120 HISTORY OF FRUITS. 



the autumn, many were at that time in a perfect state on 

 the branches. 



" Four feet is the most convenient width for the beds, 

 but by passing the shoots under the path formed of peat 

 earth, wherein they would root, other beds might soon 

 be established on each side. From four to six inches 

 depth of peat earth would be sufficient for such beds, and 

 the paths should be level with them, it being desirable 

 not to drain off the moisture. 



" Dry heathy commons and wastes would produce a 

 large supply of these fruits, with little labour or expense, 

 either for the markets or for food for moor-game. A 

 single plant would soon extend itself over a large space 

 of ground, if turned up and kept clean till the runners 

 had taken root ; and as no manure is requisite, and little 

 or no weeding wanted, the first trouble is all that would 

 be necessary, except in situations where hares or rabbits 

 abound : these animals are particularly fond of the young 

 plants, and a temporary fence must be made to protect 

 them from their depredations. 



" Dung is peculiarly injurious to the cranberry: it abso- 

 lutely destroys it, as I have proved by a variety of expe- 

 riments, in which I found that all the plants completely 

 failed which were planted in any compost of which gar- 

 den mould or dung formed a part. Peat earth is the only 

 soil in which they will flourish : nor can a supply of this 

 very valuable fruit be expected except in situations where 

 the plants will have a due enjoyment of sun and air." 



The cuttings may be taken from any part of the old plants, 

 for the old wood will root as well as the young branches. 



Sweden produces abundance of cranberries, but they 

 are only used for cleansing plate in that country. 



A new species of cranberry is now cultivated in this 

 kingdom, which has been called snowberry, on account 

 of the colour of the fruit : it was brought from Nova 



