246 



SMAXL FEUIT CT7LTURIST. 



are put out late in the fall, and covered with a sufficient 

 depth of Avater to prevent the ground from freezing find 

 throwing out the plants. The spring and early summei 

 are, however, considered the best time for planting. The 

 plants should be set in rows, from eighteen inches to four 

 feet apart, according to the quantity and quality of plants 

 obtained. The object is to cover the entire surface of the 

 soil with vines, so soon as possible ; consequently, the bet- 

 ter the plants and the nearer together they are placed, the 

 sooner will this be accomplished. When large plants are 

 to be had, and in sufficient quantities, it is better to place 

 them about two feet apart, each way, than farther, and if 

 the plants do well, they will entirely cover the beds the 

 second season. Most of our larger plantations are made 

 with plants taken directly from the wild beds, and they 

 are removed in large clumps or sods. If there are any 

 weeds or grass among the plants, they should be removed 

 before planting, as they are more readily separated from 

 them at this time than after they are planted. 



Small holes are made in which the plants are set, and 

 the soil is then pressed firmly about them. If small plants 

 or cuttings are used, they may be planted nearer together 

 than larger ones. 



SELECTION OF PLANTS. 



It is important that plants should be obtained from 

 fruitful beds, as well as those which produce the largest 

 and best fruit. There are occasional wild beds that pro- 

 duce little or no fruit; these should be avoided. When 

 plants cannot be obtained near by, from wild or cultivated 

 beds, then they may be bought from those whose business 

 is growing plants for sale. But the purchaser should en- 

 deavor to inform himself in regard to the reliability of 

 plant growers before ordering ; besides he should give im- 

 perative directions that the plants should be carefully taken 

 up and not be allowed to become dry before packing, as 



