STRAWBERRIES AND PExVCHES. 251 



I claim the following advantages for this method : first, that 

 being grown at regular distances, and so far apart as to allow 

 the use of a small onion hoe between the plants, and a small 

 horse cultivator in the paths between the rows, you are enabled 

 to substitute the hoe and cultivator for the weeding fork and 

 fingers, and that the weeds can be kept down on four beds 

 arranged in this way easier and better than on one under the 

 matted-bed system ; and that you have not left it to chance, but 

 you have placed the plants at the precise distance apart most 

 favorable to ])roduce a crop of large and fine fruit ; and that 

 the same space will produce more fruit, and with less labor than 

 by any other method named ; and by proper care and manur- 

 ing, will produce from two to four good crops without renewiug 

 the plants. 



Now all those methods that I have named amount to nothing 

 without a well manured and well prepared soil ; and sucli per- 

 sistent cultivation as will allow no weeds to grow ; and the 

 setting of good plants that have not been dried, soaked, and 

 exposed to the air in our markets, until a portion of tlie roots 

 are injured. 



Therefore, good and clean cultivation is the only desirable 

 or profitable plan to follow. 



Colonel Wilder. I did not intend to say a word on this 

 subject, although I have been somewhat familiar with it for 

 forty years. But I suppose I am the person to whom our friend 

 has referred in relation to the peach. He has certainly given 

 us a most capital lecture. There is no man in this assembly, 

 or in the State of Massachusetts, who can compete with John 8. 

 Moore of Concord, in the culture of small fruits. (Applause.) 

 I think he possesses as much practical skill, — and that is what 

 science is built upon, as any man in this assembly, to say the 

 least. He is one of those rare men who contend with nature, 

 and will not submit to defeat. But, gentlemen, where will 

 you find another such example ? 



Now, that is the skill that always succeeds. Mr. Moore has 

 given you instructive lessons frequently, and they are worth 

 remembering. This is another example. He is sensitive on 

 this subject. He believes tliat men can succeed. He believes 

 that, with the same intelligence which he possesses, and the 



