THE STRAWBERRY 



169 



Procuring Runners. — When the plants come into blossom all the flower- 

 trusses should be removed ; this will force the plants to make early runners, 

 which should be stopped after the first or second joint, and the plants either be 

 layered into small pots or into turves to root ; when ready to lift they should 

 be transferred to well-prepared ground and be treated as previously described. 

 They should have every encouragement, even the protection of tiffany if frosts 

 are likely to affect the early blossoms in May. All the flower- trusses should be 

 removed excepting the strongest one, and this should be allowed to carry six 

 fruits only. When all the plants required are taken from the bed, remove the 

 runners and keep the ground clean. The two-year-old plants will then produce 

 a grand crop of fruits. Where space is limited panel beds may be made, and 

 such beds being protected by foliage often return a good crop of second-sized 

 fruits. When the beds are made 3 feet across the fruits can be secured without 

 treading upon them. For producing fruits for preserving, plants from three to four 

 years old may prove useful. The fruit 

 for this purpose is best when firm. 

 Large, soft, watery berries become too 

 juicy when boiled. 



Gardens are frequently surrounded 

 by woods and parklands where birds 

 abound, and it becomes necessary to 

 net the beds before the fruit ripens to 

 keep out the blackbirds and thrushes, 

 which are often hard set for food. 

 Care must be taken to peg the nets 

 close to the ground, or the birds will 

 be sure to find an entrance. Some 

 amateurs may think the preparation of 

 the ground for strawberries somewhat 

 costly, but it must be borne in mind 

 that for some years peas and other 



vegetable crops can follow the strawberries without extra manure, and after a 

 rest or change of crop the land can again be used for strawberries. 



Late Strawberries are often as great a luxury as early ones, and where 

 they are required suitable varieties should be selected from the list of late straw- 

 berries, and planted under the partial shade of a north wall or hedge ; not 

 being as a rule such strong growers as the earlier and mid-season sorts they may 

 be planted I foot apart. We have tested some two hundred varieties, and those 

 described are the best for all-round purposes. There are perhaps a hundred 

 good and fair sorts, but for all practical purposes those named cannot be beaten, 

 and many uncertain ones have been purposely left out. Some soft fruits, as 

 Victoria, Louis Gauthier, and Goliath, which are of splendid quality, should, 

 if possible, be gathered into the dish, as they are easily bruised or discoloured. 

 Those to be sent long distances must be of a firmer texture and specially 

 selected. 



Perpetual Fruiting Strawberries (of recent introduction). — With these 



INCOKRECT Methods of Planting Rooted 

 Runners 



(i) Plantlet with the roots doubled up in a shallow 

 hole ; (c) planted too deeply ; {d) not planted 

 deeply enough ; (e) placed at proper depth 

 but with the roots massed together. 



