20 STRAWBERRIES 
when there is no mulching to be interfered with. It is 
scarcely necessary to remind readers that weeds do not 
pay to keep, and that by hoeing and hand weeding every 
other growth but that of strawberries must be kept off 
the plantation. On well-manured ground weeds grow 
apace, but as they take a large amount of plant-food 
from the soil their presence must not be tolerated. 
MaAnurING, MULCHING AND WATERING 
As a rule a strawberry plantation bears well for three 
years, but after that period deterioration sets in, and 
even in the third season the yield is rather a matter of 
quantity than quality. To keep the plants strong and 
vigorous enough to produce a profitable crop it is 
necessary to feed them. After the crop has been cleared 
and the runners removed, it is a good plan to dress the 
plantation with burnt garden refuse, and if the soil is 
fairly well supplied with humus a dressing of lime will 
be useful. As soon after the middle of February as 
possible spread some thoroughly well decayed manure 
around the plants, but if this is not over plentiful a not 
less beneficial dressing can be made by using half 
manure and a quarter part each of leaf-mould and burnt 
garden refuse, mixing the whole well together. Such 
a dressing encourages surface rooting, and induces new 
roots to form on the elongating ‘< collar” of the plants. 
Directly the fruits have set, an application of nitrate 
of soda at the rate of 2 lbs. per sq. rod will materially 
help the crop, but liquid from yard manure given twice 
a week, from fruit setting to the commencement of 
colouring, will prove even more beneficial, though, 
unfortunately it cannot always be obtained in sufficient 
quantities. Where autumn manuring cannot be managed, 
a mixture of equal parts of Kainit and bone meal, applied 
