STRAWBERRIES AS POT FRUIT 189 



the plant. Bordeaux mixture or copper solution sprayed on the foliage will 

 check it. The grower must be on his guard in the Fall, when the stock is pre- 

 pared for forcing; but when the plants are taken inside the foliage is generally 

 fairly fr€e from any disease or fungous growth. 



VARIETIES FOR FORCING 



There are a number of varieties that will submit to the forcing process; 

 but as it is not necessary to have many kinds, those should be selected that are 

 known to give the best results. The blossoms of all Strawberries are either 

 hermaphrodite (perfect) or pistillate (imperfect). The pistillate varieties are 

 absolutely worthless for forcing purposes. Even with some that are classed as 

 perfect-flowered varieties the pollen is very meager and cannot be relied upon 

 for very early forcing. It is therefore best to select those kinds that produce 

 a good supply of pollen. 



Marshall has stood the test for many years as an ideal forcing berry as 

 regards size, excellent color, and, above all, rich flavor. In some districts, how- 

 ever, it is not very robust, and in some localities almost a failure. But where 

 Marshall can be grown healthy and vigorous, it is one of the very best forcing 

 berries today, especially for early work. 



A few years ago I secured 100 healthy plants of an English variety (Royal 

 Sovereign), which would have been a valuable addition to our list, but unfor- 

 tunately it seems impossible to grow the stock satisfactorily in our climate. At 

 least, I tried and failed. Evidently others have not succeeded any better, for 

 I have not been able to secure any stock of it since then. It is a very early, 

 free setting variety, with large, conical fruit and excellent color and flavor. If 

 healthy and vigorous stock of Royal Sovereign could be grown, I believe it would 

 be one of the very best for forcing under glass. 



Sharpless, while not grown as extensively in the field and garden as in former 

 years, is still a good old standby that seems peculiarly adapted to indoor work; 

 it will seldom refuse to bring forth an abundant crop of large fruit. The photo- 

 graph (see page 181) shows its make-up. The berries will ripen e^•enIy 

 when under glass, which is not always the case when grown outside. 



William Belt has made many friends since its introduction some years ago. 

 It is a vigorous, healthy grower, and free cropper; the fruit is large, with solid 

 flesh and good color. I do not recommend it for very early forcing, but if 

 brought into heat about the first of February, the returns will be satisfactory. 



Nick Ohmer is excellent for late forcing, especially if an extra large berry 

 is wanted. With me, it has never failed to produce berries of the largest size 

 and good shape. 



Curiously enough, something promising will sometimes be brought to our 

 notice. This happened to me in the early part of August, 1909. A Mr. Rose 

 of Red Bank offered to sell me a Strawberry for forcing, recommending its 

 qualities and behavior in the open. I purchased 100 plants. It proved an 

 excellent grower, building up strong crowns before the Winter set in. The 

 plants were brought into heat February ist. They were a bit slow in throwing 



