TILLAGE AND MOISTURE 115 



doubtful whether this practice is advisable, though 

 they may occupy the space between the rows with profit 

 for one or two years. 



TILLAGE AND MULCHING 



Little need be said on the subject of cultivation 

 in addition to what has already been said on the sub- 

 ject in general (Chapter I.). Some writers have ad- 

 vised no cultivation for the blackberry, at least after 

 the second year, on the ground that cultivation pro- 

 duces a too rampant growth and consequent lack of 

 hardiness. While this may be true in part, the prac- 

 tice of letting them go without cultivating is open to 

 an equally serious if not more grave objection. The 

 most dangerous enemy to blackberry growing in most 

 sections of the country is dry weather, especially if 

 occurring about the time of ripening. Tillage is the 

 most available means at command, in most cases, for 

 overcoming this difficulty. A crop may easily be re- 

 duced one -half by drying up on the bushes and, while 

 cultivation cannot entirely prevent this loss, it will do 

 much toward it. Thorough cultivation every ten days 

 throughout the season is the best known substitute 

 for irrigation, and should be vigorously maintained 

 up to the time the fruit ripens, at least. 



A cultivator which will cut the suckers below the 

 surface of the ground is a great aid, unless plants are 

 to be grown for sale or for further planting. Two 

 such implements are described in the introductory 

 chapter. A spring -tooth cultivator, drawn by either 



