^ KQlloggi Great (TOP ol 
EXPERIMENTAL BED - SIXTY-FIVE VARIETIES UNDER TEST. 
SIXTV-FIVE varieties are grown in this bed for experimental purposes, each one being tested under three dif- 
ferent systems; namely, single hedge, double hedge and narrow matted rows. Here is where we study the 
habits of each particular variety and determine the best way to handle them to get tlie largest possible yield of 
fancy select berries. Experiments also are made with different classes of manures and nitrate of soda. The best 
system for growing each variety is given in the description under the photo-engraving of the berry of that xariety. 
For latest discovery read article headed "Growing fancy strawberries for profit." 
something enormous; the greater percentage of 
them do not get anywhere near a perfect stand. 
This serious trouble originates largely in the low 
vitality of plants, and this peculiar condition is 
due to four principal causes: 
Tirst, 1 he lack of a breeding bed where ideal 
mo'.her plants may closely be watched and ac- 
curate records kept of their proceedings, making 
selections annually from those showing greatest 
advancement in the direction of the ideal type, 
which the breeder has in mind. 
Second, Poor judgment used in preparing soil 
for the propagating bed, which should be sandy 
loam filled with humus furnished by some legum- 
inous crop, so that bacteria may be increased 
proportionately to other necessities, as these 
wonderful little workers play the same import- 
ant part in plant life as do the corpuscles in the 
human system. After incorporating with this a 
well balanced plant food in some form, we have 
made soil conditions capable of developing a 
plant strong in muscle, bone and tissue, provid- 
ing the cultural methods are in the hands of an 
operator who understands his business, so as to 
make such changes as atmospheric or soil con- 
ditions demand. 
Third, Severe cold spells, alternate freezing 
and thawing, causing expansion and contraction, 
straining or breaking the roots from the crown 
or body of plants. This should be prevented 
by a good covering placed o\ er the propagating 
and breeding bed in the early winter before 
heavy freezing begins. 
Fourth, Carelessness in taking plants up and 
not knowing how to pack them to meet the 
conditions to which they may be subjected in 
transit; the distance and latitude to which 
they are going should be considered, then the 
dampness of moss and method of packing each 
particular order can be intelligently adjusted. 
Strawberry plants that have been stunted from 
any cause wmII produce offspring of the same 
character and they will never develop into heavy 
fruiters, any more than a stunted calf from 
stunted ancestors can develop into a profitable 
dairy cow or beef animal. T he sooner berry 
growers begin making selections from ideal 
mother plants, which can be traced back through 
