34 



does the setting takes this in his right hand while he takes up the 

 plant with his left. The dibble is thrust into the loose soil at the point 

 where the plant is to stand, is pushed forward, and the plant is in- 

 serted with the left hand into the opening thus made. The dibble is 

 then raised out of the ground and the soil firmed heavily about the 

 roots with both hands. This firming is important. The man then 

 moves forward on his knees to the position for the next plant. 



It is highly important to observe in setting plants that they be not 

 placed too deeply in the soil, nor yet too shallow. If they are placed 

 so deeply that the crown is covered with soil, the plant will not grow. 

 If they are placed so high that the crown is well above the soil, they 



Fig. 3. — Mulching Strawberry Bed. 



will dry out and die. The correct position is to have the bud or crown 

 exactly at the sui'face. Planters require constant watcliing on this 

 point. 



General Culture. 



After planting, the strawberry beds require the best sort of tillage. 

 This is a crop which can never be profitably neglected. The culti- 

 vator should be kept going between the rows, especially in dry weather. 

 Such cultivations should follow one another every week or ten days, 

 some soils, of course, requiring more tillage than others. On large 

 plantations a double two-horse cultivator can be used to advantage; 

 on ordinary plantations the single one-horse cultivator will usually 

 be employed. The light frame with harrow teeth will be most useful 

 in soil which is in proper condition. 



Tillage should become less frequent towards fall and may cease 



