CONTROLLING INSECTS AND DISEASES 483 



an advance over current quotations, irrigation may be a profit- 

 able practice. 



In any case, irrigation should not be made a substitute for 

 thorough, intensive tillage. Only the best-grown fields are 

 likely to justify the added investment. 



In the West the furrow system is common. In the East, 

 the overhead system is commonly employed; it calls for much 

 the greater investment in pipes, fittings, etc. The furrow sys- 

 tem cannot be used on steep and irregular lands and functions 



{W. F. Allen Go.) 



Fig. 189. A field of Dorset grown in Maryland by the matted row 



system. 



best on rather heavy soils not subject to washing. In either 

 system an accessible and ample water supply is a necessity. 



Irrigation is usually practiced after each picking unless the 

 natural moisture supply is adequate. The heavier applications 

 are made late in the season when the fruit naturally begins 

 to run small. Applications may be advisable at other times 

 throughout the growing season, especially for everbearing 

 varieties. 



8. Controlling Insects and Diseases. Since strawberries 

 occupy the land for short periods, in many cases only one crop 



