28 PROFITABLE FRUIT-GROWING. 



of growth, and an occasional soaking with liquid 

 manure when the fruit is swelling, but not after 

 colouring commences ; hoeing the ground to pre- 

 vent the growth of weeds, and covering it with 

 straw or other suitable material for keeping the 

 fruit clean, as heavy rains often dash the soil into 

 the berries, and spoil them. This may be prevented, 

 and another useful purpose served in one opera- 

 tion. 



During the first crisp frost in autumn, all runners 

 and rubbish having been cleared away some time 

 previously, and the ground between the rows 

 lightly pointed over with a fork, turning in a 

 little short manure (deep digging with the spade 

 being injurious), cover the ground two or three 

 inches thick with partially decayed manure con- 

 taining a good amount of short stained straw. This 

 must not be packed closely round the plants ; it will 

 be washed by the winter rains and be perfectly 

 sweet by the spring, forming a close, clean cushion 

 for the fruit to rest on. The covering also pre- 

 vents the escape of moisture from the earth by 

 evaporation, and it is retained for the support of 

 the plants and crops a most important point in 

 dry hot weather. 



When the manure covering is omitted in the 

 autumn, straw should be spread between the rows 



