AUSTENS SCARLET STRAWBERUY. 
indeed we may say facility, with which they may be mixed by 
hybridization. Mr. Knight’s argument, we think, not quite 
tenable, for the original species possess very distinct characters, 
although, in our gardens, by the attentions that have been 
bestowed on this most favourite fruit, specific distinction is 
almost obliterated, and the Strawberry stands out as a promi- 
nent indication of the power that the Divine Ruler of all his 
operations has placed in the hands of the horticulturist. 
Several years ago we were favoured with plants of the above 
variety of Scarlet Strawberry, by its originator, the Rev. John 
Austen, of Chevening Rectory, Kent ; and we have cultivated 
it ever since, with continual success. It has constantly been 
esteemed as the best amongst Scarlets ; being a most prolific 
bearer, the fruit early in ripening, and possessing a peculiar 
delicacy, both in the consistence of its flesh, and in flavour. 
At the same time we should mention that judgment of its 
comparative superiority is confined to its class — the Scarlets, 
since it is neither so rich in sweetness or flavour as some of the 
hybrid varieties combining qualities from the Hautboy or Pine. 
Mr. Austen states, that it was raised from seeds of the Down- 
ton Strawberry, and as it is not generally known, we have 
sent plants to the Horticultural Society, that its members 
may be readily supplied. 
No Strawberry that we have cultivated increases so rapidly 
as this. It has produced wdth us most abundant crops, even 
when the plants have remained undisturbed for two or three 
years; still, the most certain produce of the finest fmit, is 
obtained by annual planting. But, when thus treated, instead 
of planting, in anticipation of the roots remaining to increase 
twenty-fold in size, the runners should be put in only four 
inches apart, in the rows ; and the rows a foot asunder. Thus, 
if narrow beds be formed, merely for three rows on each, and 
planted not later than the end of July, on good, and well-dug, 
soil ; in the following summer they will present a continuous 
mass of flowers and fi-uit. The beds may be advantageously 
made where early potatoes have been taken up ; and if in a 
month after planting, their growth is not luxuriant, they should 
be stimulated by a liberal soaking, once or twice, of water; to 
eveiy gallon of which an ounce of guano should be added, 
twenty-four hours before its use. Destroy ininners on young 
beds. 
