78 BLACKBERRIES 
be done to secure fertility by annual additions of burned 
garden refuse, road scrapings, etc. Bone meal makes 
a fine autumn dressing, and may be followed in spring 
by light applications of nitrate of soda. Lime in some 
form should occasionally be given, as the blackberry 
appreciates this almost as much as do some stone fruits. 
PEsTs 
Fortunately the blackberry is seldom attacked by 
insect pests, but when grown against walls some 
varieties may become infested with red spider, in which 
case one or other of the well-known remedies must be 
applied by syringe or sprayer. Where birds are trouble- 
some, netting or scaring must be resorted to. 
3 
VARIETIES 
The two best British blackberries are the strong, 
climbing Parsley-leaved —a_ splendid free - fruiting 
varietal form of Rubus /aciniatus; and the Warwickshire, 
the latter a somewhat stiff grower. 
Among American varieties that have been introduced 
during recent years, the most popular is Wilson Junior, 
which has very large fruits if grown in a favourable 
locality. Kittatiny is gaining a little favour; it requires 
similar care to the Wilson Junior. Early Harvest, 
Lawton, and Mammoth are other sorts, but they are 
not of special merit in this country. 
