THE STRAWBERRY CULTURISI. 39 



tor EO much a pint or quart, then the purchaser wo; Id know just what 

 quantity he was getting for his money, and the price would be regu- 

 lated by the quality as well as the quantity in market. If we could go 

 into market and learn that the Wilson strawberry brought so much per 

 quart, and Triomphe de Grand so much more, it would look as though 

 the cultivator of choice fruits was to be encouraged. The puWic would 

 Boon learn which was the best, and the cultivator would know which 

 was bringing the best price, and consequently which was the most 

 profitable for him to grow. 



Now strawberries are quoted at so much per basket, which means 

 something, but just what no one is able to tell. Uniformity in size 

 of basket will never be brought about until there are strenuous laws 

 passed for that purpose, for the love of gain is too strong on the one 

 hand, and carelessness too common on the other. 



When strawberries are to be sent to a distance, and it is requisite 

 that they should arrive at their destination in the best possible con- 

 dition, each berry should be enveloped in fine tissue-paper, and a good 

 layer of cotton placed between each layer of fruit. The baskets or 

 boxes should be shallow, and not more than a half a dozen layers 

 placed in any one of them. 



Another plan, which is practiced in Europe, is to have a box made 

 of the required size, with thin boards as false bottoms to fit in, each 

 one resting upon slats nailed to the side of the box ; these boards are 

 bored full of small holes, the holes being far enough apart so that the 

 fruit will not touch ; the fruit is picked with the stems. These stems 

 are drawn first through a small piece of paper and then through the 

 holes, and fixed with a small peg or pin on the under side. When one 

 of the boards is filled, and placed in its position in the box, another 

 is taken, and so on until the box is full. This is one of the best 

 methods of packing strawberries for sending to exhibitions, but of 

 course Is impracticable for market purposes. 



PACKING PLANTS. 







Nurserymen have different methods of packing strawberry plants, 

 therefore I will only mention the manner in which I have packed 

 plants foi many years, and with excellent success. 



