CHAPTER XIX. 



RASPBERRIES SPECIES, HISTORY, PROPAGATION, ETC. 



I HAVE given the greater part of this volume to the subject of straw- 

 berries, not only because it is the most popular fruit, but also for the 

 reason that the principles of thorough preparation of the soil, drainage, 

 culture, &c., apply equally to the other small fruits. Those who have 

 followed me carefully thus far, can soon master the conditions of success 

 which apply to the fruits still to be treated. I shall now consider a fruit 

 which is only second in value, and, by many, even preferred to all the 

 others. 



Like the strawberry, the raspberry is well connected, since it, also, 

 belongs to the Rose family. It has a perennial root, producing biennial 

 woody stems that reach a height of from three to six feet. Varieties, 

 however, differ greatly in this respect. Usually, the stems or canes do not 

 bear until the second year, and that season ends their life, their place being 

 taken by a new growth from the root. The flowers are white or red, very 

 unobtrusive, and rich in sweetness. The discriminating bees forsake most 

 other flowers while the raspberry blossoms last. The pistils on the convex 

 receptacle mature into a collection of small drupes, or stone fruits, of the 

 same character as the cherry, plum, etc., and the seeds within the. drupes 

 are miniature pits. These drupes adhere together, forming round or conical 

 caps, which will drop from the receptacle when over- ripe. I have seen 

 the ground covered with the fruit of certain varieties, when picking has 

 been delayed. 



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