116 BUSH-FRUITS 



one or two horses (Fig. 24), is a most useful tool for 

 blackberry plantations. 



Mulching proves very satisfactory where the con- 

 ditions are favorable. It is especially adapted to the 

 home garden, where patches are likely to be small 

 and inconveniently cultivated. There is sometimes a 

 tendency to induce too late fall growth, and in this 

 respect it is inferior to cultivation, for a cessation of 



Fig. 24. Tilling blackberries with spring-tooth cultivator. 



tillage practically removes the soil -mulch, at least if 

 rains follow soon to pack the surface. 



Mention should again be made of the good results 

 obtained by the system of mulching adopted by M. 

 A. Thayer, of Sparta, Wis. This consists in growing 

 clover, in a field by itself, which is cut when in bloom 

 and applied along the rows, the central space being 

 kept thoroughly cultivated. Of course this is but one 

 of the factors which have contributed to the success 

 attained on the farm mentioned, but the method as a 

 whole has led to some phenomenal yields. 



