APPENDIX. 135 



supposed tliat the electricity which pervades the atmos- 

 phere during our summer rains affects the flavor of 

 the fruit. 



When the crop has been gathered, the mulching 

 material between the rows should be removed and the 

 ground be forked over, so that if plants are wanted to 

 form a new plantation, their growth will be encour- 

 aged. The same plants should not be relied upon for 

 more than two crops. The labor of making a new 

 bed, save the trenching of the soil, is no more than 

 that of planting a plot of cabbages. 



As to the season for planting, we would recommend 

 the spring for large plantations, because then there is 

 comparatively no risk of failure. The amateur, how- 

 ever, who wishes only to plant a bed in his garden, 

 may do it at any time that he can procure good plants. 

 If the growth of runners is encouraged in July, after 

 the fruit is gathered, good, well rooted runners may be 

 had about the first of September, or it may be sooner. 

 The young plants nearest the parent plant should 

 always be chosen, if possible. In planting during the 

 month of August or September, rainy weather should 

 be chosen, if possible, but it may be safely done, even 

 in a dry time, by using water freely. "Water the plants 

 well before taking them up, as it injures the roots very 

 much to draw them out of dry ground ; then water the 

 soil thoroughly where they are to be set, before plant- 



