124 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



in height ploughed under one foot deep, and the land rolled 

 and thoroughly compacted, as it was a loose black soil, the 

 particles being round like shot and becoming entirely desti- 

 tute of moisture under a hot sun. This was set to 'Straw- 

 berries. A few showers set them into growing, after which, 

 from about the middle of June to the 1st of September, no 

 rain fell on them. On September 1 each plant set had sent 

 out runners upon which had grown from fifteen to twenty- 

 five as strong, healthy plants as you ever saw, but not a root 

 on tliem^ as this black soil to the depth of two or three 

 inches was as dry as dust. These plants were sustained by 

 the parent plant drawing up moisture from the decomposing 

 mass of rye that was ploughed under. In two weeks from 

 the time the first rain came upon them they were all rooted, 

 showing the efficacy and power of water. 



Pardon me if I have dwelt too long upon this part of the 

 subject, the preparation of the soil, for I deem it of great 

 importance. Now, having prepared our soil properly, we 

 can proceed to plant with a consciousness of duty done ; 

 and as we walk by faith with the star of hope to guide, let 

 us take up the work as the season opens upon us. 



The currant and the raspberry are the first to start in the 

 spring. I therefore recommend to plant these in the fall, 

 the currant in hills five feet each way, the raspberry in rows 

 five feet apart and three feet in the row. No pruning or 

 trimming is required the first year. Set stakes to rasp- 

 berries, and in the following spring cut out old canes and 

 thin plants to four or five in a hill after the first year. 

 Keep currant bushes upright and thin, leaving no wood 

 more than three years old to bear fruit. The perfect red 

 raspberry is not in sight, unless it be some sort not yet fully 

 tried. I succeed very well with the Marlboro, but I 

 know of many who do not succeed. Miller's Red has not 

 done well with me except in growing plants. I am favor- 

 a])ly impressed with the Loudon, but have not fruited them 

 in sufiicient quantity to judge. The plant is very strong 

 and healthy. The Royal Church is a good table berry, but 

 crumbles easily and is too soft for market. The Columbian 

 is a great grower and i)roducer, l>ut I cannot sell it : it is 

 too dark for my market. 



