SOIL AND CULTURAL METHODS 333 



pounds of arsenate of lead to every 50 gallons. This spray 

 should be repeated when the fruit is about one fourth grown. 

 If the currant worms are troublesome after this time, the 

 foliage should be dusted with pyre thrum. 



If the foliage becomes suddenly wilted at any time, it 

 indicates the presence of the cane borer. Cut out the 

 affected shoots and burn. 



Brambles. The brambles include the red raspberries, 

 black raspberries, blackberries, and dewberries. 



Propagation. Red raspberries produce numerous 

 shoots from the roots, which are generally used for start- 

 ing a new plantation. It is often customary, however, 

 when there is a shortage of plants, to propagate them by root 

 cuttings. The black raspberries (black caps) are usually 

 propagated by tip layering. The high-bush blackberry is 

 propagated by suckers and root cuttings, while the dew- 

 berries may be multiplied by layering the new canes, which 

 root readily in midsummer. 



Soil and Cultural Methods. The brambles prefer moist, 

 cool growing conditions. It will be noticed that the 

 brambles grow best in the wild, near the edge of woods 

 or about decaying stumps, hence a northern exposure and 

 a soil that contains plenty of humus and plant food is 

 generally preferred. Brambles will grow on poorly drained 

 soil, while on light soils, if properly handled, good crops 

 may be produced. They are generally set in rows six to 

 eight feet apart, with the plants from three to six feet apart 

 in the rows. 



During the first season, frequent cultivation is necessary, 

 unless mulching with straw or hay is practiced. Soil till- 

 age is generally most practical as a means of preserving 

 soil moisture, which is so essential to a vigorous growth 



