288 Strawberry-Growing 



Although a number of valuable sorts are of very re- 

 stricted adaptation, some succeed under many conditions 

 of soil and climate. These cosmopolitan sorts have made 

 possible the extension of strawberry-culture to all parts 

 of the continent. Varieties that succeed nearly every- 

 where, as the Wilson, Crescent, Dimlap and Haverland, 

 dominate the markets. Varieties that are valued only 

 in a few sections are likely to pass from cultivation be- 

 cause the demand for plants is not large enough to justify 

 niu-serymen in propagating them. When considering 

 new varieties, give preference to those that have enough 

 stamina to thrive under widely different conditions. 

 These are likely to acquire a reputation in the markets. 



Purpose for which the fruit is grown. 



Few varieties are valued equally for all purposes. 

 Those who raise berries for home use will select varieties 

 of a diilerent type than the favorites of the commercial 

 grower. First of all, they will be of high quality. It is 

 not necessary that they be firm; the firmest varieties 

 seldom are of high quality. If the home garden receives 

 exceptional care, some of the more tender and less pro- 

 ductive but high flavored English sorts may be grown. 

 Berries of large size, rich color and high flavor are valued 

 in a home variety more than a very heavy yield. The 

 Margaret is a typical amateur variety; it responds 

 magnificently to high culture in the home garden, but is 

 not a profitable commercial sort. Varieties of different 

 periods of ripening should be selected, so as to provide 

 a succession throughout the normal season, and includ- 

 ing some everbearing sorts for fall fruiting. 



When strawberries are grown for a near or personal 

 market, high quality is not as essential. Town buyers 



