METHODS OF CULTURE IN THE SOUTH. 1 6/ 



space cleared, until the whole field is cultivated and the 

 mulch left as it was before. 



Now, however, it is not a surface like hard-pan that is 

 covered, but a mellow soil in which the roots can luxuriate. 



Mr. Young uses fertilizers, especially those containing 

 ammonia, only to a limited extent, believing that while they 

 undoubtedly increase the size of the fruit, they also render it 

 soft and unfit for long carriage, and promote an undue 

 growth of vine. This theory is true, to a certain extent, but 

 I think the compensating benefits of fertilizers of almost 

 any kind far outweigh the disadvantages. At his distance 

 from the market, firmness in the berry is essential, but I 

 think he will find this quality is dependent more upon the 

 weather and the variety than upon the fertihzer. Of course, 

 over- stimulation by hot manures will always produce an un- 

 wholesome, perishable growth, but a good coat of well-rotted 

 compost scattered dov/n the rows, just before they receive 

 their fall or spring culture, would be exceedingly beneficial 

 in nine cases out of ten. I most heartily agree with him, 

 however, that all fertilizers containing potash are peculiarly 

 adapted to the strawberry. 



Having considered his methods of planting and culture, 

 we now return again to the culminating period in which the 

 hopes and labors of the year are rewarded or disappointed. 

 When we awoke the morning following our arrival, we found 

 the landscape obscured by a dense fog. Through this, in 

 dim, uncertain outline, throngs of pickers were streaming 

 out from the city to Mr. Young's place and the strawberry 

 farms beyond. The broad fields seemed all the more vast 

 from the obscurity, and the stooping forms of the fruit-gath- 

 erers took on odd and fantastic shapes in the silvery mist. 



But while we drank our coffee the sun sipped these morn- 

 ing vapors, and when we stepped out under the pines, the 



