STJiA \VBERRJES HAUTBOIS AND ALPINES. 23? 



arc moulded up with a plough on each side to keep the crowns dry in winter. In 

 gardens compost, such as the debris of the rubhish heap mixed with lime, is placed close 

 round the plants as soon as the ground is frozen sufficiently to bear the wheelbarrow. 

 This invigorates those with elongated stems by inducing fresh roots. Plants in beds 

 are much benefited by a surface dressing of compost, leaf mould, or well-decayed manure 

 in February or March, covering the stems, then the embryo roots, finding stimulating 

 material, push freely and contribute to the health and continuance of the plantation. 



Ilautbois Strawberries. These thrive best on calcareous soil, and it must be firm to 

 prevent a superfluity of leaves. Eunners should only be taken from plants that bear 

 fruit freely, having the male and female organs of fructification in the same plant. 

 The sterile plants are the more vigorous and prone to produce leaves and runners. 

 Hautbois strawberries arc generally grown in beds and allowed to spread into an 

 entangled mass. To do them justice they require plenty of room and the high 

 cultivation accorded the large-fruited varieties. Fresh beds should be made every 

 season, as the old wear out in three or four years. The varieties generally grown are 

 Aromatic, Eoyal Hautbois, and Triomphc d' Orleans. 



Alpines. Plants of these are best raised from seed saved from the finest fruit and 

 the most prolific plants. Sow as soon as ripe, either in pans or a sheltered spot 

 outside, in drills about 3 inches apart, covering the seeds lightly with fine soil, which 

 keep moist. The plants will appear in about a month. Prick them off about 3 inches 

 apart, shading and keeping moist until established. Transfer them to their permanent 

 quarters when they have made four to six leaves.. Plant a foot apart in beds 4 feet wide. 

 Mulch with leaf soil before winter, and they will fruit abundantly the following year. 

 Seeds arc, however, mostly sown in February or March under glass, pricking off and 

 growing the seedlings in gentle heat, gradually hardening them for planting out early in 

 June. They will bear freely in the autumn, when the dainty fruits are often much 

 prized, especially at teas and juvenile parties. No runners should be allowed to grow; 

 only the first for stock, if wanted. Kunners planted in July or August bear fruit early 

 and freely the following summer. They are often grown on north borders with a view 

 to a late supply of fruit. Mulchings of partially decayed leaves or manure are necessary, 

 and copious supplies of water in dry weather. Plants grown and fruited in pots are 

 attractive for decoration, seedlings from a spring sowing bearing until a late period in a 

 cool house, but arc more satisfactory in gentle heat with a free circulation of air 

 Galande and Quatre Saisons are popular varieties. 



VOL. III. H H 



