66 BUSH-FBUITS 



narrower blade, about as heavy as a good -sized ham- 

 mer, and which can be readily swung in one hand, 

 will prove convenient. Such a device is largely used 

 in planting strawberries by L. J. Farmer, of Pulaski, 

 N. Y., who was the first, so far as I know, to suggest 

 it. Perhaps an equally serviceable implement might 

 be made on the plan of a spade, using a shovel or 

 spade handle, which could be conveniently grasped 

 in the hand, combined with a strong, heavy blade 

 about two inches wide and six or eight inches long. 

 This could be easily thrust into the soil with one hand, 

 moved to one side, while the tip is inserted, then re- 

 moved, and thrust in again at the side to firm the soil 

 against the tip. A narrow transplanting trowel, like 

 those used by nurserymen in setting root grafts, would 

 answer equally well, except for the shortness of the 

 handle, and consequent stooping required. A cross- 

 bar on which to put the foot, if necessary in hard 

 ground, is an advantage. Either of the tools mentioned 

 can be readily made with the aid of a blacksmith. 



The tips should not be covered until they begin to 

 thicken and assume a leafless "snake -like" appearance, 

 which will generally be from the middle of August on. 



It is always desirable to propagate plants from 

 young plantations, if possible. They not only root more 

 readily and freely when young, but more healthy and 

 vigorous plants are produced, with less likelihood of 

 the transmission of disease. There are those w^ho argue 

 that since black -caps have always been propagated 

 largely from bearing plantations without deterioration, 

 there is no ground for believing that better plants 



