particular part of Hampshire, not as the result of a well-devised 

 plan, arising from the natural adaptability of the soil for the growth 

 of strawberries, but rather as the mere chance issue of a small- 

 holder's enterprise many years ago. 



Production in Hampshire. The number of baskets of fruit 

 despatched during last year from Swanwick Station amounted 874 215, 

 this number representing the output in a comparatively scarce season; 

 as in the previous year, which was considerably more favourable 

 to the setting and .ripening of the fruit, the number of baskets 

 despatched from this station amounted to i 109714. Large quan- 

 tities of fruit are also sold to local dealers and to visitors. 



Condition of soil. The adaptability of the soil to the growth 

 of strawberries was a surprise even to those skilled in horticultural 

 matters. The greater portion of the land was unsuitable for farming, 

 and large areas were covered with furze and heather. Much of 

 this heath land is now, however, being gradually acquired and broken 

 up, and where plantations have been made, every sign of strong 

 healthy growth is to be observed. The soil in this district assumes 

 many different characteristics, and may consist of a sandy peat 

 mixed with flints, varying in size from a marble to a hen's egg, 

 while the small quantity of loam originally present has been washed 

 away, giving the surface of the soil the appearance of a bed of 

 flint stones. The greater portion of the subsoil is sand and gravel, 

 but in some districts the gravel does not extend downwards to any 

 appreciable depth. Last autumn the A. noticed a black, peaty soil, 

 originally waterlogged, being surface drained, and in portions of the 

 ground already planted the plants seemed to be thoroughly at home. 

 Kxpert horticulturists maintain that strawberries require a rich 

 loamy, or, in more familiar language, a "fatty" soil, but soils em- 

 bodying these characteristics are of very rare occurrence in these 

 districts. 



Value of Land. It is obvious that much of this common land 

 was of little value some thirty or so years ago, but since reports 

 have been circulated as to the large profits to be derived, the price 

 has graduailly increased to such an extent that it is no uncommon 

 occurrence for land in close proximity to a railway station, or so 

 situated as to be productive of early crops, to command a price 

 of 200 per acre, while very ordinary-looking plots are in keen 

 demand at from 100 to 150. Similarly, land may be rented at 

 from 3 to 5 per acre, much of this land having been originally 

 let for arable farming at from 10 s. to i per acre. 



