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this way very rapidly and satisfactorily. There are just two 

 points to keep in mind. First, the plant must be left at the 

 right depth — not so deep as to cover the bud, nor so shallow as 

 to expose the roots — and, second, the dirt must be packed 

 closely about the roots. This last can be easily tested by 

 taking hold of the plant by one leaf and trying to pull it up ; 

 if properly set, the leaf will break without loosening the roots. 

 Directions are often seen in print for "spreading the roots 

 out like a fan," or for making a hole with "a mound in the 

 middle, round which the roots can be placed in a natural posi- 

 tion;" but time spent in such pastimes is simply wasted. 

 New roots as they grow will quickly spread out in all 

 directions. The office of the bundle of old roots is simply to 

 hold the plant firmly in place and to supply it with moisture 

 till the new roots are formed. 



This same method of planting with a spade can be used 

 equally well for cabbage, tobacco, sweet potato slips, or any 

 other small plants, and it will be found more rapid and satis- 

 factory than the more laborious method of planting with a 

 dibber or a trowel. 



The subsequent cultivation of the plants will be facili- 

 tated by having them in perfectly straight rows. This can be 

 done by stretching a line against which to set the spade in 

 planting ; or a mark can be made by dragging a chain or roll- 

 ing a light wheelbarrow along the row. A serviceable wheel 

 marker can be made from an old buggy wheel by attaching 

 handles wheelbarrow fashion and nailing short bits of lath to 

 the rim at the right distance apart for the plants with the 

 ends slightly projecting so as to leave a slight indentation in 

 the soil. This will not only secure accurate alignment but 

 accurate spacing as well. Plants should be set from twelve 

 to thirty inches apart in the row, according as the variety is a 

 good runner or not, and according to the richness of the soil 

 and the season of planting. 



At the north strawberries are usually planted in the 

 spring, while in Florida the usual practice is to plant in late 

 summer or fall. In this state we do not need to be confined 

 strictly to either practice, but can plant with some prospect of 



