STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 23 



surface lets iu the dry air upon the fibrous roots and kills them be- 

 fore they begin to absorb moisture for themselves. Cultivate deep 

 and thoroughly the first year. 



Prof. Edward D. Porter. The main thiag is to have the right 

 conditions of the soil, the plant, and the weather. Then I would 

 risk planting in any month when the plants were growing. Ac- 

 cording to our experience here I would say the best time to plant 

 is usually the last week in May or the first in June. Mr. Elliot 

 states the most important point when he advises careful firming of 

 the soil around the plant. In eastern fields the men are instructed 

 to set the foot on each plant. The pressure of the hollow of the 

 foot on the crown of the plant does the firming. 



President Harris. I agree with Professor Porter, but think ttie 

 last of May is generally preferable. I make a practice always to 

 firm by putting my foot on the plant, and sometimes wish I weigh- 

 ed more. It is difficult to make hired men do this properly, as they 

 are afraid of hurting the plants. The ground must be in high tilth, 

 and every way in good order to grow strawberries to advantage. I 

 believe the old style of leaving all the roots on is best. Fall set- 

 ting does fairly well with me. Say in October. August is unfa- 

 vorable on account of drouth. 



Fred Busch. I have a number of kinds, but the Wilson takes 

 the lead as yet. Crescents bear well, but the second year of Wilsons 

 is equally as good as the first. My soil is the common loam with 

 clay subsoil. Late set Wilsons do not bear well. The Crescent 

 being pistillate must be fertilized by staminate sorts or it will not 

 bear. The Countess [ Downer's Prolific ], bears about as much fruit 

 as any of them on sandy soils, but does not do so well with me. I 

 think the Glendale is a nice berry. It is late. These with Wilsons 

 and Crescents are best on my soil. 



Prof. Porter. The Crescents and Wilsons are the favorite mar- 

 ket sorts East. 



Mr. Gideon. Of all that we have tried we prefer the Green Pro- 

 lific and Crescent. For a fertilizer we use the Downer's Prolific or 

 Charles Downing. These mix well. 



Mr. Pearce. For all soils I think nothing gives such general 

 satisfaction as the Crescents, for home use. For a fertilizer I use 

 the Glendale. For a farmer's berry I would recommend the Pio- 

 neer. 



Mr. Partridge. I have used the Wilson and Kentucky to ferti- 

 lize the Crescent. The Wilson for early pollen, the Kentucky for 

 the later blossoms. 



