Lessening the Effects of Drought 107 



advantage. In recent years this seems to have been 

 largely replaced in practice by other medicines and stimu- 

 lants, and there is little demand for it. 



Probably the greatest value of the blackberry is not 

 so much as a medicine to cure disease, as in its healthful- 

 ness when used as a food. Perhaps nothing is more con- 

 ducive to health and good spirits than fresh, well-ripened 

 fruit, and among all fruits there is none better adapted to 

 accomplish this much wished for end than the bright, 

 shining, and luscious blackberry. No home should be 

 without it in abundance. 



LESSENING THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT 



Blackberries ripen at a season of the year when soil 

 moisture is likely to be much depleted. Hot suns and 

 drying winds are making heavy demands on the plant 

 which in turn seeks this moisture from the soil. The 

 plants carry a heavy crop of fruit which must be refined 

 and perfected just when weather conditions, in the average 

 season, are at their worst. All these conditions tend to 

 make droughts one of the most important factors with 

 which to be reckoned in blackberry growing. It therefore 

 seems wise to discuss the methods which may be used to 

 reduce the injury from this cause. 



The character of the soil and its drainage are matters 

 of first consideration. Dry sandy or gravelly soils should 

 never be chosen. No soil which lacks moisture is suitable. 

 Neither will a wet soil do; one which is deep and continu- 

 ally moist but not wet is the ideal. Artificial drainage 

 will sometimes be needed to secure the desired result. 



