PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 5 



the draught after picking, we will be compelled to pick only one crop 

 and plow under. Our rule is to pick two crops and then plow under, when 

 the ground is soon sowed to clover, which in turn is plowed under, when 

 it is again ready for strawberries. 



If there is one thing of more importance than another, it is to set good, 

 thrifty plants. We always take plants from a newly-set bed, discarding 

 all poor and late-set ones. You may enrich your land, prepare it the 

 best you can, and have an unprofitable patch by setting i^oor or mixed 

 plants. Good, true-to-name plants are the cheapest. 



We have a small trial plat where we try a few of the more favorably 

 recommended of the newer kinds each year, and are able to decide for 

 ourselves as to their merits or demerits before setting them in large 

 numbers. 



Near the lake, where we are likely to have foggy, damp weather dur- 

 ing blossoming time, I would not set more than three I'ows of imper- 

 fect-flowering kinds together, and at least two rows of perfect- 

 flowering kinds with them. The largest crop and finest fruit we ever 

 grew was from a patch set two rows each of imperfect- and perfect- 

 flowering varieties, all through the patch, and that in a year when the 

 strawberry crop was generally quite light. 



We have cultivated some of our beds early in the spring before pick- 

 ing, but find it of doubtful value and will try it very carefully here- 

 after. 



In regard to varieties, my knowledge is somewhat limited, as our peo- 

 ple have kept pretty closely to tried kinds. Some have been successful 

 with one variety and think it has no equal, while others have had equal 

 success with another kind. We have set varieties that seemed to be 

 successful the first year but which never did anything afterward ; while 

 others, that did not do so well at first, afterward proved excellent. We 

 have realized the most money from setting for our main crop only two 

 or three well-selected varieties, and in giving a list of kinds I will not 

 undertake to give a complete list of those grown about Douglas, but 

 those that are best known at the present time. 



Jessie has been largely planted because of its large size, fine color, 

 and thrifty, hardy plant. With some it has been a money-maker and 

 almost a sure bearer; with others it has been a somewhat shy bearer. 

 It needs good soil. 



Perhaps no berry we have will furnish as many quarts from the same 

 number of plants as Haverland. The berries are of good size, easily 

 picked, and the blossoms withstood the frost the past year better than 

 other varieties. It should be kept in rather narrow rows, and mulched 

 to keep the berries off the ground. 



Bubach is a favorite with all who have grown it, and will be largely 

 set this spring. Its season is rather short. 



Many report Crescent as bringing them the most money, but larger 

 kinds are taking its place. It is a sure bearer, and will stand neglect 

 the best of any berry known. 



Sharpless has proved a rather shy bearer, although a favorite with 

 some on account of its large size. . * 



The old Wilson has many friends and is largely set to fertilize imper- 

 fect-flowering kinds. It is considered the best berrv we have for that 



