QQ TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



Dr. Hooton — Soon after picking the crop — and all about the same 

 time. 



President Starr — What was the effect of the ashes ? 



Dr. Hooton — It increased the foliage, and considerably increased 

 the berries. One of the most peculiar effects was, the berries had the 

 most brilliant gloss on them I ever saw, but those where the phosphate 

 was applied were the largest. 



Voice — Do you keep an account of the yield of berries .■* 



Dr. Hooton — I do ; but I have not with me the figures, and cannot 

 speak the exact yield. 



Foue — What is the expense of the fertilizers of which you speak ? 



Dr. Hooton — The superphosphate, I think cost about five dollars 

 and fifteen cents. The plaster, four dollars and fifty cents. The ashes, 

 the cost of a man and team to haul them, say one dollar and fifty cents. 



Mr. Earle — I wonder how those who applied the phosphate liked 

 the job ? [Laughter.] 



Mr. Clayton — I like these careful and minute statements. It looks 

 like and implies good culture. 



Mr. Barler — What do you think of the practice of some in mow- 

 ing off the leaves of the strawberry plants after fruiting.'' t 



Dr. Hooton — I don't approve of the plan. 



Mr. Essex, Don^ola—l use a tool for cutting off runners, which I 

 get made at the blacksmith shop. It is inexpensive, and with it a man 

 can trim his plants as fast as he can walk. 



Dr. Hooton — I have tried this process, and have quit it. I find 

 that it pulls up a great many of my plants, in spite of all I can do, and 

 this is what I will not allow. I forbid anythnig that makes vacant places 

 in my strawberry beds. 



Mr. Clayton — I would like to hear from gentlemen from other 

 parts of the State. What are their experiences, as to soils, manures and 

 manner of culture .'* 



Mr. Freeman, South Pass — I believe in the application of manure 

 to this crop, if it is done early in the season. I once applied to my straw- 

 berry crop a preparation of gypsum and poudrette, about one-half table- 

 spoonful to the hill. The land was thoroughly prepared, and subsoiled, 



