THE STRAWBERRY. 



Fragaria, (of species,) L. Rosacece of Botanists. 



DURING the past ten years, or since the advent of Hovey's Seed- 

 ling to the varieties of the strawberry, there has arisen a furor for 

 the production of new varieties, until nearly every village in the 

 United.States has its " rare and unsurpased seedling," cultivated and 

 extolled with praise and poetry equalling that of olden bard ; while 

 savans wise on strawberry culture, and the structure of plants 

 botanically, have occupied page after page of our Horticultural 

 Journals, much to the amusement, if not instruction, of practical 

 men. 



A native of the temperate latitudes of both hemispheres, the 

 varieties of the strawberry are universally esteemed among the 

 most delicious as well as most wholesome of the smaller fruits. 

 And although it is regarded as properly a habitant of cold climates, 

 it is successfully cultivated in the most southern latitude of this 

 country. 



As a fruit embracing delicious and healthful qualities, with full 

 and satisfactory pecuniary returns, it has found a place in every 

 garden, farm, and plantation, from the size of a bed four feet square- 

 to the field of five times that many acres ; yet withal, there is not 

 sufficient quantity grown to meet the demand. Olden records have 

 been made of cures effected in the human frame from use of straw- 

 berries. We consider the fact, that during strawberry season there 

 is less of sickness in cities well supplied with that fruit, a most 

 agreeable testimonial to its healthful and invaluable qualities at 

 the present day. The distinctive name Fragaria is highly expressive 

 of the fragrant scent emitted by the fruit. 



RAISING FROM SEED. When the fruit is perfectly ripe, it should 

 be gathered and cut into small pieces, or with great care each seed 

 separated. Select ground of light sandy soil, where only the morn- 

 ing sun will shine ; or, better, perhaps, have ready a cold frame with 

 the lights sloping to the north. Sow the seed at distances of about 

 one inch, and cover lightly by sifting fine sand, or, what is preferable, 

 vegetable mould from the woods. This done in June, the plants 

 will need care until al>out October, at which time, if not grown in a 



