The Cultivation of Fruits 
I 2 I 
fruit of the highest quality would always command its 
own price. Think of the hundreds of tons of fruit which 
are imported into this country each year and which cannot 
be compared in quality to British-grown fruit. 
How are we to get a regular supply of fruit of the 
highest quality? Only by a thorough system of cultiva- 
tion. 
THE STRAWBERRY 
Speaking generally, the Strawberry will grow on almost 
any well -cultivated soil. Certain varieties will grow and 
produce better crops on rather heavy soils; others, again, 
will produce finer crops on a lighter soil. 
The soil should be thoroughly trenched and well 
manured before the plants are put in, as it is not con- 
venient to manure well after planting has taken place. 
This should be done after the early crop has been taken 
off during August. Young plants should be procured as 
early as possible in September, and planted so as to get 
them well established before winter. They may be 
planted in rows 2^ ft. apart, with 18 in. between the plants 
in the row. Care must be taken not to cover the crown 
of the plants. The roots should be put in as deep as 
possible, but the base of the crown should be level with 
the soil. 
Another method is to put the plants in clumps of 
three, the clumps being 2 \ ft. apart, with 3 ft. between the 
rows. This method of planting allows the fruit to develop 
thoroughly all round the clumps. It also allows plenty 
of room for it to be gathered. 
The method often adopted by market gardeners is 
