or thimble berries; and third, the purple canes, which are the 

 results of the crossing of the red and black varieties. In this 

 part of the country the varieties of red raspberries seem to be 

 the most ])()pular, and at the same time they are probably best 

 adapted to this section. The blackcaps are, when well grown, 

 a much sweeter berry than the red, and, owing to the fact that 

 their fruit ripens practically all at one time, they can be har- 

 vested cheaper and thus sell for a little less. In some sections 

 they have become very popular, owing to 'their high quality 

 and cheapness. In sections of New York State the blackcaps 

 are used very extensively for drying and canning. There may, 

 however, be some question whether it is advisable to try to 

 grow them commercially in Massachusetts. They should, how- 

 ever, be given a trial. The purple canes, which make up the 

 newest group, seem to be w^ell adapted to various sections of 

 the States, and although they are not as attractive in appear- 

 ance nor as good shippers as the others, they are wonderfully 

 prolific and of good quality. They are becoming more and 

 more in favor, owing to their hardiness and extremely heavy 

 habit of bearing. 



The blackberries we may divide into two groups: first, the 

 blackberry; and second, the dewberry. We are all familiar 

 with the blackberry, and if we have had the privilege of eating 

 it ripe, from the vines, we appreciate what a fine fruit it is. 

 The dewberry, or trailing blackberry, is not as well known, but 

 in sections where they grow to perfection they are not only 

 larger, but more juicy and finer flavored than the blackberry. 

 Here I believe some experimental work should be done to 

 obtain varieties suited to this section. 



The soil requirements of the various groups of raspberries 

 and blackberries, we find, vary a great deal with each group. 

 The dewberry likes a warm sandy loam, while the red rasp- 

 berry and blackcaps do best on a medium or gravelly loam. 

 The purple canes like a little heavier soil, and the blackberry a 

 medium to heavy loam. For best results they all require a deep, 

 well-drained soil, well supplied with humus, so that a good 

 supply of water will be available at fruiting time. All should 

 be planted on elevated land, the dewberry on the warmer 

 slopes, and the blackberry on the cooler northern slopes. The 



