STRA WBERRIES — SOIL — LOCA TION. 6^ 



deep sandy loam, moist, but not wet in its natural state. 

 All the kinds with which I am acquainted will do well on 

 such land if it is properly deepened and enriched. There- 

 fore, we should select such ground if we have it on our 

 places, and those proposing to buy land with a view to this 

 industry would do well to secure from the start one of the 

 best conditions of success. 



It is of vital importance that our strawberry fields be near 

 good shipping facilities, and that there be sufficient popula- 

 tion in the immediate vicinity to furnish pickers in abun- 

 dance. It will be far better to pay a much higher price for 

 land — even inferior land — near a village and a railroad 

 depot, than to attempt to grow these perishable fruits in 

 regions too remote. A water communication with market 

 is, of course, preferable to any other. Having consid- 

 ered the question of harvesting and shipping to mar- 

 ket, then obtain the moist, loamy land described above, if 

 possible. 



Such ground will make just as generous and satisfactory 

 returns in the home garden, and by developing its best 

 capabilities the amateur can attain results that will delight 

 his heart and amaze his neighbors. 



Shall the fact that we have no such soil, and cannot 

 obtain it, discourage us ? Not at all ! There are choice 

 varieties that will grow in the extremes of sand or clay. 

 More effort will be required, but skill and information can 

 still secure success ; and advantages of location, climate, 

 and nearness to good markets may more than counterbal- 

 ance natural deficiencies in the land. Besides, there is 

 almost as solid a satisfaction in transforming a bit of the 

 wilderness into a garden as in reforming and educating a 

 crude or evil specimen of humanity. Therefore if one finds 

 himself in an unfavorable climate, and shut up to the choice 



