32 THE STRAWBERRY CULTURIST. 



terrace, which, if the bank is four feet high and twelve feet broad at 

 the base, will give six steps or terraces of one foot wide and eight 

 inches high on each side, or twelve rows in all. Plants grown upon 

 banks require more attention than those grown upon level ground, for 

 they must be watered regularly, and the ground kept constantly covered 

 with some kind of mulch. 



If a row of small evergreen shrubs is planted on the top of the 

 bank, so as to partially shade the plants on the north side, it will assist 

 in retarding ripening. Another method of producing a late crop is to 

 cut off all the flowers when they first appear, and then by giving 

 plenty of water make the plants give a second crop. These plans of 

 retarding or producing a second crop are practicable only in a small 

 way, and only valuable to the amateur. 



The Monthly Alpine strawberry furnishes a regular and constant crop 

 of fruit from June to winter, with ordinary culture, but the quantity 

 produced is not large, nor of the best quality ; yet it is well worthy 

 of a place even in the smallest garden. 



PROPERTIES OP THE STRAWBERRY. 



The properties of a good strawberry are as follows : 



1st. The flavor should be rich and aromatic, consequently it must 

 contain a large amount of the peculiar acids belonging to it as well a 

 a large amount of sugar ; the latter should slightly predominate. 



2d. The flesh should be firm, but melting and solid throughout. 



3d. The form should be regular, whether round, conical, or other- 

 wise. I prefer the conical. 



4th. Color : 1st, scarlet ; 2d, crimson scarle* ; 3d, crimson ; 4th, 

 dark crimson ; 5th, white. 



5th. The calyx should part readily from the berry without breaking 

 the flesh. 



6th. The plant should be productive. 



7th. The fruit-stalks should be long and stout. 



8th. Leaves large, abundant, thick, and of good substance. 



9th. The plants should be vigorous and hardy, being not only ca- 

 pable of withstanding the cold of winter, but the heat of summer, 

 and producing a only moderate number of good strong runners. 



