198 



PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



Varieties. — The many varieties of strawberries are 

 grouped under two heads (Fig. 117), (a) Those with 'perfect 

 blossoms, bearing both stamens and pistils, and able to pro- 

 duce fruit without the aid of pollen from other plants; (6) 

 Imperfect varieties, those which have no stamens to bear 

 pollen, having pistils only; these must get their pollen from 

 other perfect varieties near them. Perfect varieties may be 

 planted alone. Imperfect varieties must grow by the side of 

 or near perfect ones which blossom at the same time. The 

 pollen is carried from one blossom to another by bees and 

 other insects. 



For the choice of varieties and methods of growing 

 strawberries reference is made to U. S. Farmers' Bulletin 198. 



Fig. 117. — Flowers of strawberry, pistillate on left and perfect on right. 



Other Small Fruits. — In addition to the fruits which 

 have just been described, the home fruit garden should con- 

 tain such fruits as grapes, black and red raspberries, black- 

 berries, currants, and perhaps gooseberries. These are all so 

 easily grown that very little special training is necessary for 

 any one to produce enough fruit for home use. The site for 

 the home fruit garden should be chosen not far from the resi- 

 dence. The soil may then be enriched and put in good tilth. 



Pruning Small Fruits. — The beginner has greatest diffi- 

 culty in questions of pruning. When the plants are being 

 set out, all broken or decayed roots should be trimmed off; 

 smooth-cut surfaces only should come next to the soil. The 

 top should be cut back somewhat in proportion to the reduc- 



