STRAWBERRIES 349 



a mulching of manure placed to a depth of three inches between 

 the rows. 



The layering of strawberry runners with a view to the pro- 

 duction of new plants is a very simple process. First a number 

 of small pots should be filled with rich but light soil, and be placed 

 on the beds near the plants. Next select the runner it is intended 

 to layer, and place that portion of it from which leaves are growing 

 on the surface soil in the pot. To keep the runner in position a 

 stone or wooden peg should be used. Water must then be sup- 

 plied, and if the pot be kept moderately moist roots will soon be 

 formed. When these have been produced in sufficient quantity 

 the young plant can be detached from its parent and be left to its 

 own devices until it is required for planting-out purposes. 



Some of my readers who contemplate making new strawberry 

 beds may be puzzled to know which varieties will be most suitable 

 for their purpose Experience has shown that for the main crop 

 there is nothing to beat Royal Sovereign, but these are over by 

 the middle of July, and if it be desired to cultivate a late-fruiting 

 variety either Waterloo, Eleanor, Laxton's Latest or Givon's Late 

 Prolific will be found to answer the purpose. 



Strawberry beds are often badly neglected after the fruiting 

 season is over. This is a mistake which can be remedied by a very 

 little trouble A week or two after the last berry has been picked 

 the plants should be carefully examined and any excess of leaves 

 be cut away. This does not mean completely denuding the plants 

 of their foliage. The work must be done judiciously, for if all 

 leaves are removed, as is done by some gardeners, it means that 

 fresh foliage has to be produced, and this at a time when the plants 

 should be forming their crowns in preparation for next season's 

 crop. Runners that are not wanted for propagating purposes 

 should, of course, be removed, since, if they are allowed to remain, 

 they will rob the plants of much nourishment. When autumn 

 arrives there ought to be very few runners in a well-ordered straw- 

 berry plantation. 



Like all other plants which are raised to a high standard of 

 cultivation, strawberries are assailed by a variety of insect pests 



