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Another mode of protecting the fruit from dirt is by the use of what 

 arc known as Strawberry vases. These vases are about twelve 

 inches in diameter, made of the same material as flower pots, and are 

 in shape like round dishes, as shown by the illustration. The fruit 



Strawberry Tile. Strawberry Vase. 



either rests upon the sides, or hang's over the edges, of these 

 receptacles, and, therefore, clear of the ground. It is also claimed in 

 favour of the Strawberry vase that its use ensures the plant the full 

 benefit of the rainfall from passing showers, and facilitates ordinary 

 waterings. Owing to their cost and the extra labour in using them, 

 neither tiles nor vases are likely to be largely used by those who 

 grow Strawberries for market. They are. however, worthy of 

 attention from amateurs and others who cultivate for their own 

 pleasure. 



PICKING. 



Strawberries should be gathered when perfectly dry, but not while 

 the fruit is heated by the sun. In the morning and evening are the 

 best times, generally speaking. The flavour of the fruit is strongest 

 in dry weather, and the slightest shower will effect it to some extent. 

 The fine aroma peculiar to the Strawberry is not quite so evanescent 

 as that of the Raspberry, but it is by no means durable, and the 

 berries are in the highest state of perfection when freshly gathered. 

 The fruit being also very tender is easily injured by frequent 

 handlings or the pressure caused when the berries are heaped in 

 masses. In order to obtain Strawberries in the highest state of 

 perfection, the fruit, as it is gathered, should be placed in the 

 receptacles from which it has to be eaten. This is the practice with 

 growers in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and has 

 been the rule for generations. There ought to be no great difficulty 

 in adopting a similar system in this part of the Avoild. When such a 

 practice cannot be adopted conveniently the fruit should be handled 

 with the greatest care, and as few times as possible. The custom 

 prevalent in this part of the world of weighing or measuring the 

 fruit by retail dealers should not be tolerated on any account. It is 



