THE STRAWBERRY AS A FIELD CROP 309 



space of two inches around every pot. Carefully avoid watering overhead, 

 on the whole plant, when blooming, but always apply water by pouring it 

 under the leaves. When well grown, and the variety is a good one, the crop 

 should be a profitable one. They are sold in paper boxes holding half a pint. 

 \Vo have found, as with the tomato, that bone dust added to the soil is better 

 than stable manure, though the ordinary potting compost, if old and well 

 rotted, answers very well. If earth worms get into the pots they will paste 

 the soil together and cause it to sour. If there is evidence of their presence 

 pour a little lime water on the pot to draw them out, and at the same time 

 sweeten the soil. The plants that have been forced in winter can be planted 

 in the open ground in the spring and will make a late crop there as they get 

 into growth. During their growth in preparation during summer, and in the 

 house in winter, it is needless to add that no runners should be allowed to 

 grow ; and the keeping of them off will be one of the chief attentions needed 

 in the preparation of the plants, aside from keeping the pots watered and 

 free from weeds. 



