24 



unlike that the same variety will be a total failure. The begin- 

 ner may derive much aid by consulting those extensively en- 

 gaged in the business of growing small fruits, though he 

 cannot safely rely upon the experience of others, but must ex- 

 periment for himself. If growing for his own private use, he 

 will consult his own taste as to quality ; but if for market, he 

 must cater to suit the demands of the purchaser. 



MUST BE ADAPTED TO THE SOIL. 



While some varieties seem peculiarly adapted to a rather 

 light sandy soil, others require that which is strong and heavy, 

 and still others appear indifferent, doing equally well on any 

 soil. One kind will give perfectly satisfactory returns grown 

 in hills, matted rows, or by the slipshod method, while another 

 will fail in the absence of high and clean cultivation, and unless 

 grown in hills on congenial soil. Liberal manuring, deep work- 

 ing of the land, mulching, and irrigation will insure success in 

 the dryest season. If plants are thus treated, the soil will be 

 found filled with their roots as deep as cultivation extends. A 

 like examination of plants on a shallow soil will show roots too 

 short to render the moisture below available. Some varieties 

 require deeper soil than others. 



The following extract from the report of the New York Ex- 

 periment Station for 1883 is in point: "A plant of the Triomphe 

 de Gand strawberry, the roots of which we washed out August 

 13, had roots extending nearly vertically downwards to the depth 

 of twenty-two inches. The horizontal roots were few and short, 

 the longest being traceable but six inches. The greater part of 

 the roots extended nearly perpendicularly downwards, and near- 

 ly all of the fibrous ropts were found directly beneath the plant." 



It will be seen that the varieties to be selected will depend 

 almost entirely upon the object in view. For the home garden 

 the quality should be first considered. The plant should be 

 hardy, healthy, and fairly productive, the fruit of at least me- 

 dium size, of good form and color, and in its general appearance 

 attractive. With such varieties as the Downing, Cumberland, 

 Hervey Davis, Jersey Queen, Minor's Prolific, Mount Vernon, 

 Sharpless, and Wilder, or any other judicious selection from the 

 early, medium, and late varieties, any one may enjoy a full supply 



