64 



SMALL FRUIT CULTURIST. 



may be removed, and a plow passed between the rows to 

 break up the soil, which will liave become quite compact 

 from being frequently traveled over in gathering the 

 fruit. 



New plants may be allowed to take root in the rows 

 between the old stools, thus bringing them tlie second 

 season into what is termed row culture. Some varieties 

 will remain productive for several years under this treat- 

 mentj but usually three or four years will be as long as 

 they can be relied upon for a remunerative crop. I have 

 practiced this system with many varieties, and believe 

 that more fruit per acre can be produced (particularly Avith 

 the foreign kinds) than by any other system. One strong 

 stool, with plenty of room for its roots, and Avith the sur- 

 face of tlie soil covered witli mulchhig, will give more and 

 larger fruit than twenty plants that are crowded, and 

 upon an unprotected soil. 



For general field culture, and with most of our native 

 varieties, tlie biennial or annual system would probably 

 be less troublesome and equally as profitable. 



When pistillate varieties are grown they should be kept 

 in separate beds, and every alternate one should be a per- 

 fect flowering variety, and one that blooms at the same 

 time with the pistillate. This bed need not be more than 

 half the width of the others. 



GARDEN CULTURE. 



The same systems recommended for field culture are 

 equally applicable to the garden, but usually greater care 

 will be given to a small bed than to a large one. 



Water may be applied so that the plants shall nevef 

 safi\ir for the want of it. Liquid manure should be ap- 

 plied, if very large fruit is desired, in addition to mak 

 ing the soil rich. 



Difierent varieties may also be planted ; for it is not the 

 most profitable market fruit that is always of the beiEt 



