124 APPENDIX. 
terial between the rows should be removed, and the 
ground be forked over, so that if plants are wanted 
to form a new plantation, their growth will be encour- 
aged. ‘The same plants should not be relied upon for 
more than twocrops. 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 plantations, because then there is 
comparatively no risk of failure. The amateur, how- 
ever, who wishes only to plant a bed in his garden, may 
do it at any time that he can procure 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 plant- 
ing. A sprinkling will be of no use: it must go down 
deep, asa heavy rain would. Set the plants in the even- 
ing, 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 plants are in blossom—and all summezi, for that 
matter, with proper care. 
