CHAPTER XXVII. 



The Strawberry and Other Berries. 



is by far the most profitable early spring crop for 

 the lower Gulf States, and especially the coast country 

 of Texas, where conditions of climate and transporta- 

 tion are so favorable, and where, unlike sections farther 

 North, a full crop can be grown the following season from 

 summer or fall planting. In choosing a location for straw- 

 berries, always select the stiffest and strongest soil, the black, 

 waxy and yellow clay land being ideal ground for this crop. 

 Actual experience has shown, that this is one of the few 

 plants that will do as well or even better here, manured in 

 the drill, as presently described. Its natural tendency is to 

 form surface roots, and they should by all means be drawn or 

 tempted to go down. Broadcast fertilizing mixes the manure 

 both at the top and bottom and, though it may look unreason- 

 able, burying the manure in the drill under the plants will 

 always make the largest fruit. So, instead of scattering the 

 manure, whatever it may be, broadcast, first break the whole 

 ground as deeply as possible, and harrow thoroughly until 

 well pulverized, after which open furrows about two and one- 

 half or three feet apart by running the plow each way. 

 Along in this strew the fertilizer, and be sure to put enough. 

 About half as much will do on the heavy black land, though 

 it is hard to err in putting on plenty everywhere. If barn- 

 yard manure is used, and there is no better if enough can be 

 had, fill the bottoms - of the furrows several inches deep. 

 Then run a bull tongue up and down, thoroughly stirring and 

 mixing it all. Next, throw the earth back on the furrows 

 from each side by splitting out the middles, quite deep. Do 

 not be afraid to leave the ridges well up. After smoothing 

 off the tops to about a foot wide with a rake, cover the whole 

 surface, ridges and furrows, quite deeply and evenly with hay 



(202) 



