6 Bush-Fruits 



Strong rank growers may develop too much cane-growth 

 with deficient fruiting qualities if the soil is heavy and 

 rich. This is particularly likely to occur with black- 

 berries and red raspberries. Winter-killing is often the 

 sequel to rank growth of canes. 



Drought resistance is really the prime essential to be 

 sought in the choice of soils. The soil which will provide 

 the best supply of moisture during the ripening period is 

 the one which is likely to give the most profitable returns. 

 This quality can be greatly enhanced by methods of 

 handling. A soil which is well filled with humus, and in 

 good tilth, will withstand drought far better than a similar 

 one which lacks humus and is not well tilled. Recently 

 turned sod is objectionable because inconvenient to fur- 

 row and plant. It is difficult thoroughly to firm the soil 

 about the roots in such land. The percentage of loss is 

 therefore likely to be higher and the rate of growth slower. 

 But the sooner after the sod has rotted that the field can 

 be planted, the better will be the conditions for growth. 

 Hence land which has been tilled but one year is better 

 than that which has been longer under the plow. Even 

 sod land plowed early in the fall may be used for spring 

 planting the following year with good results. 



A heavy sod in process of decay is the best source from 

 which to obtain humus whether for bush-fruits or other 

 crops. Unfortunately this supply is soon exhausted, as 

 the land remains under tillage, and must be supplemented 

 from other sources. Stable-manure used for fertilizer will 

 help to maintain the supply but is insufficient for best 

 results, unless used very heavily. Cover-crops have not 

 been extensively used in bush-fruit plantations, but a 



