THE STKAWBERBY. 243 



applied, it must be broadcast, after the first plowing and 

 harrowing, and then be turned under at the cross plow- 

 ing. Each plowing should be followed by the use of the 

 subsoil plow, and afterwards by the harrow. It is a mis- 

 taken idea that the roots of the previous season are either 

 dead or have no functions to perform, for it is in them 

 mainly that the leaves have stored up matter for the fu- 

 ture use of the plant. In the preparation of the soil it 

 should, therefore, be borne in mind that it is to serve for 

 several years, and that no subsequent deep stirring dur- 

 ing the after cultivation of the crop is practicable. 



Composts of muck, or leaf-mould, with stable, cow, or 

 artificial manures are useful. Potash has been found 

 especially beneficial to the crop. Cotton seed is also 

 good. 



METHODS OF PLANTING. 



Strawberries may be grown by either one of the three 

 methods of : 



First, The single hill. Second, The continuous single 

 row. Third The matted bed. 



Each has its advantages, but the former is more suita- 

 ble to this climate, as it renders clean culture less trou- 

 blesome and expensive, and, although the crop may not 

 be as abundant, finer and larger fruit is produced. It 

 is, therefore, the only method suited to the cultivation 

 of the larger varieties, such as the "Sharpless," the 

 "Bidwell," and others like them. 



The field, having been plowed in narrow lands, thirty 

 V> forty feet wide, and finely prepared by cross harrow- 

 ing, is laid off in straight rows three to three and a half 

 feet apart. This may be done by the garden line, or 

 more expeditiously by means of a wheel upon the tire of 

 which are fixed knobs or projections at certain regular 

 distances. The impression of tbe tire upon the soft 

 soil marks the lines, while those of the knobs indicate 



