SETTING THE PLANTS 67 



are produced from young plantations. This is hardly 

 sufficient evidence for the statement, for there is no 

 doubt that varieties do deteriorate in cultivation, and 

 since this mode of propagation is nothing more than a 

 sub -division of the same individual, the young plant 

 cannot fail to carry with it to a large degree the 

 character of the old one. Propagating from old plan- 

 tations is especially objectionable if the plants are 

 affected with anthracnose, or any other fungous dis- 

 ease, as so many old plantations are likely to be. 



PLANTING 



Spring planting is always to be preferred for 

 black -caps; yet, if for any reason it is desirable to 

 secure the plants in the fall, a very good method is 

 to plant them in shallow furrows and mulch well 

 through the winter, leaving them in this position un- 

 til the young shoots have made a growth of several 

 inches in spring; then set in their permanent place. 

 This insures the weeding out of any poor plants and 

 secures a perfect stand in the field. Plant deep ; 

 careful growers who have given attention to this 

 point have satisfied themselves that 3 to 4 inches is 

 none too deep to give best results. The plants should 

 be set in the bottom of the furrow and covered lightly 

 at first, gradually filling up the furrow as growth pro- 

 gresses. Plants thus set appear to stand drought 

 better, and there is less trouble with the canes blow- 

 ing down than when planted shallow. In the begin- 

 ning they may make a less even and vigorous start 



