49 



The blackcap varieties do not throw up suckers but are propa- 

 gated by their tips taking root. This they will do to large 

 extent themselves if not in an exposed position where they are 

 whipped about by the wind. When new plants are desired it is 

 best to layer the tips by covering them with two or three inches 

 of earth. This is done with a garden trowel, and in our latitude, 

 in August and September. The time to do it in every locality is 

 indicated by the tips of the bushes swelling and turning purple. 

 They will then readily take 'root if covered with a little soil. As 

 new branches grow, bend over and touch the ground, many more 

 tips will be ready to take root. If a large number of plants are 

 wanted it will pay to go over them often in September and Octo- 

 ber, covering the ends. I have found it more satisfactory to 

 leave these young plants in the ground till spring ; but as has 

 been stated before, they can be taken up and set out in the fall if 

 desired. But in most localities the frost will throw them out if 

 not protected b}^ mounding the earth slightly over them and then 

 uncoverinu early in spring. The bushes may be trimmed in win- 

 ter if more convenient, as it does not hurt the young plants to be 

 separated from the parent at this season. 



Culture for Fruit. 



In the garden where the plow will not be used, the plants 

 may be set out three feet apart each way. If planted in the fall 

 cover with earth as before directed. As early in the spring as 

 the ground is fit to work, uncover and fork the ground deeply 

 between the rows. I would recommend that the spaces between 

 the hills be covered at once while the soil is loose and moist, 

 with a heavy mulch of leaves, rakings of the lawn, or any coarse 

 litter that will keep the surface damp and the weeds from grow- 

 ing. By fall the plants will have sent up new canes on which 

 will be borne the fruit the coming season. In October the mulch 

 can be dug under, and thus the soil is kept rich. About the 1st 

 of November shorten in the young canes from one-third to one- 

 half, and you will get more and better fruit and the plants will 



