STRAWBERRIES. CULTIVATION. 305 



ning in a longitudinal direction; the distance between the 

 beds to vary from two to two and a half feet, according to 

 the sorts to be planted, as some varieties require much more 

 space than others. As to the distances of the rows asun- 

 der, and the distance of the plants in the rows, I will lay 

 down, on Lindley's authority, the following rules : 



3d CLASS. In rows fifteen inches asunder ; the plants 

 fifteen inches' distance in the row. Wilmot's Superb the 

 same. 



2d and 4th CLASSES, (except Wilmot's, as above.) In 

 rows fifteen inches asunder ; and twelve inches' distance in 

 the rows. 



6th and 7th CLASSES. In rows twelve inches asunder ; 

 and twelve inches' distance in the rows. 



1st and 5th CLASSES. In rows twelve inches asunder ; 

 and nine inches' distance in the rows. 



During the first year, the runners are to be carefully de- 

 stroyed before they have taken root. Around such as show 

 fruit, grass or straw is placed ; (Keen recommends the 

 same; for the plant derives its name from this circum- 

 stance.) This protects alike the soil from washing rains, 

 from a scorching sun, and the consequent evaporation of its 

 moisture ; it protects the fruit from becoming soiled. But 

 as soon as the fruit is gathered, this covering is to be removed, 

 and the soil kept clear of weeds by the hoe till autumn. 



In autumn, he directs the leaves to be cut off, (only a por- 

 tion, I presume,) and all the spaces, including the alleys, to 

 be dug carefully over with a pronged fork, so as not to injure 

 their roots. Both Keen and Mr. Knight, however, direct 

 manure to be applied before this last operation is com- 

 menced ; and Mr. Knight has particularly cautioned against 

 digging so deep as to disturb the roots, as it weakens the 

 force of the plants. 



The second summer, Lindley further states that the plants 

 will bear their best crop and finest fruit ; the beds and out- 

 side of the alleys should be covered with mown grass or 

 with straw three or four inches thick ; by this method he 

 states he has found the fruit not only more abundant, but of 

 finer quality. 



It has been recommended to raise the Alpines from the 

 seed. But Mr. Williams, of Pitmaston, (Hort. Trans.,) 

 condemns the practice. Lindley joins him in this ; foi 

 having procured a good sort, it is recommended to increase 



