APPENDIX. 141 



lant is required, a solution of guano, the salts of am- 

 monia, dilute tannic acid, or a top-dressing of guano,* 

 superphosphate of lime, potash, &c., answers the pur- 

 pose well. I prefer the ammonia and tannic acid. In 

 a garden, strawberries should be planted in beds, and 

 each kind kept distinct. Make the beds three feet wide, 

 put three plants in a row, the two outside ones being 

 six inches from the edge of the bed ; the plants will 

 then be one foot apart. The rows should be eighteen 

 inches apart ; but in a small garden they may be one 

 foot apart. Select young plants in preference to old 

 ones. Set the plant up to the crown, but do not cover 

 it. Keep the ground open and porous, and free from 

 weeds. A word as to to the best time for planting. I 

 prefer early spring ; but where a supply of water is at 

 hand, it may be done at any time ; for only give the 

 straAvberry plenty of water, and it will defy any amount 

 of heat. I would remark, en passant^ that whoever 

 attempts to water his strawberries must do it thorough- 

 ly, if he would have his plants derive any benefit from 

 it. A thorough soaking once a Aveek will do more good 

 than fifty sprinklings a day. Where Avater is not at 

 hand, the planting should be done during August and 



* Fui-ther experience has led me to discard the use of guano, 

 particularly as a top-dressing. It is not only too stimulating for 

 the strawberry, but rapidly dissolves the vegetable constituents of 

 the soil, which I consider essential to the plant. — January, 1856. 



