Winter-killing 23 



beneficial; otherwise they are carefully drawn up and tied 

 or supported, as before directed. The earth used for 

 covering is worked back into its original position by the 

 first cultivation. 



"The work of laying down can be done at any time after 

 growth stops in the fall, but before the ground freezes. 

 It may even be done while the plants are yet in full leaf, 

 without injury, if conditions are favorable, but this is not 

 to be recommended. The time of lifting them in spring is 

 of greater importance. A plant which has been covered 

 during the winter is much more tender than one which has 

 been exposed to the weather. If lifted too early, and severe 

 weather follows, they are likely to suffer even more than if 

 left exposed during the entire winter. If left too late, 

 growth may begin while they are still covered, rendering 

 them sensitive to even light frosts when exposed. A few 

 days of mild weather following the uncovering is desir- 

 able. The cost of this protection is not excessive. In 

 Wisconsin, where much of it is done, the cost of laying- 

 down blackberries and lifting them again in spring has 

 been estimated at about $5 an acre." 



Bailey writes 1 as follows on this subject: "Blackberries 

 and raspberries are extensively laid down in cold climates, 

 and it may be well to relate the method here for the benefit 

 of those who occupy bleak locations. Late in fall, the 

 bushes are tipped over and covered. Three men are 

 generally employed to perform this labor. One man goes 

 ahead with a long-handled round-pointed shovel and digs 

 the earth away six inches deep from under the roots. The 

 second man has a six-tined or four-tined fork which he 

 1 "Principles of Fruit-G rowing," Revised Ed., p. 257. 



