SUMMER MEETING. 55 



furrows between each row, that being all that is necessary. As soon 

 as it is convenient, we go in the patch with our one-horse Planet Jr. 

 cultivator, with medium size shovels on, and level up between the rows* 

 throwing the soil in the furrow left by the turning plow. 



From now on till frost there is nothing to do but keep the weeds 

 and grass hoed out, and the space between the rows thoroughly culti- 

 vated. The drier it is the more we keep the soil stirred. We are strict 

 believers in* clean, thorough cultivation. If " money makes the mare 

 go," then cultivation makes the strawberry grow. Keep the patch 

 worked out almost the same as a young patch. 



We have never had a failure of our strawberry crop, and I think 

 it is owing in a large measure to the persistent cultivation given the 

 plants after fruiting. Earl Hopkins, Springfield. 



DISCUSSION — STRAWBERRIES. 



Mr. Comley — I think if strawberries are planted on new timber 

 soil, they will ripen sooner; but on old ground, they need manure. 



A Member — Is not manure liable to produce grubs ! 



Mr. Gilbert — I only had two plants in my bed this year that were 

 killed from this cause. I thought it was the ammonia in the manure 

 that did it. I covered the plants from 3 to 4 inches deep with it. 



President — If you had plowed under, you would find grubs in 

 plenty. I never used manure until this year before planting. I scatter 

 it on the rows in the fall or winter, and in March plow it under. 



Mr. Kirchgrtjber — In puiting on fresh manure I would be afraid 

 weeds would come up in the spring. 



Mr. Gilbert — At Thayer I got all I used from the barn, and there 

 was few weed seeds in it. 



Mr. Goodman — Subsoiling should be done for all strawberry beds. 



Mr. Chapin — It will rain and then the soil will get hard. Whether 

 or not subsoiling will remedy this is the question. But it does not 

 seem to remedy this. It seems that we should have some forage plant 

 that would protect the ground. 



Mr. Goodman — Subsoiling will not break the crust, but will help 

 retain the moisture. 



Mr. Warren — I have tried subsoiling this year. About 10 or 12 

 inches. I have had same trouble. I have subsoiled for everything I 

 planted this year. I have raspberries, corn, grapes and other stuff. 



Mr. Nelson — I think I have solved this problem. I built an old 

 road south of my house about 35 feet wide. Last year I planted it 

 with sun flowers. After they got to growing, I plowed them up and 



