320 
The plant should be hardy, vigorous, and strong, with perfect flow- 
ers, i.e., self-fertilising, a prolific bearer, with stalks of sufficient 
length to keep the fruit out of the dirt.” 
A Frew PROFITABLE STRAWBERRIES.—The number of varieties of 
strawberries which, at one time or another, have found favour with 
growers, is now very considerable. Most of them have some special 
points of merit which make it more or less desirable under the par- 
tieular prevailing conditions. It is only, however, by experimenta- 
tion, by selection, and by observation of what others are doing else- 
where, under conditions somewhat similar to our own, that we are 
mainly. guided in deciding upon what varieties to grow. Some of the 
varieties best adapted to local conditions are Australian seedlings, 
such as Melba, Sunbeam, ete. The strawberries described have 
either proved themselves profitable with us, or are highly recom- 
mended by successful growers. 
Aurie—A Queensland straw- 
berry grown by Mr. A. Court, 
at Mooloolah, and valuable for 
its extreme earliness, great pro- 
ductiveness, and robustness. It 
is said to come in some two 
months earlier than the Mar- 
-guerite Hautbois or any other 
strawberry. The first fruit are 
picked early in June, and the 
crop sent down to Sydney has 
sold at first up to 6s. and 7s. a 
quart. 
The fruit is large, uneven, red 
in colour, glossy; the foliage 
healthy; roots, long and abund- 
ant, penetrate the soil deeply, 
and withstand drought well. 
EpitH (Edith Christy).—-Very early, and 
one of the most popular strawberries for early 
market. An Australian seedling. Fruit lar2e, 
elongated, conical, bright crimson; flesh 
rather tender, white, tinged with salmon 
colour; pleasant sub-acid flavour. Plant 
strong, very hardy, and a_ heavy bearer. 
Adapts itself readily to a great variety of 
soils and climate. Earlier in lighter soil, es- 
pecially on a N.E. slope at Kalamunda on the 
Darling Ranges. 
MarcurritE.—Very early and popular 
variety well tested in Australia; fruit large, elongated conical, or 
cockscomb shape, bright red, shining; flesh white, tinged with pink; 
