84 FIELD CULTURE. 



out reducing the crop of fruit. If our object is large 

 and abundant fruit, the roots must not be disturbed. 



One quahfication to the above : AVhen new plants 

 are set, unless prevented by mulching immediately, 

 we, as often as every three days or week, for a month 

 or so, hoe or rake the ground freely, and always stir 

 the soil as close to the plants, as often, and as much as 

 possible, only being cautious not to disturb the roots. 

 On no account liill up the plants in the cultivation, or 

 elevate the beds in good soil. 



FIELD CULTURE. 



Although most of the processes herein detailed for 

 the garden are equally appropriate for those who are 

 largely cultivating for market purposes, yet that class 

 of persons are now becoming so numerous and impor- 

 tant, particularly in the vicinity of our cities, that a 

 general article, summing up the whole matter, may well 

 be prepared for their especial convenience and benefit. 

 Some points are so essential as to bear a distinct repe- 

 tition. 



Select from your farm as far as convenient a rather 

 low, cool, moist spot of ground, with an open, genial, 

 pure soil ; somewhat like that we often find on the 

 margin of streams of water or muck swamps, or bog 



