558 



GROWING BUSH FRUITS 



and in nearly all sections. By the setting of healthy plants, 

 constant watchfulness, severe roguing when required, and in- 

 telligent spraying, the grower adds years to his plantation and 

 augments his profits. 



Yields. Yields vary with the kind of fruit, the season, and 

 the section, in addition to the factors heretofore mentioned. 

 The average yield of raspberries for the country is less than 

 1000 quarts per acre, but this is a poor measure for the good 

 grower. In most parts of the country to which they are 

 adapted, purple varieties yield the most, followed by blackcap 

 and the red varieties in order. Perhaps 2500 quarts for purple 

 varieties, 2000 quarts for blackcaps, and 1600 to 1800 quarts 

 per acre for red raspberries represent reasonable standards 

 under good care. Yields much in excess of these are not at all 

 uncommon. In marginal territory to which these fruits are not 

 well adapted, the yields may be much less. Under the special 

 conditions of the Northwest and in sections of Colorado the 

 yields of red varieties, chiefly Cuthbert, Antwerp, and Marl- 

 boro, run from 4000 to 8000 quarts per acre. 



Blackberries and dewberries usually run from 2200 quarts 

 per acre upward, under good management. However, since 

 they ripen at the hottest and driest season of the year, the 

 yield may be seriously reduced by unfavorable weather. 



13. Protecting the Plants in Winter. Winter protection is 

 necessary in some sections. Local experience is the guide. 

 Protection is not occasioned so much by absolute cold as by 

 frequent drying winds or by sharp temperature changes before 

 the rest period has been fully established. 



As the first and best protective measure, select hardy 

 varieties. Beyond this, if the plants need partial protection, 

 plow out a light furrow close to the row on one side. This will 

 induce the canes to bend over easily. Take forks with long 

 handles and push the canes steadily toward the side on which 

 the furrow has been made until the ends of the canes touch 

 the ground. Reversing the direction, plow another furrow 

 back, throwing the soil over the ends of the canes to hold them 



