42 Bush-Fruits 



clay loam, although not as numerous as those on other 

 soils, gave the heavier yields. 



The moisture-content is more important than the char- 

 acter of the soil itself. Wet land will insure partial failure 

 at least. On such land the plants will often heave badly 

 and suffer much from winter-killing. The growth is 

 generally feeble and the outcome unsatisfactory. Yet 

 no fruit suffers more quickly from drought at ripening 

 time. The demand is, therefore, for a soil which is well 

 drained, so that it is never surfeited with water, but it 

 must also be retentive of moisture so as to supply the 

 plant's needs during the growing season. A liberal supply 

 of humus is a great aid in this respect. 



A reasonably fertile soil is desirable. The commercial 

 grower is not likely to be troubled by too much fertility 

 in his soil. In the home-garden, however, a patch of ground 

 may sometimes be chosen which is too rich for best results. 

 Ground which has been manured heavily, year after year, 

 or which receives the wash from a barn-yard, may con- 

 tain too much nitrogen. Under these conditions the 

 growth will be rank and the canes tender. Excessive 

 winter injury and diminished fruitfulness are the natural 

 results. Vigorous growing varieties may thrive better on 

 infertile soils than varieties of weaker growth. 



THE SITE AND EXPOSURE 



The cooler and shadier the spot, the finer the berries. 

 This holds true with wild and cultivated berries alike. 

 If a choice is available, a northern or northeastern exposure 

 is therefore to be preferred, but this is not essential and 



