98 MAKING HORTICULTURE PAY 



leave space for the necessary culture. Mr. Emerson 

 considers 4x6 feet the proper width to set the 

 plants when starting new plantations in the open. 



" The first two or three years light applications 

 of phosphoric acid and potash were given in co 

 nection with the crimson clover, which forms the 

 basis of manure furnished to the gooseberries, and 

 which, doubtless, is the greatest factor in the suc- 

 cess attained. Crimson clover has been the sole 

 manure, until within the past year or so, when an 

 application of barnyard manure was given in the 

 fall, to aid the clover as a mulch and to furnisn ad- 

 ditional humus, so that sufficient moisture can be 

 conserved to mature the crop. For it must be 

 borne in mind that the pear and apple trees are 

 now at such an age they require a large amount of 

 moisture. 



" This necessitates the plowing down of the clover 

 early in the spring, because of the call for moisture 

 by the maturing clover itself. It was desirable also 

 to prevent injury to the larger root system of the 

 strong gooseberry bushes. To maintain the crop- 

 producing power of this large number of mature 

 trees and vines, culture must begin as early as 

 possible. After the clover is turned under the 

 most intense culture is given, implements best 

 suited for the work being used. After the crop 

 is harvested, or about July 10, the ground is again 

 seeded to crimson clover and the same routine fol- 

 lowed. The gooseberries began bearing at two 

 years, and have borne annually since in increasing 

 quantity. Last season over 24,000 pounds were 

 gathered from a scant four acres. This product 

 sold at an average of 6 cents a pound, or $1,440 

 from the four acres. The crop is usually sold to 

 Baltimore canners, whose representatives come to 



