450 THE STRAWBERRY. 



Where beds have beon long established and rendered rich by dig. 

 ging in liberally of barn-yard manure, it frequently happens that too 

 much growth of foliage ensues, to the destruction of flowers or fruit 

 stems. Where such is the case, application of one quart of gyp:tum 

 (plaster of Paris) to every four feet square of ground, with two 

 inches over the surface of leaf or vegetable mould from the woods 

 or old pastures, will again bring m fruit. It also often occurs, that 

 the staminates have become too numerous. These are easily de- 

 tected, as they flower some four or five days earlier than the pistil- 

 lates, and may then be drawn out. 



The situation of a bed or plantation affects only the earlier or 

 later maturity of a variety. A side hill sloping south-east, with 

 springs of water gushing from several points near its summit, has 

 enabled an acquaintance of ours to send to market the " Early 

 Scarlet" strawberry some ten days or two weeks in advance of 

 others who have the same variety on warm soils and open level 

 exposures. Situations so selected that water can be supplied 

 liberally throughout the fruiting season, will increase the product 

 nearly one-third. Wet ground, where water stands after rains, or 

 springy, cold soils, should never be selected. 



Season for Transplanting and Preparation of Plants. — 

 South of Philadelphia, the best season for forming new plantations 

 is either the last of September, first of October, or in March. In 

 latitudes north of this range it will generally be found best to trans- 

 plant in April or early in May. July or August planting in either 

 section will be found unprofitable, owing to the clear drying heat of 

 our sun ; while September or later planting in the northern range 

 will require additional care, heavy mulching with tan-bark, saw-dust 

 or the like ; and even then, many of the plants will be drawn out by 

 frosts of winter. 



The plants when set should be trimmed of all but two leaves, the 

 roots immersed in muddy water, and if possible a damp or rainy 

 time selected for the work ; and in order to have the bed profitable, 

 one hermaphrodite should be planted to every eight pistillate plants. 



Time of Ripening. — This varies according to latitude. In the 

 latitude of Cincinnati, the season usually commences about the 

 25th May, continuing until the first of July, and for every degree 

 of latitude a difference often days may be counted on, either earlier 

 or later, as you go north or' south. 



The fruiting season may also be controlled at pleasure by means 

 of cutting foliao;e and flowers, and liberal or restrained watering. 

 If, for instance, a bed of Jenney's Seedling be taken of eight feet 



