89 
soil, which proves of immense benefit to the swelling fruit. 
VVe would here remark, that some material should at all times 
be placed beneath the fruit. Some persons use the mowings of 
the lawn for this purpose ; clean straw is, however, greatly to be 
preferred, as the grass is apt to encourage the wire worm, which 
frequently proves a pest. The wide row system of planting 
affords facilities for introducing this litter, which are not pos- 
sessed by the bed plan ; and this alone is a recommendation. 
Some persons recommend the tops to be mown off in the 
autumn : thus treated, we have, at times, known them bear 
pretty good crops; not however, we should say, through this 
unscientific mutilation, but in spite of it. Common sense, and 
science, seem to us equally opposed to such a proceeding ; and 
were there no other use for the foliage, it should, at least, be 
spared to protect the crowns during the winter; for, as before 
observed, the Strawberry, although a hardy plant, is some- 
times so paralysed by a severe winter, especially when closely 
trimmed in the autumn, as scarcely to rally with the returning 
spring ; and, indeed, it is sometimes entirely destroyed. Each 
plant should occupy such space that its leaves, without muti- 
lation, may spread their full amount of surface to the light, and 
a well-organized bud will be formed for the future crop. 
Strawberry walls have been highly recommended, as produc- 
ing a superior-flavoured fruit; this is perfectly correct. One 
great drawback, however, to their more extensive adoption, is 
the labour incurred in watering, and a frequent removal of the 
soil. It would be well, we think, to make a point of removing 
such walls annually, adding a little fresh soil each time. In 
such a case, very early runners should be secured, with as much 
care as gardeners take over those for forcing; these, “pricked 
out,” on rich soil, in an exposed situation, would make strong 
buds, and might be removed with a trowel in October. A rich 
and rather adhesive loam should at all times be used as soil for 
the Strawberry wall ; light soils cannot be expected to endure 
in so elevated a situation. As truly useful kinds, although not 
novelties, we recommend Keen’s Seedling, the British Queen, 
and the Elton; the latter is most valuable for late purposes. 
We plant them in a north border, five feet from the wall — and, 
by these means, generally continue gathering until the end of 
August. 
285. AUCTARIUM. 
