STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 85 



inches under water, and at picking time were no dryer than 

 when first set. This proved the best portion of the bed. 



Owing to circumstances over which we had no control, only 

 half of our plants had been covered when winter set in. This 

 with the severe freeze early in May proved very disastrous and 

 a half crop was the result. 



This year we are using the same ground as two years ago. 

 I know the best authorities say, "Strawberries should not be suc- 

 ceeded by strawberries." No other spot seemed available and as 

 a heavy stand of green clover was ploughed under we thought 

 the soil would be in good condition for another season. 



The greatest menace to our strawberry culture is the white 

 grub, and the only remedy so far has been to lift the plant and 

 destroy the insect, which will usually be found under the plant 

 if taken up in season. Fully one-half of a quarter of an acre 

 we have been obliged to set three times. I heard a person say 

 a few days ago he could not raise strawberries, the angle worms 

 ate his plants all up ; it must have been the white grub instead. 



Mr. A. M. Purdy in a recent issue of the Tribune Farmer said 

 he should have salt sown on a piece of ground that was to be 

 ploughed for corn this fall, and again in the spring before har- 

 rowing, but made no mention of the quantity to be used, only 

 that it was to prevent the ravages of the white grub. I would 

 like more definite information on the subject. 



As our strawberry rows must be raised in order to provide 

 the necessary drainage, we use the cultivator but little. If our 

 plot was larger of course all hand culture would be impossible. 

 Three sharp hoes of different sizes, each provided with a long 

 handle so there is no unnecessary stooping, and a good garden 

 rake to use between the rows that no weeds may be left to root 

 down we find sufficient. 



I have no patience with the man who on dull days in summer 

 calls out the members of his family and then all proceed to get 

 down on their knees and weed out the strawberry bed. No 

 wonder so many children grow up disliking to work in a garden ! 



Pine needles make an ideal covering. They are clean, light 

 to handle and no danger of the seeds of weeds or grasses being 

 sown as when straw or hay is used. Instead of covering only 

 the crown and roots as many authorities advise, leaving the 

 tips of the leaves exposed, we prefer to cover the entire plant — 



