1 88 Success with Small Fruits. 



which also will root themselves with slight assistance, as in Fig. B, 

 and thus the number of new plants is greatly increased. Spring is 

 by far the best time, at the North, for planting these rooted tips ; but 

 it should be done as early as possible, before the bud (C) has started into 

 its brittle, succulent growth. At the South, November is probably the 

 best season for planting. It is a species that adapts itself to most soils, 

 even the lightest, and endures much neglect. At the same time, it 

 responds generously to good culture and rigorous pruning, and, if 

 moisture is abundant, the yield is simply enormous. It not only thrives 

 far to the north, but can also be grown farther south than any other 

 class of raspberries. 



In planting, spread out the roots and let them go down their full 

 length, but do not put over an inch or two of soil on the bud from which 

 the new canes are to spring. Press the earth firmly around this bud, but 

 not on it. Let the rows be six feet apart, and the plants three feet from 

 each other in the row ; at this distance, 2,400 will be required for an acre. 

 Summer pinching back will transform these sprawling, drooping canes into 

 compact, stocky bushes, or ornamental shrubs that in sheltered locations 

 will be self-supporting. Clean culture, and, as the plantation grows 

 older, higher stimulation, greatly enhance success. After the plants 

 begin to show signs of age and feebleness, it is best to set out young 

 plants on new ground. 



The varieties of this species are almost innumerable, since seedlings 

 come up by the million every year; but the differences between the 

 majority of them are usually very slight. There are four kinds, however, 

 that have won honorable distinction and just popularity. The earliest of 

 these is Davidson's Thornless, said to have originated in the garden of 

 Mrs. Mercy Davidson, Towanda, Erie Co., N. Y. It is nothing like so 

 vigorous a grower as the other three varieties ; but the sweetness of the 

 fruit and the freedom from thorns make it desirable for the home garden. 

 Unless high culture or moist soil is given, I do not recommend it for 

 market. 



Next in order of ripening is the Doolittle, or American Improved, 

 found growing wild, about thirty-five years since, by Leander Joslyn, of 

 Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., and introduced by Mr. H. H. Doolittle. This, 

 hitherto, has been the most popular of all the species, and thousands of 

 bushels are annually raised for market. The plant is exceedingly 

 vigorous, producing strong, branching canes that literally cover them- 

 selves with fruit. I have seen long rows fairly black with caps. Perhaps 

 it should be stated that the thorns are vigorous, also. 



