DESIRABLE CHARACTERS IN A VARIETY 161 



in matted row or spaced row training, especially for light 

 or poor soils. The prevailing methods of training in North 

 America involve moderate runner restriction ; hence vari- 

 eties with moderate plant-making proclivities, like the 

 Bubach, Chesapeake, Williams and Glen Mary, are pre- 

 ferred, other things being equal. 



There is considerable variation in the character of the 

 runner cords of different sorts. Some are thin and wiry, 

 others thick and fleshy. In certain varieties the cord is 

 short, so that the runner strikes only three or four inches 

 away from the mother plant. In others, the runner strikes 

 twelve or fourteen inches from the mother plant. The 

 most desirable length of the runner cord depends upon the 

 method of training that is practiced. In matted or spaced 

 row^s, maximum yields are secured on average soils when 

 the plants are five to six inches apart. In hedge-rows, this 

 distance may be increased to advantage. 



Fruit stalks and blossoms. — It is a decided advantage 

 for a variety to have very stout fruit stalks, with stiff 

 branches that hold the berries off the ground. When the 

 berries lie on the ground they may become dirty or decay. 

 This is especially important in sections where irrigation 

 is practiced and no mulching used ; also in Florida, where 

 the berries ripen very slowly during the cool season. The 

 fruit stalks should be tough, not easily broken by the 

 pickers. 



It is not desirable that the fruit stalks be elevated above 

 the foliage; the blossoms then are exposed to frost and 

 beating rains. Some varieties blossom much later than 

 others. This is a decided advantage in localities subject 

 to late spring frosts. In general, there is a close relation 

 between early blossoming and early ripening, but there are 

 many exceptions. Erect blossoms are more subject to 



M 



