forcing Strawberries. 391 



the spaces between the rows of bearing plants in the open 

 garden. But should the plants from which the stock of 

 forcers are to be taken, be not in beds, but in continued rows, 

 without alleys throughout the quarter, which is frequently 

 the case, it will then be best to have two rows of pots plunged 

 as above, in every other space, and the space left will serve to 

 walk and gather the fruit, and occasionally water the plants, 

 particularly those that are in pots, which, while they are in 

 this situation (and this may be the case from two to four 

 weeks,) will require regular attention as to watering, in order 

 to forward them as much as possible. When the runners of 

 the old plants make their appearance, and are just beginning 

 to throw out roots, it is then the proper time to look them 

 over, being careful to select the strongest and most promis- 

 ing; insert three of these into each pot, close round the 

 sides of the pot, so as to give them all the room possible. 

 They may be fastened down with hooks, such as are made 

 use of in laying carnations ; or a small stone, about the size 

 of a walnut, may be laid upon each, which will answer the 

 same purpose. The runners will generally establish them- 

 selves in a few days, the stone may then be taken off, and 

 used for others which were not so forward : this last is my 

 own practice. Great care must now be taken to divest the 

 young plants of all future runners ; and as the plants ma-i 

 naged in this way generally possess extraordinary vigour, 

 they will throw out these rather numerously, which must be 

 taken off regularly as they appear, the advantage of which 

 will soon show itself in the increased vigour of the plants. 

 When these small pots are filled with roots, and before they 

 become too much matted, it will be time to detach the run- 

 ners from the old plants; take them to a convenient place, 

 and pot them into pots of the usual size, say seven or eight 

 inches in diameter, according to the sort of strawberry, being 

 careful to turn them out without disturbing the roots ; and 

 then plunge them again to the brim in an open part of the 

 garden, to remain till the season of forcing. Paying due 

 attention to watering, stringing, &c. they will be in fine con- 

 dition for that purpose, and greatly superior to those treated 

 in the usual way. I am, Sir, &c. 



William Mitchinson. 

 Courtlands* near Exmouth, November 13. 1826. 



c c 4 



