282 SUCCESS WITH SMALL FRUITS. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



We all have seen these principles verified. In the Great 

 American strawberry, I think, we have an example of feeble- 

 ness resulting from over-stimulation. The Wilson Seedling, 

 that, in the local vernacular, is sometimes said to be " run- 

 ning out," is, in contrast, the consequence of starvation, 

 neglect, and long- continued propagation from poor, mixed 

 stock. Feebleness can scarcely be called a disease, and yet 

 it is best counteracted by the tonic treatment suggested by 

 Mr. Fuller. 



In loose, light soils, the Aphis, or Green Fly, often pene- 

 trates to the roots of strawberry plants in immense numbers, 

 and they suck away life or vitality. The tonic of wood- 

 ashes scattered over the rows will usually destroy the pests. 

 Refuse from the tobacco factory is also recommended. 



I think that wood-ashes and bone-dust are excellent pre- 

 ventives of burning or sun-scalding. They give the plants 

 such vigor that they are able to resist sudden or great 

 climatic changes, from heat to cold, or from drought to 

 moisture. 



Many varieties are enfeebled by their disposition to run 

 profusely. Kerr's Prolific, for example, will speedily sod 

 the ground with small, puny plants, whose foliage will burn 

 so badly that the fruit can scarcely mature. Set out these 

 small plants, and give the tonic treatment of cutting off" all 

 runners, and large, bushy stools, with vigorous foliage and 

 superb fruit, will result. Indeed, next to fertilizers and 

 moisture, there is nothing that so enhances the vigor and 

 productiveness of a plant as clipping the runners as fast as 

 they appear. The uncurbed habit of running depletes 

 almost like disease ; and but few varieties will make large 

 fruit buds and runners at the same time. 



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