THE COUNTRY HOME [CHAPTER 
will not last more than three years in a bearing 
condition. 
The blackberry is ugly in its disposition, and in 
its cane has yielded least of all to civilization. It is 
curious that this magnificent fruit has come along 
down to us with so many friends, yielding such a 
delicious fruit, but in no way giving up its defense 
against the enemies that it had in the wild state. 
Old Humphrey says, however, that “Ye black- 
berry is a prime teacher of patience and endurance. 
It scratcheth and teareth, in order that it may make 
us sweeter-tempered. Whoever filleth his pail with 
this delightful fruit, will go home cheerful in spite 
of ye tatters and ye thorns.”’ In our gardens we 
are getting some magnificent varieties, if we only 
knew where to put them. I have found it con- 
venient to have a double row of blackberries grow- 
ing along a side of my property which is easily en- 
tered by strolling boys. I find that since these have 
grown the lads have forgotten where my vineyard 
is. They will walk many a rod further, on their 
route to the swimming pond, rather than under- 
take to cross my lot. The blackberry needs a 
moist place, but never wet, and it demands deep, 
rich, strong soil. I have grown it without culti- 
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