STRAWBERRIES. 179 



free of weeds and runners as during the previous 

 year. Before hard freezing weather, protect again 

 as before, and give the plants similar treatment 

 the following spring and summer. Under this 

 system the same plants may be kept in bearing 

 three, four, and five years, according to the va- 

 riety. Some kinds maintain their vigor longer 

 than others. After the first year the disposition 

 to run declines, and with the third year, in most 

 instances, deterioration in the plant itself begins. 

 I would therefore advise that under this system a 

 new bed be made, as described, every third year ; 

 for, it should be remembered, the new bed is un- 

 productive the first year. This should never be 

 forgotten if one would maintain a continuous 

 supply of berries, otherwise he will be like those 

 born on the 29th of February, and have only 

 occasional birthdays. 



If the old bed is just where you wish, and has 

 been prepared in the thorough manner described, 

 it can be renewed in the following manner : When 

 the old plants begin to decline in vigor, say the 

 third or fourth spring, a line of well-decayed com- 

 post and manure from the cow-stable a foot wide 

 maybe spread thickly down between the rows, dug 

 under deeply, and young plants set out just over 

 the fertilizer. The old plants can be treated as 

 has already been described, and as soon as they 



