FLOODING 267 



and those which are most prolific. They may be propagated by 

 mound layering and cuttings. Stump layering is successfully 

 practiced. Cut off bushes in early spring, leaving the stumps at 

 the surface. Cover these with a very sandy soil to a depth of two 

 inches. Shoots will be sent up and by fall these will be rooted in 

 the soil. They may be dug up, separated and transplanted early 

 the next spring. These rooted shoots are grown for a season in 

 pots of well-drained, sandy soil. Give them a shady place and 

 avoid watering too much. 



Soils for blueberries must be well drained and free from lime or 

 limestone. Acid soils are preferred. Bog soil, if well drained, is 

 excellent. Sand should be mixed with this. 



Set the bushes three or four feet apart, in rows about as far 

 apart. As they reach maturity they may be thinned if they are 

 crowded. 



Give the plantation clean culture. Cabbage may well be grown 

 between the rows for a few years. The bushes will not bear com- 

 mercially for four or five years. 



Uses. — Eaten fresh with sugar, or cream and sugar, as a dessert, 

 is the chief use. They are also cooked and used as sauce, and 

 made into pies, puddings, and muffins. They are easily canned 

 for winter use. 



CRANBERRIES 



The growing of cranberries is restricted by natural conditions, 

 as the culture is limited to regions of cool climate, rich soil, and 

 plenty of water. 



The soil for cranberries should be deep, rich, and black. There 

 should be a supply of sand near by to spread on top when the 

 plantation is started. If an old bog is used for cranberries, it 

 must be cleared of brush and roots as much as possible. Then 

 plow and harrow it well. After the native growth has thus been 

 subdued for a few months, the surface should be graded nicely. 

 The plants are then set in a layer of sand spread a few inches deep 

 all over the surface. 



Flooding of the cranberry bog should be planned. This is nec- 

 essary for several purposes: (1) to prevent the heaving out of 

 plants by winter freezing; (2) to retard the blossom season and 

 prevent damage from late spring frosts; (3) to protect the fruit 

 crop from early fall freezes; (4) to prevent attacks of insect enemies; 

 (5) to protect from fires; (6) to protect from drouth. 



