No. 4.] SMALL FRUITS AND BERRIES. 103 



to solve this problem by producing bettor and more attrac- 

 tive fruit and by packing and placing the fruit on the market 

 in a much more inviting condition. 



Think of the difference in the consumption of oranges 

 during the past few years ! Since the growers of this fruit 

 have been organized and awake to the situation, they have 

 more than doubled the number of oranges used, by judicious 

 advertising backed up by a uniform product and an honest 

 package. 



Pkeparation of the Soil. 



Xo crop on our farms needs a better preparation of the soil 

 than small fruits, for, in most cases, and especially with the 

 strawberry, the roots are very small and fine and need the 

 most carefully pulverized soil in order to get their best 

 growth. Sod lands should be broken up at least one year 

 before planting the crop, and if there is any witch grass or 

 other perennial weeds, great care should be taken to destroy 

 them, for nothing will run out a plantation of currants or 

 gooseberries quicker than to allow witch grass to come in. 

 A well cultivated crop, like corn or potatoes, should precede 

 the small fruits on newly turned sod land, but they can be 

 planted successfully on any well prepared farm lands. As- 

 paragus beds which have run out, and which have been kept 

 free of weeds, are splendid places on which to plant the 

 strawberry, raspberry or blackberry, while the currant and 

 gooseberry will follow very well after any of the root vegeta- 

 ble crops, as carrots, parsnips or beets ; in fact, market- 

 garden crops can be grown for two or three years among cur- 

 rant bushes, provided, however, enough fertilizer is added to 

 support both crops. It must be always kept in mind that all 

 small fruits are gross feeders, and an abundance of fertilizer 

 must be added to the soil if good results would be obtained. 

 In the first preparation, it is always well to apply plenty of 

 manure, as this insures a quick, sturdy growth, as well as 

 supplying a water-holding condition in the soil without 

 which the crop might suffer in a dry season. Leguminous 

 plants, such as clover, cow peas, vetch and soy beans, can 

 be turned under in places where manure is scarce, and this 

 will supply to the soil practically the same elements as ma- 



