260 GARDENING FOR PLEASURE. 



plants annually in August, at two feet apart between the 

 rows, and eighteen inches between the plants, and gather 

 about two hundred quarts of splendid fruit. If the 

 ground is limited they may be planted at half the above 

 distances, particularly if set late in fall. There is no plant 

 cultivated where the necessity for keeping the ground 

 clean is so imperative as it is for Strawberries. It never 

 can be made profitable under slipshod culture, for, 

 from the nature of the plant, it cannot defend itself 

 against weeds, and if neglected will quickly get over- 

 whelmed and destroyed. Thousands of acres of Straw- 

 berries are planted annually, which, from the Avant of 

 prompt work at the proper time, are allowed to be de- 

 stroyed by weeds. At a small cost in labor, at the 

 proper time, such crops might have paid a handsome 

 profit. 



There is one very important point in Strawberry cul- 

 ture that should never be neglected ; and that is, that 

 the beds be entirely covered with hay, straw, or leaves, 

 to the depth of three or four inches. This covering 

 should not be put on, liowever, before the approach of se- 

 vere weather, which, in this latitude, is about the middle 

 of December. This covering should not be taken off in 

 spring. It is only necessary to go over the beds as soon 

 as growth begins, and pull the covering back from the 

 plants just sufficient to expose the crown, allowing all to 

 remain on the bed. This covering serves several purposes. 

 It keeps the roots warm until the plants start to grow; 

 it keeps the fruit clean when ripe ; it prevents the growth 

 of weeds, and, finally, acts as a mulch to keep the soil 

 from drying in hot weather. 



Although Strawberry beds will remain in bearing for a 

 number of years, the fruit is always largest and finest the 

 first season of bearing, gradually getting smaller as the 

 plants get older ; hence it is desirable to provide for a suc- 

 cession, if not every year, at least every second year. For 



