284 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



to the alleys, and three feet asunder to the rows ; and to 

 form new beds every three years, or never to suffer the bed 

 to exist over four years ; and to plant out in August in 

 preference to spring." 



Dr. Bayne of Alexandria, D. C, gives his method 

 of producing very large fruit. The peculiarity of his 

 treatment is the use of undecomposed or green manure. 

 Almost every other cultivator recommends icell rotted 

 manure ; and, we are inclined to think, with the better 

 reason. We have found some English cultivators who 

 agree with him ; but the most dissuade from the practice, 

 as making plants productive of leaves rather than fruit. 



"To produce strawberries of extraordinary size for exhi- 

 bition, I would recommend the following preparation : 

 select the best soil and trench it at least two feet deep ; 

 incorporate well with the first twelve inches an abundance 

 of strong undecomposed manure ; pulverize and rake the 

 ground well, then mark off the rows twelve or fifteen inches 

 asunder, and set the plants in the rows from twelve to 

 fifteen inches, according to the luxuriance and vigor of the 

 variety. During the first year, the runners must be care- 

 fully and frequently destroyed before they become rooted. 

 By this means the stools become very vigorous and bear the 

 most abundant crops. In the spring after the fruit is set, 

 place around each plant a small ' quantity of straw, or what 

 is much better, cover the whole surface of the ground one 

 inch thick with wheat chaff. This prevents evaporation, 

 protects the fruit from the earth, improves the flavor, and 

 will greatly increase the size." 



Loudon gives Garnier's method of treating the straw- 

 berry as an annual. It is peculiarly applicable to small 

 gardens. The observations on the depth of soil required, 

 are worthy of especial attention : 



" Early in August, or as soon as the gathering is over, I 

 destroy all my beds, and proceed immediately to trench, 

 form, and manure them in the manner before directed, to 



