16 STRAWBERRIES 
Cross-fertilisation can only be successful when the 
stamens of the flower on the seed-bearing parent are 
removed before the anthers are ripe, to prevent self- 
fertilisation by the escaping pollen. Enclose the emas- 
culated flower in a fine gauze or muslin bag to prevent 
pollination by insects, and then, when the tip (stigma) 
of the pistil is in a receptive condition, apply to it pollen 
from the other selected parent, conveying it on a soft 
camel-hair brush. 7 
Presuming that cross-fertilisation has been effected, 
parentage recorded, and the fruit ripened, the next 
business 1s to save and sow the seed. “The seed may be 
separated from the flesh by shaving off the outer and 
seed-bearing surface of the berry, and spreading it on 
blotting paper, where, in sunlight, it will soon dry. 
Or the whole fruit may be pulped and the flesh washed 
away from the seed. 
Sowing may take place either as soon as the seed is 
saved, or may be deferred until spring-time, the former 
for preference. Prepare a bed of light rich soil in a 
sheltered part of the garden, and in such a position that 
a cold frame may be placed over it during the winter. 
Sow thinly and regularly so that the seedlings may 
remain until the following spring, when they may be 
planted out. Some few may flower the same season, 
but it will not be until the year after they are planted 
that they will fruit in a characteristic manner. In some 
cases it will be easier to manage the seedlings if seed is © 
sown in February or March, in pans of light soil placed 
over a gentle hot-bed in a frame or pit. Prick out the 
tiny plants, as soon as they can be conveniently handled, 
into boxes of good loam and leaf-mould, allowing them 
room to develop. As soon as established in boxes, pro- 
ceed to harden off the plants, so that by about midsummer 
or July they will be ready to put out where they are 
to fruit the following year. Watering, weeding, hoeing, 
