Raspberries, especially those of our native species, are
comparatively free from disease. Foreign varieties and their
hybrids are sometimes afflicted with the curl-leaf. The foliage
crimps up, the canes are dwarfed, and the whole plant has a sickly
and often yellow appearance. The only remedy is to dig up the
plant, root and branch, and burn it.
A disease termed the "rust" not infrequently attacks old and
poorly nourished black-cap bushes. The leaves take on an ochreous
color, and the plant is seen to be failing. Extirpate it as
directed above. If many bushes are affected, I advise that the
whole patch be rooted up, and healthy plants set out elsewhere.
It is a well-known law of Nature that plants of nearly all kinds
appear to exhaust from the soil in time the ingredients peculiarly
acceptable to them. Skill can do much toward maintaining the
needful supply; but the best and easiest plan is not to grow any
of the small fruits too long in any one locality. By setting out
new plants on different ground, far better results are attained
with much less trouble.
CHAPTER VI
THE CURRANT
Who that has ever lived in the country does not remember the old
straggling currant-bushes that disputed their existence with
grass, docks, and other coarse-growing weeds along some ancient
fence? Many also can recall the weary task of gathering a quart or
two of the diminutive fruit for pies, and the endless picking
required to obtain enough for the annual jelly-making.
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