22 ANNUAL REPOET. 



SECOND DAY. 



A. J. Phillips, of West Salem, and E. G. Partridge, of Warren^ 

 St. Croix county, presented credentials as delegates from the State 

 Horticultural Society of Wisconsin, and were welcomed accord- 

 ingly. 



STEAWBERRIES AND THEIR CULTURE. 



Mr. Pearce. For the purpose of opening the discussion on this 

 subject I will ask what is the proper time of setting strawberry 

 plants? 



Peter M. Gideon. In the spring, as soon as the frost is out of the 

 ground and the soil in proper condition to work. If the plants are 

 vigorous and well set they will bear a crop the same season. 



Mr. Pearce. I set last year the first of June. Removed all the 

 buds and blossoms. Used a paddle, and set the roots straight 

 down, never had plants grow better. This year, I set the tenth of 

 June two and one half acres, and never lost a plant. There is more 

 vigor then in the plants to start the new growth that is necessary 

 immediately after the setting. 



Mr. Gideon. I use a dibble or spade, and spread the roots in fan. 

 shape. 



Mr. Elliot. The best time is just after the plants have made new 

 leaves. Always pinch off the buds and runners before planting. 

 Never set from old spent beds, as the plants will be neither pure 

 nor vigorous. Dig with a fork and save all the roots possible. 

 Never put any earth on the crown in setting. Be careful to have 

 the ground well packed or firmed around the plants when set. Ne- 

 glect of this is the cause of the most of the failures, as then the loose 



