Systems in Planting 231 



scratch lines across the field in which the berries are to 

 be set. 



Where transplanting machines, such as are used in some 

 of the trucking districts, can be had, they may be used for 

 transplanting strawberries and are a decided advantage 

 in many respects. But the one great fault with the ma- 

 chines is that one cannot always set the plants at the 

 proper depth. The strawberry needs to be set at the depth 

 which will allow the crown of the plant to be flush with 

 the surface of the land, neither too deep or too high. If 

 set too deep, the crown will fill with soil and rot if the 

 weather is wet. If set too high, the roots will be exposed 

 to the sun and air, drying out or weakening the plant. 



The best way to set strawberries is to get right down 

 on one's hands and knees and "go to it." If one pads the 

 knees with a good bunch of old sacking the work can be 

 done with greater convenience. Where a machine carrying 

 two men is used it is possible to set 8,000 plants in a day, 

 and where setting by hand a good workman can set as 

 many as 1,500 or even 2,000 plants in ten hours. 



A dibble is necessary for making the holes in hand- 

 setting, and one which is flat is better than a round one. 

 With it a hole can be made that will allow the roots to be 

 spread out flat, in a fan shape, and all of them come in 

 contact with the soil. The dibble should be grasped in the 

 right hand, thrust into the soil, and given an outward shove 

 so as to make an opening behind it. The left hand then 

 grasps the plant, shakes the roots out loosely and shoves 

 them carefully into the hole so that the crown comes ex- 

 actly at the surface. The dibble is then withdrawn and 

 inserted again a couple of inches away from the plant and 

 the soil pulled up against the roots. A little experience 

 soon teaches one to know how to do the work quickly. 



Systems in Planting 



There are three systems of planting or training, the hill, 

 hedge row and matted row. Each has its advantages and 



