Propagation and Renewal 241 



commonly grown in matted or spaced rows bear somewhat 

 heavier the first year than the second, unless the stand of 

 plants is poorer or other conditions unfavorable. 



Comparative cost of renewing and resetting. 



If a good stand was secured and the first crop was 

 heavy, the second is not likely to be as large. If the stand 

 was poor the first year and there is prospect for a better 

 stand the second year, a larger crop may be secured. If 

 the bed is in good condition after the first crop, the second 

 may be as good or better. One reason why some growers 

 secure better crops the second year than the first is because 

 the plants are less crowded ; the process of renewing the 

 rows, with plow and harrow, leaves them spaced better 

 than they were the first season. The prevalence of weeds 

 and the increasing danger from insect pests and diseases 

 also should be considered. 



The main point is, which is likely to be cheaper, — to 

 set a new field at a cost of twenty-five to thirty dollars 

 an acre, or to renew the old field. Probably the old field 

 could be barred off and renewed for less than half that 

 amount, but if the cost of fighting weeds is greater, or 

 injury from insects and diseases larger, this saving may 

 be more than offset. If the plants are fruited but one year, 

 a crop of Irish potatoes, late cabbages, celery, millet and 

 many other crops, including corn in the South, may be 

 taken from the land the second season. When there is 

 profit in extra early berries the old bed may be kept to 

 advantage ; it ripens berries a few days earlier than a new 

 bed, provided it has not been renewed or cultivated. 

 "There are times when we get more money out of our 

 second-crop bed than our first," says C. E. Persels, of 

 Illinois, " because they come in a week earlier, while our 



