Blackberries Varieties, Cultivation, Etc. 205 



found something more real than a " Culprit Fay." Occasionally, a 

 thornless blackberry is heralded, and not a few have reason to recall 

 the " Hoosac," which was generally found, I think, about as free from 

 fruit as thorns. We have, also, the horticultural paradox of white black- 

 berries, in the " Crystal," introduced by Mr. John B. Orange, of Albion, 

 Illinois, and some others. They have little value, save as curiosities. 



PROPAGATION, CULTURE, ETC. 



In most instances, I think more difficulty would be found in making a 

 blackberry die than live. A plant set out in fall or early spring will 

 thrive if given the ghost of a chance. Late spring plantings, however, 

 often fail if subjected to heat and drought while in the green, succulent 

 condition of early growth. Like the raspberry, the blackberry should be 

 set, if possible, while in a dormant condition. If planted late, shade 

 should be given and moisture maintained until danger of wilting and 

 shriveling is past. I advise decidedly against late spring plantings on a 

 large scale, but in early spring planting I have rarely lost a plant. 

 Almost all that has been said concerning the planting and propagation of 

 raspberries applies to this fruit. Set the plants two or three inches deeper 

 than they were before. With the exception of the early Wilson, all 

 speedily propagate themselves by suckers, and this variety can be increased 

 readily by root cuttings. Indeed, better plants are usually obtained from 

 all varieties by sowing slips of the root, as has already been explained in 

 the paper on raspberries. 



The treatment of the blackberry can best be indicated by merely 

 noting wherein its requirements differ from the last-named and kindred 

 fruit. For instance, it does best on light soils and in sunny exposures. 

 The partial shade, and moist, heavy land in which the raspberry luxuriates, 

 would produce a rank growth of canes that winter would generally find 

 unripened, and unable to endure the frost Warm, well-drained, but not 

 dry land, therefore, is the best. On hard, dry ground, the fruit often 

 never matures, but becomes mere collections of seeds. Therefore the 

 need in the preparation of the soil of deep plowing, and the thorough 

 loosening, if possible, of the subsoil with the lifting plow. Any one who 

 has traced blackberry roots in light soils will seek to give them foraging- 

 room. Neither does this fruit require the fertility needed in most instances 

 by the raspberry. It inclines to grow too rankly at best, and demands 

 mellowness rather than richness of soil. 



