To grow Strawberries in perfection the bed should be well prepared beforehand by digging or ploughing 

 thoroughly and deeply, turning under a liberal coating of well-rotted stable manure. The Strawberry delights 

 in a moist, rich soil, hence in selecting a location choose that which is the most retentive of moisture and yet not 

 wet. It wiD, however, succeed almost anywhere if well manured, and soil that is not naturally moist should be 

 kept well mulched after the spring rains. Avoid the shade of trees. If possible, give the soil a good topdi-essing 

 of ground bone before planting and harrow it in. When the plants are coming into bearing apply unleached 

 wood ashes or muriate of potash along the rows very early in spring, just before a rainfall. 



On arrival of plants, unpack them at once, loosen the bunches and "heeP' them in the ground or dip their 

 roots in a "muddle," made by mixing earth in water until of the consistency of cream, and lay away in a cool, 

 damp ceUar, where they can neither dry nor freeze, until they can be planted in suitable weather. Do not leave 

 in package and pour water over them, as this will sm-ely cause the plants to heat and spoil. In planting, take 

 few plants from the trench or package at a time, and expose as little as possible to 

 wind or sun. For setting in spring the roots of the plants should be shortened 

 about one-third, causing them to quickly emit a profusion of soft, new fibrous 

 roots. The operation should be performed with a sharp knife, taking a handful 

 of plants in the left hand, as showm in Fig. 782. All Strawberry plants sent out 

 by us are tied in bundles with roots straightened out (see 

 Fig. 786) all one way, so that they are easily handled and 

 the roots shortened for planting. Never plant on a windy 

 day and never in freezing weather. Do not plant very 

 deep, but press the earth firmly about the roots. Should 

 the weather be warm, shade valuable plants for a few 

 days with a handful of coarse litter over each plant, or 

 with berry baskets or boxes (old rejected ones are as good 

 as any). It is well to plant at least three varieties — early, 

 medium and late — to expand the season to its full limit. 



For hill culture in the family garden set the plants in 

 rows two feet apart and the plants fifteen inches apart in 

 the rows, or if to be worked with horse and cultivator, 

 make the rows two and a half to thi^ee f e et apart and the 



plants one foot apart in the rows. In either case cut off all runners as they appear. 

 If to be grown in matted rows plant in rows from three to four feet apart and the 

 plants a foot apart in the rows, permitting the runners to grow at will. Keep the 

 soil mellow and free from weeds by frequent hoeing or cultivation. Mulching is 

 indispensable to the best results and should always be practiced. At the approach 

 of winter, as soon as ground is frozen, cover the rows completely with salt hay 

 or other loose, light material. Light, strawy manure is excellent for this pm-pose as the soluble portion leaches 

 into the soil and affords nourishment to the plants. Evergreen branches are very useful for securing the cov- 

 ering in place and are themselves a protection. When the plants start in spring rake the mulch from off the 

 plants suflBciently to permit them to grow up, and leave it on the surface about the plants to protect the fruit and 

 keep it clean, and also to keep the soil moist and cool. 



The blossoms of all varieties are bi-sexual or perfect, except those marked with the letter P, which are desti- 

 tute of stamens and are termed pistillate or imperfect. Pistillate varieties must have a row of a perfect-flowered 

 sort planted every nine or twelve feet among them, or, better yet, every third or fourth plant in the row, to pol- 

 lenize their blossoms. There is no good reason for the popular prejudice against pistillate varieties except where 

 only one variety is desired; when gro^vn near perfect-flowered varieties the pistillates are most productive of all. 



Straivberry Plants are sent by mail at dozen rates if desired. If ordered by the 100 to go by mail add 25c. 

 ver 100 to the prices quoted. At 1000 rates by express only. 



Fig 



Kandiyohi Co., Minn., May 18, 1896. 

 The plants which I ordered from you (Order 28177) 

 came by mail to-day in fine conditiori,"containing every 

 article I sent for. All is very satisfactory. Thank 

 you. D. T. Booth. 



Essex Co., Mass., Aug. 25th, 1896. 

 Strawberry plants arrived last night; all in fine con- 

 dition, and very satisfactory. J. P. Gould. 



Essex Co., N, J., April 13th, 1896. 

 The plants, order 22731, have been received in fine 

 condition and are perfectly satisfactory. 



F. M. Geer. 



Howell Co., Mo. May 4th, 1896. 

 Your plants and seeds arrived to-dav iii good order. 

 The plants were as fresh as if just dug. Manv thanks 

 for same. J. J. Vosberg. 



Kosciusko Co.. Ind., May 10th, 1886. 

 Please accept thanks for filling mv order so well. 

 Plants came in good condition and Tarn well pleased 

 vnth them. Wm. W. Blodgett. 



Caroline Co.,Va., June 4, 1896. 

 Plants came to hand yesterdav evening in fine con- 

 dition; accept thanks for same. 



J. C. CHAin>IJBB. 



