STRAWBERRIES lI 
ing. Autumn is the time to commence operations, 
forking up the ground in as rough a manner as possible 
as soon as the previous crop has been cleared off, and 
leaving it in this condition, exposed to all the fertilising 
and ameliorating effects of the elements, until at the end 
of February or early in March the weather permits one 
to carry out the real work of trenching. The aim 
should be to secure two feet or two-and-a-half feet 
depth of good soil, and if the land has been previously 
well worked, there need be no fear of untoward results, 
even if the lower soil is brought to the surface. Break 
up the bottom of the trench with a fork, and on it 
place a good layer of the roughest and greenest manure, 
adding the refuse from green crops if available. About 
a foot from the surface place a layer of half-decayed 
manure, with which road sidings, verge trimmings, 
spent hotbeds, and similar rich and fairly light material, 
may advantageously be mixed. Leave the surface 
rough, allowing the soil to settle naturally, for on such 
land the question of providing a firm strawberry bed 
presents no difficulties. Surface feeding follows after 
planting, as a matter of course. 
Wherever possible, whether on light or heavy soils, 
the ground for strawberries should not be occupied by 
any other subject between planting time and the previous 
crop. But, as in these days of big demands the resources 
of the garden are frequently severely taxed, it may be 
as well to mention that small-growing crops, such as 
onions, lettuce, radishes, etc., may be grown on the 
strawberry plot during the first year, provided the 
strawberries have the first consideration, and the catch 
crops are sown or planted so as not to interfere with 
the more permanent one. Such practice presents some 
difficulties, or rather, inconveniences, but these are by 
no means insurmountable, and there are compensating 
advantages. 
