PLANTING and CARE 
of the FRUITS, SHRUBS, SHADE TREES, EVER¬ 
GREENS, etc., as Listed in this Catalogue. 
During the year we receive hundreds of letters from 
patrons asking advice as to the planting and care of 
trees and plants, and so deem it advisable on this page 
to advise as follows: 
First, the plots intended to receive the stock should 
be well prepared,—just as well as if for any garden or 
field crop and better than many fields planted to a gen¬ 
eral farm crop. Wet and soddy locations should be 
avoided, but generally any average soil that is suitable 
for a paying farm crop of potatoes, corn, etc., should 
be all right for a fruit plantation. If the land is in 
good heart, it will not be positively necessary to fer¬ 
tilize it before planting, but if in poor condition, a 
heavy dressing of barnyard manure would be beneficial 
before the land is plowed and fitted,—and, after the 
planting, an application of nitrate of soda, bonemeal 
or other commercial fertilizer put directly around each 
tree and plant is advised. If on hand, unleached wood 
ashes, or droppings from the hen roosts are available, 
the planter may use these, and thus save the expense 
of commercial fertilizer. This top dressing should be 
worked in around the plants with cultivator or hoe 
soon after it is applied. 
AS TO PLANTING—For Garden Culture. Red and 
Yellow Raspberries and Blackberries may be planted in 
rows 5 or 6 ft. apart and the plants 2 to 2 x /2 ft. apart 
in the row. For field and commercial planting the Red 
and Yellow varieties, the rows should be fully 6 ft. apart 
and the plants 3 ft. apart in the row, while the Purple 
and Black will give better results and be in better shape 
for cultivation if the rows are 7 ft. apart and the plants 
3V 2 ft. apart in the row. 
CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES—Either in rows 
or in blocks. If in rows, the rows 6 ft. apart and the 
plants 3-3 V 2 ft. apart in the row or in blocks 4 ft. apart 
each way. The block method is advantageous in com¬ 
mercial planting, as cultivation can be given length¬ 
wise and crosswise. These are more easily planted than 
the other small fruits. Care should be taken, however, 
to see that the plants are set an inch or two deeper 
than they stood in the nursery row, and the soil packed 
hard around well-spread roots. A reducing of the pre¬ 
vious season’s growth of Currants one-half is advised 
when they are first planted, and every winter or in very 
early spring thereafter. 
GRAPE VINES—For the garden, set in rows 6-8 ft. 
apart. If planting a vineyard, the rows should be 8 ft. 
apart and the plants 6-8 ft. apart in the rows. When 
planting, spread the roots and set the plant deep enough 
to cover the entire root system and up to the new vine 
growth, and prune this growth so that only 2 or 3 buds 
are left—the new growth of vine will start from the 
buds. 
The hoe or cultivator should be used soon after plant¬ 
ing and frequently during the growing season when 
the ground is not wet. This frequent moving of the 
THAT FREE See page 21 for Special Gift of 
GIFT Gladiolus Bulbs. 
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