322 THE GARDENER. [July 



people have to it is that they have not discovered exactly the con- 

 ditions under which it thrives best — or if they have, they have been 

 very lax in their attention. Sir Charles Napier is one of the most 

 tender Strawberries grown; it is the first to become iDjured either in 

 the open ground or in pots from the effects of severe frost, and has 

 also the objectionable habit of throwing up young leaves in the centre 

 of the crown till late in the autumn, which renders it a subject that 

 requires special attention. Our own practice has been to pot off the 

 plants of this variety about the first or second week in August, and 

 to remove all the side crowns during the growing season. The plants 

 are always put in safe quarters (not necessarily covered) before frost 

 sets in ; and in the spring when they begin to grow they are at first 

 brought forward in cold pits, and then placed in airy positions in 

 orchard-houses or elsewhere where conditions are similar, but never 

 forced unless under pressing circumstances. Sir Charles is not a 

 forcer, but when the fruits are colouring the temperature should be 

 raised, and with plenty of air given at the same time the produce will 

 be of the first appearance and quality. I have never seen Sir Charles 

 beaten when properly grown and finished. It comes in well for the 

 month of May, but when forced earlier the weather is not favourable 

 enough to give as much air as the variety requires, and the leaf-stalks 

 become drawn, to the detriment of the fruit. 



As to Strawberry-forcing generally, I would like to say a word or 

 two on behalf of beginners. It is a work which entails great patience 

 and labour to do it well, and each cultivator should determine for 

 himself the varieties which are best adapted for his own particular 

 purpose. As, for instance, we see Yicomtesse de Thury and Keen's 

 Seedling often recommended as being first-rate croppers in certain dis- 

 tricts, but no reference is made to their travelling qualities — a point 

 of great importance if the fruit has to be sent by rail a distance of two 

 or three hundred miles. Keen's Seedling is one of the worst travel- 

 lers, and the Yicomtesse should not be grown for travelling purposes 

 after the end of April. 



"When I was at Otterspool I began with Yicomtesse de Thury, 

 next in order came Underbill's Sir Harry, and President, and then 

 Sir Charles Napier, Dr Hogg, and James Yeitch, in the order named. 

 To grow a smooth-skinned Strawberry for travelling long distances is 

 not good practice where appearance and high finish are expected. 



With reference to the question of large Yine-leaves being any in- 

 dication of superior Grape-culture, my own personal observation leads 

 me to the conclusion that it is just the reverse. It is a sure sign 

 that the Yines have "bolted" with the grower, and that they are 

 galloping with a loose rein. Are the prize Grapes of our exhibitions, 



