BUSH FRUIT PRODUCTION 



tion and it will insure the crop against partial 

 destruction by winter even in sections where 

 severe killing is not the rule. 



In laying down the canes and covering them 

 with earth, care must be taken not to break 

 or split them. Usually they are pushed over 

 and held down with a fork while sufficient 

 earth is thrown on the tips to hold the canes 

 in place (see Figure 4). In sections where 

 heavy snows are to be expected it is necessary 

 to use enough earth to hold the canes down 

 only. Otherwise they should be entirely cov- 

 ered to a depth of three or four inches. 



If the canes are to be covered with earth 

 it is best to lay them as flat to the ground as 

 possible without too great breakage. This is 

 facilitated by removing a spadeful of soil from 

 beside the plant and pressing against the bases 

 of the canes with the foot when they are being 

 laid down. 



After all danger of heavy frost is past in 

 spring the canes are uncovered and lifted into 

 position. Usually they are given some sup- 

 port. Caution must be used in uncovering the 

 canes, for they are very tender after their 

 winter in the ground and are more easily dam- 

 aged by frost than canes that have not been 

 given protection. They should not be un- 

 covered too early. On the other hand, if the 

 44 



