THE STRA^MJERKY AND ITS CULTURE. 97 



Mr. "NVarreu had fouiicl that the Jewell requires more water than 

 auy other variety, and that when grown on laud moister than the 

 average garden soil it throws out plent}' of runners. He asked 

 the lecturer if he took but one crop of fruit from one setting of 

 plants. 



Mr. Augur replied that time is mone}', and he was very decided 

 that it requires too much time and labor to weed an old bed ; 

 besides, the second crop is alwaj^'s much inferior to the first. 

 Therefore, it does not pay. He preferred to alternate with other 

 crops. 



Mr. Warreu asked whether planting in hills is preferable to 

 planting in beds. 



Mr. Augur thought he had better success as respects the fruit 

 when he planted in hills than in matted beds. In the first case he 

 got more and better fruit ; in the second he got some fruit, but 

 mauy more new plants, for which he has always a large demand. 



E. AV. Wood remarked that we have had this lecture to teach us 

 about the varieties of the strawberry, and the theories and best 

 methods of practice in its propagation and culture. The essayist 

 had given us so much to think about, that others see no necessity 

 for talking. He is one who has done more than any other person 

 to develop this fruit, and show its capabilities. TVe notice that 

 most varieties do not long continue to be generally grown. Mauy 

 that were very popular not long ago are not now seen on our 

 exhibition tables ; in fact during the last ten years almost every old 

 variety has disappeared. The speaker did not know where to go 

 now to find au}' plants of La Constaute, Wilder, or Hervej' Davis, 

 although some were shown here less than two years ago. Taking 

 the experience of the past as a guide, it would appear that we 

 must depend upon new seedlings for renewal of our plants. How 

 manj' will carefully carry out the methods Mr. Augur has 

 described to us today? We want an earlier kind than May King 

 if possi])le, and larger also. The uew strawberry producers have 

 been concentrating their efforts on the increase of size regardless 

 of quality. The market demands the largest and best looking 

 fruit; consequently this is sold at the highest price, while 

 medium and smaller varieties have to be sold at about half price, 

 although they are of a far better quality and more productive. 

 While they are not profitable for the market, they are preferable 

 for the home garden, as they produce enough for the amateur. 



