THE STRAWBERRY. 24I 



plants in 5-mch pots he selected, all the brown and 

 much-spotted leaves picked off them, their pots washed 

 clean, and if the roots appear rather bare, firmly top- 

 dress them with a little fine loam and well-decayed 

 cow-manure in equal parts. If, as has been already 

 recommended, a light pit with a bed of warm leaves is 

 at command, plunge the pots in it, so that they may 

 get a slight degree of bottom-heat. Keep the night 

 temperature ranging from 50" to 55°, according as the 

 weather is cold or mild ; with sun-heat, 8° or 10° more 

 may be allowed. A close stagnant atmosphere is most 

 antagonistic to the strawberry, consequently give more 

 or less air every day, leaving a very little on all night 

 when mild. Being plunged in moist leaves, watering 

 will not be often required, but it must be attended to 

 before the plants get too dry, so as just to keep the soil 

 moist without being wet. As soon as ever the blooms 

 can be discerned in the centres of the crowns, increase 

 the heat a few degrees, but do not exceed 60° in mild 

 weather. "When the trusses are distinctly projected, 

 remove the plants to a shelf near the glass in any struc- 

 ture where the night temperature ranges 60°, with 10° 

 more by day. Avoid putting them where they will be 

 subject to currents of cold air, or where, on the other 

 hand, the atmosphere is close and very moist, such as a 

 plant-stove. A peach-house or vinery is the best place, 

 in the absence of a strawberry-house. 



SETTING AND THINNING THE FEUIT, ETC. 



When they begin to open their blooms, be careful not 

 to be lavish with fire-heat should the weather be cold and 

 harsh. Under such circumstances rather let the night 



Q 



