I. FORCING STRAWBERRIES. 



Since the publication of Bulletin 134, entitled "Strawberries 

 Under Glass," issued in April, 1897, the investigation has been 

 continued with a view of studying: The varieties best adapted to 

 forcing; the length of time required to mature a crop from the time 

 of bringing in the plants from the cold frame ; the results of tempera- 

 ture on the crop; economy in handling of the plants. 



A Discussion of Forcing Varieties. 



Taking up the first question, there have been tested nearly one 

 hundred American varieties, eight French varieties and five well 



Fig. 1. — The beginning of growth in the cool house. 



known English forcing varieties. Of this number, but few have 

 been found of value for forcing; and at the present time, the main 

 crop for forcing this winter consists of but three varieties, and these 

 of American origin. Varieties of English origin, popular abroad 

 both for growing in the open and for forcing, appear to deteriorate 

 when brought to this country, rarely holding their excellence more 

 than two seasons, even with careful selection of runners and high 

 cultivation. The French varieties of the Hautboy type, producing 

 fruit of but medium size and of a peculiar musky flavor, are not 

 hked by the average consumer. Again, the long fruiting period of 

 this type of berry is a defect where successive crops are wanted in 



