188 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



from Chili. These, however, according to Philip Miller 

 (early in the eighteenth century), were not considered to 

 be so valuable for cultivation as the Wood Strawberry. 



It was not until the beginning of the last century that 

 the present race of cultivated Strawberries was introduced, 

 the earlier types being the result of a cross between Fra- 

 garia virginiana (Virginian or Scarlet Strawberry) and 

 Fragaria chiloensis (Chili Strawberry). From these have 

 originated all the large-fruited kinds now in cultivation. 

 To-day, therefore, we have three types of Strawberries in 

 our gardens the Alpine, or Small-fruited ; the Large- 

 fruited ; and the Perpetual. The first are esteemed for 

 their free and continuous-bearing qualities, also easiness 

 of cultivation ; the Large-fruited for size and flavour ; and 

 the Perpetuals for yielding a supply of berries throughout 

 summer and autumn. The Perpetuals are the result of a 

 cross between the Alpine and the Large-fruited kinds, and 

 they promise to become a popular type of Strawberry. 



Propagation. The Strawberry may be increased by 

 seeds and by runners. The former method is adopted in the 

 case of the Alpine varieties only, as experience has proved 

 that the Large-fruited kinds do not, as a rule, come true 

 from seeds. 



To rear Alpine Strawberries from seed, the seed should 

 be obtained from ripe fruit by squeezing it out of the flesh 

 of the berry, and rubbing it in sand to cleanse it, or by 

 purchasing it from seedsmen. In both cases sow it in 

 shallow boxes of light soil in gentle heat in summer or 

 spring. Cover slightly with fine soil. As soon as the 

 seedlings can be handled, transplant them 2in. apart in 

 boxes, keep in a cold frame for a few weeks, then plant 

 out in their permanent positions. Or the seed may be 

 sown outdoors in March. The seedlings can either 

 remain where they are or be transplanted. In both cases 

 the plants will yield fruit the following year. 



Propagation by runners is effected by severing the 

 strongest plantlet as soon as rooted sufficiently in the soil, 



