STKAWBERRIES AND THEIK CULTURE. 



out and weakened, or destroyed by freezing and thawing in winter. We have some- 

 times covered the entire beds, plants and all, with newly fallen leaves ; and by raking 

 them off early in spring, the plants came out in fine order. In the same way we have 

 covered with clean wheat straw, and found it answer well. In all the northern and 

 western States, some winter protection is of great service, although not indispensable. 

 In field culture, the earth might be plowed up to the plants, a%is done with nursery 

 trees, in such a manner as to afibrd considerable protection against the action of frost 

 on the roots. 



As soon as the fruit begins to attain its full size, and approach maturity, the spaces 

 between the rows, which up to this time have been under clean culture, skould be 

 covered with straw, litter, or moss. This will serve the double purpose of keeping 

 the fruit clean and retaining the moisture in the soil. When copious supplies of 

 water are to be applied, which should be always done when practicable, stable litter is 

 a good mulching, as the water poured on it carries down with it to the roots of the 

 plants the fertilizing materials which it contains. 



The application of water in abundance we must again recommend to all who want 

 the finest fruit. Rains are very good, but they can not be relied upon, and they 

 always deprive the fruit of its flavor, while artificial waterings do not. On this 

 account the French gardeners say that the Strawberry " prefers water from the well 

 to water from the clouds." It is supposed that the electricity which pervades the 

 atmosphere during our summer rains, affect the flavor of the fruit. 



When the crop has been gathered, the mulching material between the rows should 

 be removed, ana the ground be forked over, so that if plants are wanted to form a 

 new plantation, their growth will be encouraged. The same plants should not be 

 relied upon for more than tiuo crops. The labor of making a new bed, save the 

 trenching of the soil, is no more than that of planting a plot of cabbages. 



As to the season for planting, we would recommend the spring for large planta- 

 tions, because then there is comparatively no risk of failure. The amateur, however, 

 who wishes only to plant a bed in his garden, may do it at any time that he can pro- 

 cure good plants. If the growth of runners is encouraged in July, after the fruit is 

 gathered, good well-rooted runners may be had about the first of September, or it 

 may be sooner. The young plants nearest the parent plant should always be chosen, 

 if possible. In planting during the month of August or September, rainy weather 

 should be chosen, if possible ; but it may be safely done even in a dry time, by using 

 water freely. Water the plants well before taking them up, as it injures the roots 

 very much to draw them out of dry ground ; then water the soil thoroughly where 

 they are to be set, before planting. A sprinkling will be of no use ; it must go down 

 deep, as a heavy rain would. Set the plants in the evening, and shade them a few 

 days with boards set on edge, forming a sort of roof over them. Mulch them, too, 

 with short litter ; and it will be well, if the plants be large, to remove some of the 

 lower and larger leaves. Planting can be done safely in spring any time' until the 

 ts are in blossom — and all summer, for that matter, with proper care. 



We have thus briefly sketched the principal operations in Strawberry culture ; not 



