FOR PROFIT. 97 



In reference to this matter, many recent introductions 

 crop freely and produce very large berries, but they 

 are too soft to travel, and in a wet season like 1909 

 they are useless. The growers find nothing more 

 reliable than Royal Sovereign and Sir J. Paxton. 



Strawberry crops are amongst the most profitable, 

 and no plant better repays for careful cultivation. Fresh 

 plantations should be made every year, as unless under 

 exceptionally favourable conditions, they cease to be 

 profitable after five years, and a portion should be 

 destroyed annually. After a few years' rest, the land 

 can again be used for the same purpose. Pasture 

 land is apt to contain wireworm, and is therefore to 

 be avoided for Strawberry cultivation, unless after an 

 intermediate crop of potatoes or corn. In light land 

 the Cockchafer grub is very troublesome, a royalty 

 being placed on the perfect insects (May Bugs), 

 growers paying so much per dozen for its destruction. 

 The presence of the larvae is shewn by the Strawberry 

 foliage drooping. The large white grubs will be found 

 at the root, on lifting the plant. 



Special notes on packing see Chapter XX. 



