THE RASPBERRY AND BLACKBERRY. 655 



CHAPTER XXV. 



the raspberry and blackberry. 



1. The Raspberry. 



Rubus Idoeus, 4 : Eosacece, of botanists. 



Framloisier^ of the French ; Himbeerstrauch, German ; Frarriboos, 



Dutch ; Rova ideo, Italian ; and IVainbtieso, Spanish. 



The Raspberry is a low deciduous shrub, wbicb in several 

 forms is common in tbe woods of both Europe and America. 

 The large fruited varieties most esteemed in our gardens have 

 all originated from the long cultivated Ruhus idceus, or Mount 

 Ida bramble, which appears first to have been introduced into 

 the gardens of the South of Europe from Mount Ida. It is now 

 quite naturalized in some parts of this country. Besides this, 

 we have in the woods the common black raspberry, or thimble- 

 berry [Ruhus occidentalism L.), and the red raspberry [Ruhus 

 strigosus^ Michx.), with very good fruit. 



The name raspberry (Raspo, Italian) is probably from the 

 rasping roughness of prickly wood. The term raspis is still 

 used in Scotland. 



Uses. — The raspberry is held in general estimation, not only 

 as one of the most refreshing and agreeable sub-acid fruits for 

 the dessert, but it is employed by almost every family in making 

 preserves, jams, ices, sauces, tarts and jellies ; and on a larger 

 scale by confectioners for making syrups, by distillers for 

 making raspberry brandy, raspberry vinegar, &c. Raspberry 

 wine, made in the same way as that of currant, is considered 

 the most fragrant and delicious of all home-made wines. 



Succeeding the strawberry at the beginning of summer, when 

 there is comparatively little else, this is one of the most in- 

 vakiable fruits, and, with the strawberr}^, generally commands 

 ^he attention of those who have scarcely room for fruit trees. It 

 «, next to the strawberry, one of the most wholesome berries, 

 4nd not being liable to undergo the acetous fermentation in the 

 stomach, it is considered beneficial in cases of gout or rheu- 

 matism. 



Propagation. — The raspberry is universally propagated by 

 suckers, or offsets, springing up from the main roots. Seeds 

 are only planted when new varieties are desired. The seedlings 

 come into bearing at two or three years of age. 



Soil and Culture. — The best soil is a rich deep loam, rather 

 moist than dry, but the raspberry will thrive well in any soil that 



