5J6 



iV9« \(. \h.' t >l> it. Even if two or three inches of the runner is left next to the plant 

 they will ik no harm. A good, smart woman will go over an acre in a day or two, and 

 three times cutting will generally be enough. Mg. 17 'is a fair representation of a hill 

 in the latter part of the season, and the two rows over Mg 19 show their appear- 

 ance when well kept. 



Many seem to have a strange idea as to the meaning of "Hill" culture, supposing 

 they must make a mound the same as for sweet potatoes, and put the plant out on top 

 of this mound. Strawberries should never be set thus— not on ground that is raised a 

 particle above the level— if anything it is better to set them below the level, for, as 

 they form new roots, as before explained, they will find their way on top of a mound 

 fast enough without being first set thereon. The term " Hill" comes simply from 

 their being grown with the runners kept clipped off. 



There is no doubt but what, when grown in this way, the ground well enriched and 

 the same forked and worked in with a cultivator each year after bearing, and the soil 

 kept well pulverized with such an implement; as Perry's Scarifier, the largest and finest 

 fruit can be obtained, and that, too, that will sell for the highest market prices. 



Just before winter sets in, cover the beds slightly with the mulching. This can be 

 left on in the spring until after the fruiting season, if the ground is not too weedy 4 , 

 merely loosening up" the surface with a fork-hoe, and if too foul it is better to give the 

 plantation one thorough cleaning the last of April, or just before they blossom. This 

 can be done by drawing the mulching into each alternate row, and after cultivating, 

 them, draw it into the rows cleaned, and clean out the balance, after which scatter the 

 mulch evenly around the plants. 



The mulching is not only a protection to the plants through the winter, but it keeps 

 the fruit clean and finer in every respect. In localities where snow lays over the sur- 

 face most of the winter, and the ground does not " heave," mulching is not so neces- 

 sary, or, if used, need not be put on so liberally. 



Another very good protection to the roots is to plow dirt up to the plants, leaving a 

 trench half way between, and drawing the same away early in the spring. It is also 

 necessary to draw a little more dirt around the crown each year after fruiting season, 

 as the new roots form above the old crown. If, however, plenty of compost is added 

 around the plants each year after fruiting, it answers for this purpose, besides stimu- 

 lating them into an immediate luxuriant growth. Plantations kept in this way will 

 average one quart to the hill, while if even ordinary cultivation is given, good bearing 

 sorts will average half that amount. One good thorough cleaning or forking in April 

 or May is all that is necessary until after fruiting season. As soon as they are through 

 bearing, scatter a liberal quantity of rotted compost over the surface, spade, plow or 

 cultivate between the rows as deep as possible, loosening it up in the rows between the 

 plants with a fork-hoe, and cut off all runners that are starting, and all of the- old,- dead 

 leaves. The latter is a very essential point, for if the old top is allowed to remain on, 

 the plant will remain in a dormant state for weeks, forming no new roots, while, if cut 

 off, they start out new roots immediately, and by fall form au immense fibrous root, 

 and large, luxuriant top. Keep the ground well worked, runnerscut off, and mulched 

 as before described. 



THE MATTED, OR ALTERNATE ROW SYSTEM. 



Fig. 18. Mg.19. 



For garden culture, set one foot in the row, find rows two feet apart, and tor field 

 culture, rows three and a half to four feet apart. Mark out and set plants as before 

 described. Keep clean with the fork and cultivator. Train the runners along the row 

 as they grow out, and they will soon form thick, matted rows, about one foot to 

 eighteen inches in width, presenting a neat appearance, .is indicated by the th-ee rov.o 



