68 



SMALL FEUIT CULTUKIST. 



Figure 22 shows the form of the vase, with a plant grow- 

 ing w^ithin it. Not having tested this vase^ I cannot re- 

 commend it from experience ; yet 

 it aj)pears to be a good thing for 

 the purpose designed. 



The manufacturers claim that 

 it protects the fruit from dirt and 

 the vines from Aveeds, and that, 

 by using it, double the amount of 

 fruit will be produced on a given 

 space than when the vines are 

 cultivated in the ordinary method. 33.-steawbebrt vase, 



The runners are kept trimmed close to the edge of the 

 vase, thereby concentrating the strength of the plant, and 

 larger and better fruit will necessarily be the result. 



The flower stems will also grovv^ much longer by being 

 inclosed in the neck of the vase, while at the same time 

 they will be supported by it, and the fruit will rest or hang 

 over its upper part. The peculiar form of this vase Avill 

 not only insure the reception by the plant of a greater 

 part of the water that falls in the form of rain, but will 

 make a direct application more convenient when applied 

 artificially. When this vase is to be used the plants should 

 be set one foot apart each way, leaving a j^ath evevy four 

 rows. The vases will touch each other, and shade the 

 ground, with the exception of the paths, which may be 

 covered with a mulch of saw-dust, tan or other material. 



The present price, I am informed, for small quantities 

 is twelve dollars per hundred ; consequently they will 

 scarcely be used by those who grow Strawberries for 

 profit, unless the yield of fruit is increased in 23roportion 

 to the outlay. 



Nevertheless, all these peculiar contrivances are of in- 

 terest to the amateur, besides, it was by improved methods 

 of cultivation and extra care that our largest and best 

 varieties were first produced. 



