CHAPTER XXII. 



RUBUS OCCIDENTALIS BLACK-CAP AND PURPLE CANE RASPBERRIES. 



WE now turn to the other great American species Rubus Occi- 

 dentalis the well-known black- cap, or thimble berry, that is found 

 along almost every road- side and fence in the land. There are few 

 little people who have not stained their lips and fingers, not to mention 

 their clothes, with this homely favorite. I can recall the days when, to the 

 horror of the laundress, I filled my pockets with the juicy caps. It is 

 scarcely necessary to recall its long, rambling, purple shoots, its light-green 

 foliage, silvery on the under side, its sharp and abundant spines, from which 

 we have received many a vicious scratch. Its cultivation is so simple that 

 it may be suggested in a few sentences. It does not produce suckers, like 

 R. Strigosus, but the tips of the drooping branches (Fig. A) root them- 

 selves in the soil during August and September, forming young plants. 

 These, planted, produce a vigorous bush the first year that b irs the second 

 season, and then dies down to the perennial root, as is the case with all rasp- 

 berries. Usually, the tips of the young canes will take root, if left to 

 themselves, unless whipped about by the wind. If new plants in abundance 

 are desired, it is best to assist nature, however, by placing a little earth on 

 the tip just after it begins to enlarge slightly, thus showing it is ready to 

 take root. This labor is quickly performed by throwing a handful or two 

 of earth on the tips with a trowel. The tips do not all mature for propa- 

 gation at one time ; therefore, it is well to go over the plantation every two 

 weeks after the middle of August, and cover lightly with earth only such 



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