19 



by niail, all through August and September last year and there 

 were only a few complaints of losses. I expect to put out two 

 acres next July or August, 



Still, as a general rule and for large plantings, experience 

 proves that it is safer to set out strawberries in spring. 



Obtaining Plai\ts. 



If you have them, or can get from a neighbor just what you 

 want, this is a simple matter. But there are multitudes who, like 

 myself, in starting a new place and getting new varieties, must 

 purchase at a distance. I find that sending to trustworthy dealers 

 and paying a fair price, is by far the most profitable course. Some 

 have a mania for getting everj'thing cheaply, although they like 

 to obtain good prices themselves. They quote to the regular 

 dealer some very low terms that they have seen or heard of and 

 ask to be supplied at the same rates. 



There is a large class who cultivate a few of the leadinsr 

 varieties by the acre for their fruit. In the spring they must thin 

 out their plantations to keep them in bearing condition, and are 

 willing to sell the surplus, — and I might almost say refuse — at 

 the time for anything they can get. But to make the low prices 

 for this transient supply the standard for the regular plant-growler 

 who at great labor and expense keeps pure and separate a large 

 and varied stock, and is ready to fill an order at any time in the 

 season, is both unjust and absurd. In buying new stock I go to 

 men who have won a reputation and whose prosperity depends 

 upon their keeping it — who will honestly try to sell me just what 

 I ask for and believe that they are doing so. 



I have heard of agents and transient men buying a large 

 number of plants of a single kind and then filling all their orders 

 from this one lot, putting on labels of different varieties to suit 

 their customers. The established fruit-grower, even if he is not 

 d gentleman, cannot afford any such trickery. Of course mis- 

 takes are made by the most careful, but they are mistakes and 



