APPENDIX. ay 131 
modify it so as to answer our purpose very well. For 
the strawberry I prefer a sandy loam, well drained, 
and a southern exposure. An eastern aspect is also 
good. Animal manures I do not use, except on a few 
of the hermaphrodites, and then very sparingly, and 
only that which is well decomposed. I much prefer 
prepared muck, leaf-mould, &c. When a stimulant is 
required, a solution of guano, the salts of ammonia, 
dilute tannic acid, or a top-dressing of guano, super- 
phosphate of lime, potash, &c., answers the purpose 
well. I prefer the guano, ammonia, and tannic acid. 
In a garden, strawberries should be planted in beds, 
and each kind kept distinct. Make the beds three feet 
wide, put three plants in a row, the two outside ones 
being 6 inches from the edge of the bed; the plants 
will then be one foot apart. The rows should be 18 
inches apart; but in a small garden they may be one 
foot apart. Select young plants in preference to old 
ones. Set the plant up to the crown, but do not cover 
it. ‘Keep the ground open and porous, and free from 
weeds. A word as to the best wme for planting. I 
prefer early spring; but where a supply of water is at 
hand, it may be done at any time; for only give the straw- 
berry plenty of water, and it will defy any amount of 
heat. I would remark, en passant, that whoever at- 
tempts to water his strawberries must do it thoroughly, 
if he would have his plants derive any benefit from it. 
A thorough soaking once a week will do more good 
than fifty sprinklings a day. Where water is not at 
hand, the planting should be done during August and 
September, taking advantage of a heavy rain. I prefer 
the early part of September; in fact, I have planted 
