204 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



roots before the cold nights and drenching rains of autumn set in. 

 Por unless they have done this, a weak succulent growth only is 

 obtainable in the autumn, which every good gardener knows is not 

 conducive either to health or I'ruitfalness. But with plants that 

 have completed an early growtli, with stout and prominent crowns 

 exposed above the foliage, the chances are far more favourable, and 

 they quietly go to rest with ample time to mature themselves, and 

 to secure a season of dormancy before they are required for a more 

 active life. 



In potting there are two essential features to be observed. The 

 first is to place the crown well up above the soil ; the next is to 

 make the soil firm and close round the roots. The object of placing 

 the CI own well up above the soil is to expose it to the action of the 

 elements, that it may become plump and thoroughly ripened, which 

 will greatly assist iu the formation of the flower-buds lor the crop. 

 This is a process not visible to the cultivator ; but there can be no 

 doubt that when all the organs are full of health and vigour, and 

 the plants going to rest, the essential organs of fructification are 

 formed in embryo ready to be developed when a suitable temperature 

 is given them. Admitting this, we shall at once understand hovr 

 important it is that we should secure an early growth, so that there 

 may be time for them to complete one of the principal processes 

 whereby we secure a crop, and we shall understand, too, more 

 readily the cause of failures in weak immature plants. The object 

 in pressing the soil firm round the roots of the plants is to make 

 sure that all the soil is well permeated with roots. That is to say, 

 in a firm soil the roots will expand and distribute themselves, and so 

 fill the whole mass of soil as they push towards the sides of the 

 pots ; whereas, if they are potted lightly the roots will start out at 

 once to the outside of the ])ot, and the interior of the ball ot earth 

 will scarce have any roots at all, and will remain so until the plants 

 are taken indoors, when a little excitement starts them again into 

 growth, and the roots also. They have then the unexhausted soil in 

 the middle of the pot to work in, which starts them again into a 

 vigorous growth, to the utter consternation of the cultivator, who 

 does not want leaves but fiowers. The result is generally barren 

 but leafy vigorous plants that more nearly resemble cabbages than 

 strawberries. The object of the cultivator should be to secure pots 

 full of roots, and this is particularly important for early crops. 

 Having potted the stock and given each a good soaking with water, 

 stand them on a firm hard bottom fully exposed to all weathers until 

 the end of October, when they should be taken under cover. Keep 

 them abundantly watered until the end of September when it may 

 be slightly diminished. They should have all runners picked oft' as 

 they appear. 



A cold frame, with the lights drawn off" in dry weather, affords 

 unquestionably the most suitable winter quarters, as the stock is 

 safe from au over abundance of water, and at the same time not 

 likely to be excited into a premature growth. The soil must be 

 maintained in a moderately moist condition throughout the winter. 

 Towards the end of February the plants can be placed on a shelf. 



