Milford chronicle., 1888-02-24
Black CAP RaspDerries.
ROM Reniasnlar Mesos OF LAST WEEK


In the summer Of 1872, an acre was plowed
from an old clover sod, and in December fol-
lowing 1850 Doolittie Black Caps were set in
rows s feet apart, and 3 feet apart in the row.
A row Of strawberries was set between each
row Of raspberries. During the winter
fork full Of manure was put on each hill.
The only income from this plot in 1873 was
10 bushels of peach blow potatoes, from one
bushel Of seed, which were grown in hills
where raspberry plants had died. In 1874
800 quarts Of fraspberries and 1000 quarts Of
strawberries were picked. The raspberries
netted cents per qt, and the strawberries 5
cents. About the Ist Of September, the end
of the laterals were covered by a furrow
thrown toward each side ofthe row. The re-
suit was 5000 fne plants In 1875 the yield
Of raspberries was 1892 qts., which netted
$97. 81; and 1892 qts. of strawberries which
netted about SIoo. In September furrow
was thrown as before to each row, and 1000
plants was the outcome The following con-
densed record Of the net proceeds of this
acre for six years, from 1874 to 1879 inelu-
sive, of which a separate account was kept,
shows how well crops do when all things are
favorable
4SS2 qts. of raspberries, net e.. S273.se
$3.50 strawberries, net. o. ~. 90
29, 500 raspberry plants iI4oo
aI,ooo strawberry . 56z5
r., e1.--,
aa
It will be observed however, that less than
half this amount was received from the rasp-
berries, ,thatstrawberries brought good prices
and that there was a demand for plants.
In the fall of 1874 six acres more were
planted in young apple orchard. The apple
trees were set u feet apart each way and the
raspberry plants feet by 5. During the
winter these were manured as the acre was
with a forkful to each plant. Tomatoes,
round potatoes and turnips were grown be-
tween the rows the FIRST two years. The fol-
lowing is a condensed account of this field
for Eve years, from 1876 to 1880 inclusive
"A ,45o qts. Of raspberries. 80. S75o.S
4onlatoes Oils
1850 raspberry plants 49,. 259,35
1otal SIo5i.5o
In comparing these two records it will be
seen that the average annual yield per acre
of these 8 acres was but little more than
half that of the single acre. This was due to
several causes growing among trees un-
favorable seasons unsuitable soil little
manure, and winter killing, fully account
for the decreased yield.
In the winter Of 1879 and 80, 81 acres
more were planted op a lot purchased of Mr.
George Russell. This field was not sue
cess, The stand of plants was very bad, the
soil was unsuitable, the bushes were greatly
injured by so-called winter killing, and, con-
sidering the Light yield, prices were very low.
Only one variety, the Doolittle, has been
grown to any extent for market Davidson IS
Thornless and Mammoth Cluster have been
tried and found wanting Taken altogether
this crop has been exceedingly unsatisfac-
tory. It would seem to have many advan-
tages over the strawberry, being less expen-
sive to plant, lasts longer and requires less
labor in tillage; but the average yield does
not exceed one-third, it costs more to har-
vest and requires extra outlay for suitable
crates and baskets.
The great obstacle, though, in the way of
the profitable production of this crop is the
dying of the canes after the second year.
This is generally called winter killing; but it
is wrongly named. The bushes from which
the crop of 1885 was taken were dead to the
ground before frost came, and were taken
out that fall. Let anyone examine a rasp-
berry field after the second or third crop, and
it will be found that this blight-like that of
the pears-commences in the tip end of the
branches, or lsterals, about the time the
leaves fall, and proceeds gradually towards
the centre stalk or cane during the winter
and spring. Sometimes there is enough life
left at harvest time to produce fair crop of
fruit, but often only few clusters mature
and the rest wither and dry up on the bushes.
During all these years the blight has been
much worse on sandy soil but for several
past it has been very destructive
even on good heavy land.
There seems to be no reliable remedy.
Good heavy clay loan, plenty of manure
and thorough cultivation the entire season,
will retard the progress aud effect of this
disease, but not cure it.
]. B. GILcHRIsT.