226 



THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



of the parent, pushes leaves, emits roots, then starts to run afresh, producing other 

 plants as it proceeds, and so continues until checked by the weather or the vigour of 

 the parent is spent. Unfruitful plants produce the most runners ; such should never 

 be selected for propagation, but only those from fruitful plants. 



The runners are best layered in 3-inch pots, half plunged between every other row ; 

 this leaves space for gathering the fruit of the parents and watering the runners. 

 Fill the pots to within 5 inch of the rim with rough turfy loam, pressed firmly. Make 

 an indent in the centre of the pot about \ inch deep, place the first plantlet of the 

 runner therein, securing with a peg. Cut off the point of each runner just beyond 

 the plantlet, unless the variety is a scarce one or the second runner is strong, when it 



u 



U 



Fig. 56. IiATtEBiNa STRAWBEHEY RUNNEES. 



References : U, one-year-old plants in fruit : iv, first runners of layering size ; x, second runners, only to lie used 

 wlien runners are scarce ; y, third runners ; z, runner wire extending ; a, point of cutting oil' runner wires ; b, runner 

 layered in 3-inch pot and secured with a wire peg ; c, runner layered in square of turf, pegged and emitting roots; 

 d, chopped straw for keeping the fruit clean ; e. soil. 



may remain to produce two or more plants. If the soil is kept moist the runners 

 will be well rooted in about three weeks. When the pots are filled with roots and 

 before being closely matted, detach the runner from its parent and stand the pots on 

 ashes in a shady place, but the sooner they are planted (or potted, if for forcing) the 

 better. Another plan is to use pieces of turf cut into 3- or 4 -inch squares and placed 

 close together similar to the pots, layering a runner in the centre of each reversed 

 portion of turf. This should be free from the roots of perennial Aveeds. The runners 

 will root quickly and can be detached and planted at once. A third plan is to stir 

 the soil round the plants, water well if dry, press the plantlets into it about I inch, 

 securing with pegs or flat stones. With regular attention to watering, well-rooted 



