246 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



THE STRAWBERRY. 



BY O. M. COLEMAN. 



Lowly and humble, as the really good ever are, little need be said in 

 its defence; having hosts of friends and few or no enemies. Happy the 

 mortal possessed of the above qualities of mind and heart, succeeding 

 measurably well in the great battle of life! 



The object of this article is to give a few plain, practical thoughts on- 

 the Strawberry^ as to varieties, manner of planting, cultivation, etc., 

 etc. 



The writer has had in cultivation, first and last, most of the leading 

 varieties of the countiy; such as Early Scarlet, Crimson Cone, Austin, 

 Russell's Prolific, Triomphe de Gand, Agricultural, etc., etc.; but has. 

 dispensed with all of them, and cultivates nothing but W/lson's Albany, 

 However much may be said in favor of other varieties, it can not be 

 denied that the Wilson (though perhaps a little sour), is still a fine, lus- 

 cious berry, when ripe; an immense bearer; a splendid, showy, market 

 fruit. 



I would choose moderately diy land (vmder-draining undoubtedly 

 would be well), plow deep; firstly, secondly, and thirdly, manure "well; 

 making the soil loose and mellow, and in good condition to stand a drouth, 

 should it occur about the time the fruit is maturing, as our heroine needs 

 much moisture. 



What to flant — Would plant only new runners of the previous sum- 

 mer's growth. 



Time to plant — Would plant as early as April, if possible, in which 

 case your plants will be well started before much diy weather, and if the 

 season is favorable, you will have a fine prospect for the coming year, pro- 

 vided you have kept the ground clean and loose, so as to allow the run- 

 ners a chance- to- make a strike of root. 



How to platit — For small beds, would put the plants in rows 18 

 inches apart each way, and let them run together; or, as some prefer, 

 keep them in hills by cutting off the runners. 



For large plantations, I would plant in rows three feet apart — plants 

 18 inches apart in the row. Keep clean with a horse and a hoe, letting 

 tlie plants run together in the row, keeping the spaces clean and well 

 stirred ; failure and vacancies may be filled with the first runners. 



Protection — In December, or about the time the ground freezes, cover 

 the plants lightly (say two or three inches), with prffirie grass, straw, or 

 corn stalks. The grass is preferable, having no seeds. This will keep the 

 plants from heaving out by the frost. 



In the spring, as vegetation begins to start, uncover the plants, leav- 

 in the covering in the spaces as mulching, shading the ground and mak- 

 ing it clean for the picking of the fruit. Would not cultivate at all till 

 after fruiting; then with plow, cultivator, and hoe. 



