FOR PROFIT. 95 



CHAPTER XIV. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



This fruit is so universally appreciated that it will 

 probably never be over-planted ; its only drawback is 

 cold and dismal weather occurring in the ripening 

 season, causing a shrinkage in demand and low prices; 

 it makes such a delicious preserve, and from its sweet- 

 ness and flavour is amenable to "treatment" by the 

 preservers, is always in great demand for Jam ; while 

 the large northern towns take enormous quantities 

 either in punnets or peck baskets in a loose form for 

 preserves. There are a great number of kinds, but the 

 following will keep up a good supply in succession : 



EARLY. 



1. Royal Sovereign A remarkable kind, which 

 completely eclipses all others for the first crops. It 

 is robust in growth, free in cropping, and altogether 

 A i for market sale. It bears very fine large scarlet 

 fruits, and continues to crop over a long season. 



2. Garibaldi, Stirling Castle, or Vicomtesse de 

 Thury A first early kind, which produces freely 

 moderately-sized fruit ; and from its copious foliage 

 the early bloom is protected from the spring frosts. 

 Fruit bright shining dark red ; fine for preserving or 

 bottling, but of no value for punnets. 



MEDIUM SEASON. 



3. Sir J. Paxton Very bright shining red, of good 

 size, and one that travels well. It .grows freely, with 

 good constitution, and is the best for general main 

 crop. 



