Strawberries Soil Location. 49 



but not wet, in its natural state. All the kinds with which I am acquainted 

 will do well on such land if it is properly deepened and enriched. There- 

 fore, we should select such ground if we have it on our places, and those 

 proposing to buy land with a view to this industry would do well to secure 

 from the start one of the best conditions of success. 



It is of vital importance that our strawberry fields be near good ship- 

 ping facilities, and that there be sufficient population in the immediate 

 vicinity to furnish pickers in abundance. It will be far better to pay a 

 much higher price for land even inferior land near a village and a rail- 

 road depot, than to attempt to grow these perishable fruits in regions too 

 remote. A water communication with market is, of course, preferable to 

 any other. Having considered the question of harvesting and shipping to 

 market, then obtain the moist, loamy land described above, if possible. 



Such ground will make just as generous and satisfactory returns in the 

 home garden, and by developing its best capabilities the amateur can 

 attain results that will delight his heart and amaze his neighbors. 



Shall the fact that we have no such soil, and cannot obtain it, dis- 

 courage us ? Not at all ! There are choice varieties that will grow in the 

 extremes of sand or clay. More effort will be required, but skill and 

 information can still secure success ; and advantages of location, climate, 

 and nearness to good markets may more than counterbalance natural 

 deficiencies in the land. Besides, there is almost as solid a satisfaction in 

 transforming a bit of the wilderness into a garden as in reforming and 

 educating a crude or evil specimen of humanity. Therefore, if one finds 

 himself in an unfavorable climate, and shut up to the choice of land the 

 reverse of a deep, moist, sandy loam, let him pit his brain and muscle 

 against all obstacles. 



If the question were asked, Is there anything that comes from the 

 garden better liked than a dish of strawberries? in nine instances out of 

 ten the answer would be, " nothing," even though sour Wilsons were 

 grown ; and yet, too often the bed is in a neglected corner and half 

 shaded by trees, while strong-growing vegetables occupy the moist, 

 open spaces. It is hardly rational to put the favorite of the garden 

 where, at best, a partial failure is certain. Let it be well understood 

 that strawberries cannot be made to do well on ground exhausted by 

 the roots and covered by the shade of trees. 



On many farms and even in some gardens there are several varieties 

 of soil. Within the area of an acre I have a sandy loam, a gravelly hill- 

 side, low, black, alluvial land, and a very stiff, cold, wet clay. Such 

 diversity does not often occur within so limited a space, but on multi- 

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