Strawberries. 319 



bruised that it is often partially reduced to a .pulp, and if 

 not also mouldy and altogether worthless (Strawberries under 

 such conditions will go mouldy in less than twenty-four hours) 

 the value of the consignment is so seriously reduced as to 

 cause a considerable loss to the grower. 



The Soil and its Preparation. The best soil for Strawberries 

 is one of a substantial nature a deep heavy loam inclining to 

 clay being generally the most esteemed, although it must 

 not be overlooked that heavy crops of excellent quality are 

 taken from plants growing on well-cultivated soil which is 

 distinctly sandy or stoney. The fact is, that although the 

 Strawberry will not thrive in a dry soil or climate, it will yield 

 paying crops on any well-cultivated fertile soil which can be 

 kept in a moist condition during the summer months but, 

 other things being equal, a heavy loam will give the best results, 

 and should receive the preference for all but the earliest crops. 

 The aspect of the land and composition of the soil have both 

 great influence in determining the time of ripening. The chief 

 points favouring earliness are a soil of sandy composition with 

 a porous subsoil, an aspect inclining slightly to the south or 

 south-east, and plants of a proved early variety. Lateness is 

 secured by planting on heavy cold soil, with a north or north- 

 western exposure, and selecting a late variety. The grower 

 should therefore make the best of his circumstances, planting 

 the bulk of his crop to suit the formation of his land, whether 

 early or late; if he has the choice of a variety of soils and 

 situations he should make such selections and combinations as 

 will suit his particular purpose, remembering that the more 

 his season is extended in either direction, the more likely he 

 will be to escape the losses occasioned by being obliged to sell 

 on a glutted market. 



Drainage should be attended to before a new plantation is 

 made, and if not satisfactory it should be made so, for whilst 

 the Strawberry thrives best in a moist soil, stagnant water is 

 fatal to its well-being. The drainage being satisfactory, the 

 next step is to work the ground thoroughly and deeply, incor- 

 porating well-rotted manure at the same time it is of little use 

 attempting to grow Strawberries for market in soil in a low 

 condition of fertility. When the plants are to occupy the 



