70 BUSH-FRUITS 



only loosens the ground thoroughly and leaves it fine 

 and mellow. Some growers use a plow at the first cul- 

 tivation, and perhaps once later in the season. On the 

 whole, this is not to be recommended. It not only 

 disturbs and injures the roots, but it leaves the ground 

 in undesirable shape. If the furrows are turned from 

 the rows with a ridge in the center, the two furrows 

 next the bushes leave the roots more or less exposed, 

 which is undesirable. If the furrows are turned to- 

 ward the rows this leaves a ridge, with more or less of 

 a harbor for insects about the plants where the furrows 

 are thrown together. If cultivation is begun promptly 

 in spring, before the ground gets hardened, there is no 

 necessity for plowing, for the soil will work up readily 

 with any good cultivator. This keeps the ground in 

 much better shape, both for work among the bushes, 

 and for the satisfactory growth of the bushes them- 

 selves. 



PRUNING 



Young black raspberry canes should be cut back to 

 cause them to branch and become as nearly self-sup- 

 porting as possible. One point, already mentioned, 

 should be again emphasized, and that is that the young 

 shoots should be nipped back low, when they reach the 

 desired height, not allowing them to get considerably 

 higher and then cutting back to the height required. 

 If pinched low, the plant will at once throw out strong 

 and vigorous branches near the ground, making a well- 

 balanced, self-supporting bush. On the other hand, if 

 it is allowed to grow higher and is then cut back, only 



