Berries and Small Fruits 233 



well drained, but if a little clayey, so much 'the 

 better. They are planned preferably in early spring, 

 and set from three or four to six or seven feet apart, 

 according to the variety. They should be put in 

 firmly. Set the plants in about as deep as they have 

 been growing, and cut the canes back to six or eight 

 inches. If fruit is wanted the same season as 

 bushes are set, get a few extra plants — they cost 

 but a few cents — and cut back to two feet or so. 

 Plants fruited the first season are not likely to do 

 well the following year. Two plants may be set in a 

 place and one fruited. If this one is exhausted, then 

 little will be lost. Give clean cultivation frequently 

 enough to maintain a soil mulch, as it is very neces- 

 sary to retain all the moisture possible. Cultiva- 

 tion, though frequent, should be very shallow as 

 soon as the plants get a good start. In very hot 

 seasons, if the ground is clean, a summer mulch of 

 old hay, leaves or rough manure will be good for 

 the same purpose. 



In growing, a good stout stake is used for each 

 plant, to which the canes are tied with some soft 

 material. Or, a stout wire is strung the length of 

 the row and the canes fastened to this — a better 

 way, however, being to string two wires, one on 

 either side of the row. 



Another very important matter is that of prun- 

 ing. The plants if left to themselves will throw 



