No. 4.1 BUSH-FRUITS. 345 



though the difference in elevation is but little. A series of 

 temperature records taken last winter often show differences 

 of six and eight degrees in the minimum temperature between 

 different points chosen on the farm. At times the extremes 

 were even greater than this. 



Fertilizers. 



How to fertilize bush-fruits is to some extent a still unsolved 

 problem. Some tests made in our experiment station work 

 gave very conflicting and unsatisfactory results. If stable 

 manure is available, it can always be safel}^ used to a limited 

 extent. Blackcaps will make use of a liberal supply to 

 ifood advantao;e, but it must not be used in too large 

 amounts for red raspberries and blackberries, particularly if 

 the soil is already fairly fertile. This may be supplemented 

 with potash in any convenient form, since, like all other fruits, 

 the bush-fruits are benefited both in yield and quality by this 

 element. If chemicals alone must be depended upon, it is 

 largely a question of personal trials, to learn what will give 

 best results under the given conditions. Judging from theo- 

 retical reasons, as well as from some hints derived from our 

 trials here, I am inclined to believe that nitrogen in the form 

 of blood or tankage ma}^ give better results than nitrogen in 

 the form of soda. This is only a suggestion, and may not 

 prove true under general conditions. 



Preparation and Planting. 



Ordinarily deep and thorough preparation of the soil is all 

 that these fruits demand, unless upon land which requires 

 underdraining. With a heavy soil, retentive of moisture, 

 underdraining should prove as profitable Avith these crops as 

 with others. Sod land should be avoided because of the 

 greater difficulty and uncertainty in planting ; old sod may 

 also be infested Avith Avhite grubs, which may cause consid- 

 erable loss of plants. 



The distance apart for plants may vary with the kind of 

 fruit and the preference of the planter. Raspberries will do 

 well Avith rows six feet apart, and the plants three or four 

 feet apart in the row. Some successful growers prefer to 



