106 FRUIT FARMING 



cannot afterwards be done so readily. I should prefer 

 to mulch with long manure, but it cannot always be 

 had in sufficient quantity. There is no doubt that 

 such strawy horse dung, turned once, and applied 

 early in May, greatly assists the plants in making 

 foliage, strengthening the blossom, and increasing the 

 size of the berries. Where a substitute for rotten 

 manure is required we have found bone dust and soot 

 very suitable. 



In conclusion, I would mention that market growers 

 are trying new kinds, and a few years will probably 

 see more early and late kinds in cultivation. This, 

 with fields in varying aspects, should add ten to 

 fourteen days to the strawberry season, which is all 

 too short at present. Many recent novelties are very 

 large, but so soft and hollow that they travel badly, 

 and are useless in a wet or moist season. Spraying 

 with sulphur in early June will prevent mould in 

 foliage and fruit. 



