THE MARKET CULTURE OF STRAWBERRIES. 



161 



planted, as it cannot be afterwards done so readily. I should 

 prefer to mulch with long manure, but it cannot always be had 

 in sufficient quantity. There is no doubt that such straw dung, 

 turned once, and applied early in May, greatly assists the plants 

 in making foliage and in strengthening the blossom. Where a 

 substitute is required we have found bone dust and soot very 

 suitable. 



In conclusion, I would mention that many growers are trying- 

 new kinds, and a few years will probably see more early and late 

 kinds in cultivation. This, with varying aspects, should add ten 

 to fourteen days to the strawberry season, which is all too short 

 at present. I have not ventured to give any figure as to profits, 

 because on a former occasion my remarks were greatly misrepre- 

 sented. J can, however, affirm that a handsome profit can be 

 made where the culture is properly done. 



Discussion. 



Mr. A. Dean objected to the inordinate size of some of the 

 modern strawberries, their dull, heavy colour, and general lack 

 of flavour. With respect to size and colour, he pointed to a 

 beautiful even sample from Mentmore as offering a correct ideal. 

 He denied that cost of carriage was any bar to foreign competi- 

 tion, for only the other day two tons of strawberries landed at 

 Southampton had been sold twenty per cent, cheaper than the 

 price asked for home-grown fruit. 



Mr. Morris remarked that anyone desirous of full informa- 

 tion on all matters connected with strawberry culture should pay 

 a visit to the Society's Gardens at Chiswick, where almost every 

 known variety was now growing, and consult with Mr. Barron, 

 the superintendent. 



