310 
at their best for two or three seasons; after this they become less 
productive and more subject to leaf-diseases and to attacks by in- 
sect pests. For this reason it is advisable to have fresh beds made 
every year, the cold beds being rooted out and left fallow. <A 
regular output is thus secured and pests more easily kept in check. 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.—The modern cultivated 
strawberries are derived from four prototypes, two of European 
and two of American sources. Those improved varieties are, how- 
ever, widely different from their originators,. but they, nevertheless, 
retain certain characteristics which are essentially their own. By 
means of hybridisation or pollenation, many of the choicest berries 
have issued, and which combine some of the most preminent features 
it is sought to develop. 
FracariaA VEscA.—Alpine or Wild Wood 
Strawberry, of which the “Queen of Four 
Seasons” is one of the most prolific and best. 
Seeds superficial, on the conical or hemis- 
pherical fruiting receptacle (not sunk in a 
cavity). Flower stalks longer than the leaves, 
erect, hairy, hairs closely pressed upward. 
Fruit drooping, conical or globular. Leaves 
thin, pale green, upper surface uneven. 
Slightly wavy, unlike those larger  straw- 
berries; the result of artificial cultivation. 
Easily propagated from seeds; very hardy; 
bearing season protracted. One section of 
this species is the Bush Alpine or Green 
Strawberry (F. collina), whose only distinct 
ueen of Four ° . a < é 5 if 
Q Seasons: character is in its fruit, which is greenish 
brown when ripe. 
FRAGARIA ELAtIon.—Hautbois strawberry, a native of Central 
Europe. Larger, more erect, and are of longer appearance than the 
Alpine, often shy bearers, and amongst other peculiarities possess a 
distinct musky flavour. “Belle Bordelaise” is one of this type. Calyx 
reflexed, seeds superficial. Flower stalks longer than the leaves, 
erect. Fruit round or oblate, usually drooping, but sometimes erect, 
possessing a musky flavour. Hairs on both leaf and flowers. Stalks 
long, widely spreading, somewhat reflexed. Leaves larger than F, 
vesca and more or less hairy, giving them a rough appearance. 
FRAGARIA ViIRGINIANA—The Virginian strawberry, and the 
parent of the greater number of the improved strawberries in culti- 
vation. Seeds imbedded in the deeply-pitted receptacle. Fruit 
roundish, ovoid to conical, highly perfumed. Flower stalk shorter 
than the leaves, hairy. Hairs spreading, more or less erect. Leaves 
obovate, wedge form, variable, coarsely serrate, usually dark green; 
upper surface smooth, often shining. 
