190 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



of cow or pig manure added to them to render them com- 

 pact and moisture- retaining. Strawberries usually do well 

 on land just cleared of early potatoes. The Strawberry 

 is a deep and free-rooting plant ; hence deep digging ot 

 'che soil prior to planting is most essential. 



As to situation, a sunny one is indispensable. Wherever 

 possible the site for the beds should be one sloping to the 

 south, south-east, or south-west. The Alpine Strawberry 

 will do well on sloping banks or around the base of dwarf 

 fruit trees, or in borders by the side of paths. 



Planting. The surface soil should be well forked over 

 and made fine prior to planting. Light soils should be 

 made firm by treading slightly. The best time to plant 

 is late in July or during August, but where this is not con- 

 venient then plant in March. Runners rooted in pots 

 should be well watered prior to planting. Take out fairly 

 large holes for each plant, and see the roots are properly 

 spread out. Make the soil firm. After planting give a 

 good watering, and see that subsequent waterings are 

 given in dry weather. Do not plant too deeply, but only 

 so that the crown is just above the soil. In very hot 

 weather it is an advantage to place a flower pot over each 

 plant to shield it from the sun, but this should be removed 

 at night. (Fig. 77.) 



Distances for Planting- The usual distances are i$'m. 

 apart in the rows, and 3oin. between the rows. On very 

 rich soils it is, however, advisable to plant i8in. apart 

 in rows 3ft. asunder. When grown as edgings to garden 

 paths, plant i8in. apart, the row being a similar distance 

 from the path. Alpines are usually grown in beds 4ft. 

 wide, with ift. alleys between. The distance between 

 the plants should be ift. 



General Cultural Details. After planting, subsequent 

 cultural details consist of keeping all runners removed and 

 the soil free from weeds by frequent hoeing. In autumn 

 top-dress the bed with a layer of littery manure. The fol- 



