THE STRAWBERRY CTJLTURIST. 9T 



from it The second plant on the runner draws from the first until 

 its roots become established in the soil ; and so each one draws upon 

 the one preceding it, provided the soil is such that roots can pene- 

 trate it and find food to support the plant ; if not, then each plant 

 on the runner will derive its food from the parent plant until such 

 time as it becomes rooted. 



Knowing this, we should adopt every measure that will insure the 

 rooting of the young plant so soon as possible, as a precaution against 

 its drawing too much upon the strength of the parent plant. 



In preparing soil for propagating plants, it should be made much 

 deeper and richer than when prepared solely for growing plants for 

 fruit. The manure used may be quite new, and of a more stimulating 

 nature. The surface of the soil should always be kept in such a con- 

 dition that the young rootlets can easily penetrate it. 



The method that I have found the most successful is to make the 

 soil quite rich before planting, and put the plants at least two feet 

 apart one way, and eighteen inches the other. Cut off all fruit-stalks 

 as soon as they appear ; keep all weeds down, and stir the surface of 

 the soil as often as possible. When the runners start, cover the whole 

 surface of the soil one half to one inch deep with fine, well-decom- 

 posed stable manure ; this not only furnishes food to the plants, but 

 it keeps the surface of the soil moist, allowing the young roots te 

 penetrate readily, and it attracts the roots ; in other words, it stimu- 

 lates the vital principle to throw out roots. "We know that they are 

 attracted toward congenial food, and repelled by that which is uncon 

 genial, and by placing a slight coating of manure on the surface, it 

 comes immediately in contact with the runner and induces it to 

 throw out roots much sooner than it would if placed at some distance 

 from it. 



The principle on which manure acts on the plant before it comes in 

 contact with it, may or may not be fully understood ; yet the fact that 

 it often does is sufficient for our purpose at present. By placing one 

 runner without roots upon a piece of manure, and another upon a 

 sponge, keeping both moist, we can soon ascertain that the manure is 

 the more congenial of the two. A full supply of water should be 

 given the plants if convenient, as it will assist them very much, I 



