The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-02-26
ABOUT BLAckBERRlEs.
Choice Fruit Easily Grown Almost Any
where in North America.


where in North America.
The blackberry is a truly universal
fruit as it Gourishes under proper care
in nearly every part of North America.
Nearly all the varieties now in cultiva-
ton are natives of the Eastern states,
where are found some six closely allied
species growing wild. On this coast
there are several species all quite dis
tinct from those East, two of which are
found in cultivation. One is the Aug
genbaugh, and is highly priced. The
other is the evergreen blackberry of Ore
gon and Washington, which grows finely
in COOL moist, somewhat shaded locah-
ties all along the coast. These two spe-
cies and hybrids between them, and
some of the raspberries and Eastern
blackberries, have great future before
them. AS yet varieties of the Eastern
types are the market and commercial
blackberries. Of these the old Lawton
still holds the lead for canning and es-
pecially for drying. Experienced dryers
who dry large quantities want nothing
but the Lawton. A careful observation
of the Erie, newer and very similar
berry, indicates that it is stronger and
healthier grower. And, SO far as can be
seen in three seasons fruiting is more
productive. It seems that the Erie will
supplant the Lawton.
Other varieties than the Lawton are
much preferable for home use, especially
the Kittatinny which is one of the most
delicious and wholesome fruits the
world has yet produced. 1t does finely
nearly everywhere. Its fruit is very
large. If picked when it first turns
black it is fine shipping fruit and does
not turn red. Allowed to remain On the
plant until overripe it becomes very soft,
in fact, liquid nectar.
Other varieties that have been tested
on the coast and giving good results are
the early Wilson, early Harvest, and the
early Crandel. The last seems to be ex-
ira fine on the interior foothills. Those
named will all do fairly well wherever
planted. If the intention is to plant
largely it would be good plan to plant
| a few of each as test. If anyone has
had experience on like soil near where
you wish to plant, profit by the results
they have obtained. Near the coast the
Lawton and Erie seem to be best. These
for evaporating on large scale have
proved fine business, and there seems
to be no end to the demand.
The best soils and locations for black
berries are: First, fine moist sandy loan
} uplands, with or without gravel; selec
a northern exposure, and the sleeper th'
better, if it can be cultivated. Second
the red upland soils, especially such a
work up mellow and hold moisture well
Third, any conglomerate upland soil o
moderate richness, not of too stick.
adobe nature, especially sand, red grave
soil, or brown adobe mixed with san'
and gravel Fourth, sedimentary val
ley soils. These give immense growtl
of bushes and great quantities of larg
sour fruit of poor, watery quality
Though if dry and warm and quit
sandy and gravelly the fruit is oftentine
Valleys, however, are not the best place
( for fruits, because plant and fruit ar
. there subject to many troubles whic
they escape in the uplands, except, pei
e haps, in dry interior regions. Blacl
/ berries can be fruited superbly on tn
r soils mentioned without irrigation
t given thorough cultivation throughou
s spring and summer. In dry region
they can be grown equally well with il
2 rigation, except possibly, in the hotte
3 localities, and even there with plenty
water and little shade. Pruning an
n training is simple matter. 1t consist
8 in summer in stopping the cones at tt
It proper height and then shortening tt
8 side branches, and removing the ol
). cones in autumn. D. B. WIER.