Sitiiiiiicr Mcctiuir. 29 



'^5 



the rows 3 to 3 1-2 feet apart, setting the plants by the hne at each cross- 

 ing, giving a chance to cukivate both ways for awhile and save a great 

 deal of hoeing. After the plants have started to make runners freely, 

 cultivate the wide way of the rows letting the runners come together the 

 narrow way. 



PLANTING. 



After the plants are taken up straighten out the roots, cut off all 

 dead- leaves and runners, dip the roots into a thin mud ; then plant with 

 a nurseryman's steel dibble ; be sure and have the crown of the plants on 

 .a level with the top of the ground and the roots well firmed. 



KIND OF LAND. 



Any well drained land that will produce 40 to 75 bushels of corn 

 per acre in a fair season. If I had my choice I would prefer sandy soil. 

 For early berries select a sheltered place with a south slope. For late 

 would select a north slope. As to the kind of land (sandy or clay) it 

 ■depends upon what varieties are planted. Some varieties do best in light 

 sandv soil, while other do best in heavv and clav soil. 



GROWING STRAWBERRIES. 



(By D. A. Turner. St. Joseph. ^lo.) 



The first thing is preparation of the soil. Break the land in the fall 

 about 10 inches deep: then in the following spring sow to sorgum or 

 1)roomcorn : then about June 25th plow under and sow to cowpeas. The 

 whippoorwill is the best I have tried. When the pods form on them, 

 plow them under. Again late in the fall, just before the ground freezes, 

 plow again. By this process we get rid of the white grubs, and the land 

 is left in good shape, free from all weed seed. I have my land in good 

 shape in the spring by harrowing and dragging until smooth and solid. 

 Do not plow in the spring. Take a plank drag and go over the ground 

 both wa}-s ; be sure to go over it the way you want your rows to run the 

 last time. In marking off rows take two wheels of even size, make an 

 axel four feet wide, fix handles to it like a wheelbarrow, therebv marking: 

 two rows at once. Take three stakes to go by. I find them much better 

 than a line... Take a spade and place it in the mark; press down to about 

 8 inches; move it backward and forward, and then remove the spade. 

 Have plants ready by placing in baskets after they have been trimmed 

 and dipped in water. Take the plant in the right hand, spread the roots 

 out fan shaped, place in the mark, press the soil firmly, having the crown 

 just even with the surface. Now I have them set; commence plowing and 



