FOR PROFIT. 95 



CHAPTER XIV. 



STRAWBERRIES. 

 This fruit is so universally appreciated that it will 

 probably never be over-planted ; its only drawback is 

 cold and dismal weather occurring in the ripening 

 season, causing a shrinkage in demand and low prices ; 

 it makes such a delicious preserve, and from its sweet- 

 ness and flavour is amenable to "treatment" by the 

 preservers, is always in great demand for Jam ; while 

 the large northern towns take enormous quantities 

 either in punnets or peck baskets in a loose form for 

 preserves. There are a great number of kinds, but the 

 following will keep up a good supply in succession : — 



EARLY. 



1. Royal Sovereign — A remarkable kind, which 

 completely eclipses all others for the first crops. It 

 is robust in growth, free in cropping, and altogether 

 A I for market sale. It bears very fine large scarlet 

 fruits, and continues to crop over a long season. 



2. Garibaldi, Stirling Castle, or Vicomtesse de 

 Thury — A first early kind, which produces freely 

 moderately-sized fruit; and from its copious foliage 

 the early bloom is protected from the spring frosts. 

 Fruit bright shining dark red ; fine for preserving or 

 bottling, but of no value for punnets. 



MEDIUM SEASON. 



3. Sir J. Paxton — Very bright shining red, of good 

 size, and one that travels well. It .grows freely, with 

 good constitution, and is the best for general main 

 crop. 



