THE STRAWBERRY. 245 



INSECTS TO WHICH THEY ARE SUBJECT. 



Green-fly and red-spider are very apt to attack straw- 

 berry-plants when subject to fire-heat, especially in 

 April and May ; and to prevent red-spider gaining 

 a footing, they require to be well syringed every fine 

 afternoon after the fruit are set. And to the same 

 end all checks for want of sufficient water must be 

 guarded against. Green-fly is easily prevented and 

 got rid of by fumigating with tobacco, but it must 

 never be done when they are in bloom. It is a good 

 plan always to smoke before the blooms open. One 

 of the most forcible reasons against growing them in 

 peach-houses and vineries, especially in the latter part 

 of the season, is the frequency with which they breed 

 red-spider, which soon extends to the peaches and vines. 

 Many gardeners are, however, obliged to adhere to the 

 practice, on account of the numbers of plants that have 

 now to be reared under glass, and for want of a straw- 

 berry pit or house. That good strawberries are pro- 

 duced thus is beyond a question ; but to ripen straw- 

 berries on the top shelves of vineries, the vines must 

 not be allowed to run up right to the top of the house 

 on account of the amount of shade which they throw 

 over the strawberries, and under the influence of which 

 they do not thrive. So that in all cases where a division 

 of glass can be devoted to strawberries, it is much to 

 be preferred. 



STRAWBERRIES IN A GREENHOUSE OR PIT. 



The amateur who pursues horticulture more as a 

 pastime and a pleasure, and who may only possess a 

 pit or greenhouse from which frost is excluded, can. 



