396 On Forcing the Strawberry. 
beds, and placed firmly upon the ground, along tiie sides of the beds. 
The first new runners that issue from the mother plants are then 
placed upon the pots, and fastened to the soil by small wood or fern 
pegs ; and afterwards are well watered. In this manner they remain 
till they are well rooted ; each plant is then cut off from the wire, 
and the pots are removed to a northern aspect, behind a wall or hedge. 
The plants are kept free from weeds and runners, and are plentifully 
supplied with water, — drainings from the dunghill are often used. 
As soon as the plants have got well established in these pots, they 
are removed into pots two inches larger, keeping the balls entire, and 
using the same kind of compost as before. 
About the 1st of October, the pots are removed from the north to a 
south aspect. Previous to placing the pots on the ground, coal ashes 
are spread upon it in order to prevent worms fi'om entering the pots. 
The first week in January, as many plants as are desired for the 
first crop of fruit, are again shifted with entire balls, into pots two 
inches larger than those last grown in. After being well watered, 
they are taken into a pine-stove or vinery, and placed as near to the 
glass as circumstances will admit of. Previous to the blossoms ex- 
panding, the plants are well washed with the following mixture, applied 
with a syringe : — To a gallon of soap-suds, add a pint of tobacco water. 
This keeps the plants free from insects. A repetition is necessary, after 
the fruit is set. 
From the time of taking in the plants to their going out of blossom, 
the heat is from 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and afterwards from 
65 to 70. 
When the fruit is set, the plants are syringed every evening, using 
water in a tepid state, and when the fruit begins to change colour this is 
given up. 
The plants are not permitted to get droughted, as that would, if allow- 
ed, cause the blossoms or fruit to drop off. The pots of plants are not 
kept in pans of water, as is customary, but watered by pouring over the 
soil, and allowing all the super-abundant moisture to drain away. The 
application of fresh water over the soil, is far more congenial to the vi- 
gorous growth of the plants, than stagnant water, which tends to sour 
the soil. Plants are taken into the houses at intervals of fourteen days. 
In the above practice, not only is an abundant crop ensured, but the 
fruit will be fine. Some of the pots of plants here, have produced from 
sixty to eighty fine strawberries, each. 
I remain, yours, &c. 
Dec. 30, 1831. George Harrison. 
