, and require no outlay for trellis or stakes. 

 Besides, the quantity of fruit is largely increased by this mode of 

 treatment. 



Blackberries are rank feeders. Barn-yard manure, freely given 

 them in the fall, acts as a protection in the winter and a fertilizer 

 in the season of growth ; while leaves, rotten-wood, or straw make 

 a mulch well suited to their natural habit. 



An acre of ground, planted at t!ie distajces named, will grow 

 from one thousand to twelve hundred hills, and after the second 

 year should yield fifty or sixty bushels, at a mode ate estimate. 

 Cfire and judgment in management, good cultiva'ion, and a free 

 use of mulching and fertilizing material, will be sure to bring 

 their reward. 



