TILE STRAWBERRY. 



159 



rather than old stools that have stood some time on the 

 same ground. Next to these one-year-old plants, I 

 advise stools not more than two years old planted out. 

 These will carry an abundance of fibre root, but old 

 stools become barren at the root, and often fail. Any 

 of the spawny roots with crowns will make plants. 

 Seed may be sown to raise new ones, which will often 

 produce the same kind. The seed may be sown in a 

 fine bed of soil on a border, and covered with a hand- 

 light till it is up. 



The Strawberry. 



There are so many varieties of the Strawberry that 

 it has become quite confounding to know how to choose 

 the best, for all are recommended for some good quality. 

 But while we have some improved varieties in some 

 particular points, there are many that fall short in 

 other points of value which yet are commended. Well, 

 I am of opinion that there are very few, if any, that 

 can excel on all points Keen's Seedling and the British 

 Queen. The first of these is a sure bearer, an abundant 

 cropper, of hardy constitution, and good flavour. The 

 latter is a robust Strawberry and a great fruiter ; the 

 fruit is large and of the finest flavour. These can be 

 recommended, but I care but little for many others, 

 although strongly approved. Both of the kinds named 

 will bear a crop of good fruit under the most ordinary 

 treatment, while I find some of the new and highly 

 praised sorts are very reluctant to give a crop in some 

 grounds. 



The arrangement of Strawberry plantations requires 

 some precaution as to the choice of soil and situation 

 — a southern aspect for early fruit and a north-west 

 aspect for a later crop. The Strawberry delights in a 

 close adhesive maiden loam. This as a top-dressing for 

 them is far better than any dung. The land should be 

 half-trenched or dug fifteen or eighteen inches deep 

 before setting the plants. Strong-rooted runners are 

 best to plant. 



