408 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



[May. 



heat from the bricks, and the bricks, as well as the straw, will 

 prevent the drought from injuring the roots. In wet seasons, 

 we have found great benefit in laying rods, or pea-stakes, along 

 the sides of the rows for the fruit to lie upon, which keeps 

 them clean, and allows a free circulation to pass under them, 

 which will prevent their rotting, and elevate them above the 

 attacks of slugs, which prey very much upon them in such 

 seasons. About the end of this month, let all the runners be 

 cut off, unless where wanted for plants for young plantations. 

 Keep the ground clear of weeds by frequent hoeing and raking. 



Strawberries cultivated, as already described, either in a 

 separate strawberry-garden, or on the sides of banks, should 

 be supplied plentifully with water, by either of the modes 

 already laid down. If in beds witli trenches between them, 

 the trenches should be kept pretty full of water, by either turn- 

 ing in a natural stream, or pumping a quantity once or twice 

 a-day, as they may require. 



Mulching, which is covering the ground between the rows 

 with straw or litter, or by placing slates, tiles, or bricks, so as 

 to cover the surface of the ground between the rows, evapora- 

 tion will be considerably diminished, and less water will, con- 

 sequently, be required to keep the roots moist, while by adopt- 

 ing either of these materials the fruit will lie dry and clean. 

 Coal ashes are not unfrequently used for this purpose, which 

 to a certain degree are beneficial, particularly in cold strong 

 clayey soils ; but on light sandy soils, their tendency to render 

 the soil still lighter, may be attended with injurious effects. 

 Where the soil is not already over rich, a top-dressing of rotten 

 dung laid between the rows will be of use, both for lessening 

 the process of evaporation, as well as affording nourishment to 

 the crop. 



