1346 THE FRUIT INDUSTRY IN !N"Ew YORK STATE 



berries, leave all the mulch on, just so the crowns of the plants 

 can grow through the mulch; this will make the berries ripen a 

 week or more later. A piece of ground sloping to the north or 

 northeast will also make later berries, and very often good late 

 berries will make the profit on the season's strawberries. 



INSECTS AND DISEASE 



In this locality we have been rather fortunate in not having any 

 serious disease or insect pest. The toughest enemy to fight is the 

 white grub. It seems to be lying around waiting for the plants 

 to be set, with its teeth well sharpened to eat off the roots. Many 

 may be killed while hoeing or cultivating. Keep watch of the 

 plants and, when the leaves commence to wilt, dig around until 

 you find the little rascal ; then put your foot on him good and 

 heavy. This method must be followed up until the plants are well 

 established, and the laterals commence to run. 



HOW TO CHOOSE MARKET VARIETIES 



For a select home or nearby trade, set plants or varieties that 

 will, under good care, grow fine, large, high-quality berries, as 

 such will sell for the high prices. If to be grown near a manufac- 

 turing city, set plants of heavy-producing varieties. They will 

 not sell for the high prices, but will usually make up in the greater 

 number of quarts. 



PICKING AND MARKETING 



As a rule, women make the best pickers. Use picking stands 

 that will hold from four to eight baskets. On bright, sunny days 

 the berries should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. If 

 they are packed in crates, these should also be in the shade. 

 If not taken to market at once, they should be carried to a cool 

 building or cellar and set on the ground, so as to keep them bright. 

 Their appearance is extremely important in selling them. A 

 clean, fresh-looking berry will always sell well on the market, 

 while a dull-looking one will sell slowly and discourage the sales- 

 man. 



The 32-quart crates are the best to use ; some families use that 

 quantity for canning. On the way to market be sure to cover the 



