12 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



cable. I do not think any one has plowed as deeply as our friend 

 Kellogg of Ionia advises, nor do I think it necessary on our sandy soil. 

 However, we want land well plowed. 



In the spring, as soon as the land is in suitable condition to work, we 

 harrow thoroughly with a spring-tooth harrow, following with a smooth- 

 ing-harrow and plank drag or roller. 



The method of culture most common in this locality is that known as 

 the matted row system. Eight here I may say that many make the mis- 

 take of letting the rows mat too thoroughly. To assure best results, 

 especially with those varieties which are free plant-makers, as Warfield, 

 Greenville, and others, only a small proportion of plants setting should 

 be allowed to root, and these from the earlier growth. Then all later 

 runners should be clipped, thus throwing the growth into a smaller 

 number, insuring a vigorous plant for fruiting the next season, which 

 would probably produce line fruit; while, if all the runners w^ere allowed 

 to root, the plants would be so thick on the ground that at best they 

 would be weak and pun}', and if they survived the winter, would give 

 an unsatisfactory crop of small and "buttony" berries. 



The usual mode of setting is to have rows marked out witk a light 

 marker, although some use a line, having rows from 3^ to 4^ feet apart 

 according to variety. One man leads with a spade, and with a thrust 

 and slight side motion makes an opening to receive the plant. If only 

 rowing one way, an intelligent w^orkman will soon learn to space about 

 the right distance between plants, without measuring, and will progress 

 quite rapidly. 



The plants should have been prepared previously. They should be 

 nicely trimmed and roots straightened, and roots should be kept moist 

 while in the field. 



The most particular part is in getting the plant set at just the right 

 depth. This requires an experienced hand to assure success. He follows 

 with the plants in pail or basket, and, grasping each plant by the crown, 

 giving a quick jerk or flirt to straighten the roots, places it in the open- 

 ing made by the spade, being very particular to have the crown just at 

 the surface; then, wath a good strong pressure of the foot, the opening is 

 closed, holding the plant firmly in the soil. 



The amount of care taken in setting will determine to a great extent 

 the future success or failure of the enterprise. If set too deeply the 

 heart will decay and plant die, while if not deep enough the plant will 

 be liable to drying out, with same effect. It is also important to have 

 the roots spread out as much as possible and not bunched in small 

 space. 



As soon after setting as practicable, the surface should be stirred to 

 preserve moisture in the soil. For this purpose we use what is known 

 as an Ajax harrow. This is a steel-frame, horse-cultivator with spike 

 teeth. With this implement one can run very close to the row without 

 covering or loosening the plants. There is still a narrow space 

 untouched, and hand hoes are called into play to loosen this; but avoid 

 deep working if possible. We should never allow the surface to crust 

 over, and the cultivator should be kept going as often as once per week at 

 least, and oftener if the season is very dry. 



