July High Summer 



ing from the old plants. Quite a large number of layers 

 may be obtained from one plant, though it is not advis- 

 able to take them all. It is preferable to layer a few from 

 each, rather than a large number from one plant. The 

 layers nearest the old plants are usually stronger than 

 those farther along the stalk, and they should be chosen, all 

 others on the same stalk being cut off. If the Strawberries 

 are intended for cultivation in pots under glass it is best 

 to layer each one in a small pot filled with loamy soil, and 

 plunged in the ground to its rim. Even if the object is to 

 make a bed out of doors, there is no better method than 

 this, though less labour is occasioned by layering in pieces of 

 turf or directly in the ground after this has been stirred. 

 The layer is fixed in the soil by means of a small wooden 

 peg placed over the stalk as close as possible to the layer 

 to keep the latter firm. If the soil is kept moist roots 

 will form quickly. A certain number of layers will be 

 found to be " blind " ; that is to say, with defective centre 

 the firm crown or heart is wanting. Such as these ought 

 on no account to be layered, for they will not produce 

 flowers. During hot weather the layers should be watered 

 at least once every day. If the Strawberry bed is planted 

 early in September there will be a good crop of fine fruits 

 the following year, but if planting is delayed until late 

 autumn the first year's crop will be of far less value. 



Growers reckon to gather three crops from Strawberry 

 plants, though the fruits of the third season are usually 

 small, and of greater value for preserving than for dessert. 

 An excellent plan is to put the plants 1 foot apart in rows 

 2 feet from each other. After the first crop is gathered 

 alternate plants in the rows are taken up, leaving all at 

 2 feet apart. By this means a bigger crop is obtained the 

 first year. There are innumerable varieties of the Straw- 

 berry. One of the chief favourites is Royal Sovereign, 

 and if not of the finest flavour, it is particularly satis- 

 factory so far as growth and cropping are concerned. Sir 

 Joseph Paxton is a reliable variety ; Dr. Hogg, President 



249 



