A B C OF STRAWBERRY CULTURE. 21 



If you will look at the accompanying figures, 2 and 3, you 

 will sec a small, feeble plant, and a good strong one. 



I set out only the latter kind, and throw the former away. 

 To be sure, the little ones with few roots will live ; but I have 

 set them out side by side with large thrifty ones, and watched 

 them ; and all through the season they kept just so far behind. 

 Use the best only ; this not so much for the first season, when 

 you buy the plants and have to take what comes (although 

 then I would try hard to buy only the best), as for after sea- 

 sons, when you take them up out of your own bed to set out in 

 a new one. Throw away any that are not strong and thrifty, 



FlG. 2 A POOR PI,ANT. 



FlG. 3 A GOOD PI.ANT. 



like Fig. 3, with a large crown (the body from which the leaves 

 come out), and plenty of roots. In another chapter you will 

 find the names of the varieties I grow, and all about them, if 

 you wish to read up on the subject. 



paid. By the time tfey get back they are doubtless of but little if any 

 value. Therefore do as above, and ask the shipper for further instruc- 

 tions. Some people leave them at the express office, and refuse to pay the 

 charges. Now, I would not do even this. I would pay charges and take 

 care of them as best I could, and write to the shipper. If he is reasonable 

 he will make things satisfactory. Even if the plants are in bad order, 

 and poor, if the variety is high-priced and valuable you can usually get 

 enough of them to live, so as to grow nice strong plants for the next sea_ 

 son. By all means use only the best plants, when you can get them. A.I.R" 



