72 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



simply as the opinion of one not competent to be deemed an authority. 



One must not expect to succeed in this business without the aid of 

 experience. Theory is good as far as it goas, but one's competitors 

 are ahnost sure to have both. One must study and learn by the light of 

 small ventures, afterwards a gradual extention may be profitable- 

 It is well to take the first lesson from nature herself. Where wild 

 berries grow abundantly it is safe to expect tlie cultivated to thrive. 

 We will suppose we liave such a piece of land in grass. I should 

 mow before any seeds were formed. When plowed, I should want 

 about six inches of the field turned exactly bottom side up. I should 

 spread on a liberal dressing of manure, at least twenty cords to the 

 acre. This should be well worked into the soil iu the fall. In the 

 spring, plant early sweet corn for the famil\', and between the hills 

 set the strawberry plants, a sufficient number. Give thoroughly clean 

 cultivation during the summer. Cut up the corn-stalks as soon and 

 as fast as a'ou use the corn. Do not try to keep the same plot in 

 berries more than liiree years. 



After getting started, plant a plot each year and plow up those 

 that are getting weedy. This, of course, applies to those who have 

 plenty of land. If one has but a garden there is nothing equal to 

 the hoe, the hand weeder and elbow grease, for the weeds must be 

 exterminated and you must fight it out on tliat line if it takes all 

 summer«and every summer. 



That the cultivation of small fruits for market is a profitable busi- 

 ness in the hands of an experienced culturist, there is no doubt. In 

 our good State of Maine we have the natural home of them all. 

 Nowheie are the bushes and the vines more fruitful. Nowhere 

 does the summer paint the ripened fruit with so true a hand. No- 

 where does her laboratory combine more exquisite flavors. I believe 

 that our people may become pre-eminent in this department of 

 pomology. But I will not lay undue stress on this. Rather would 

 I urge upon all the ease and cheapness with which an abundance 

 maA- be provided for the home table. I know by experience that 

 blackberries and raspberries can be produced and picked for two 

 and one-half cents per basket, and that as many bushels of straw- 

 berries as of potatoes can be raised on one square rod of land. 



They are all luxuries, unquestionably and emphatically. We, in 

 tlie country, have within our easy grasp what is hardly to be had 

 in the city at any pi'ice, if we take into account freshness and per- 

 fection. The farmer owes it to himself and family that they have 



