146 



ELEMENTS OF FARM PRACTICE 



stable manure is needed. It is preferable to plow this 

 under in the fall. The surface should be kept pulverized 

 in the spring, until it is ready for the plants. 



The Plants. — Strawberries are propagated by runners. 

 The runners grow out from the old plants, and at the joints 

 take root and form new plants. It is these new plants 



Figure 64. — A strawberry bed with straw ralced between the rows for winter pro- 

 tection. It holds moisture and checks the growth of weeds. 



which should be set out. They are distinguished from the 

 old by their white roots. Old plants have dark roots. 



The plants, when taken up to be transplanted, should 

 be trimmed of dead leaves or of too large a growth of leaves, 

 and of all pieces of runners. Many roots are desirable; 

 but, as they may make planting difficult, the large roots are 

 usually trimmed. 



If the plants purchased seem weak or wilted, or if the 

 field at the time is exceedingly dry, they should not be set 

 immediately. It is much safer to shake them out well and 

 put them close together in a row, where they may be easily 

 protected from the wind and kept well watered. Here 

 they will freshen, perhaps start to grow, and be ready for 

 the field when conditions there are more favorable. 



