Strawberries. 
A prominent feature of the work of the Horticultural Section 
of the Station has been the testing of new varieties of fruits. Of the 
small fruits grown the strawberry has received a due share of 
attention. Five years ago a report was made (Bulletin 29 ) covering 
the varieties tested up to that time. Since then many varieties 
have been added to the collection. Some of these possessed merit, 
others were of no value. It is the purpose of the present paper to 
bring together the notes of the last five years, and record the 
estimates of value placed upon the different varieties under trial. 
It should be understood, however, that it is not the intention to 
recommend varieties for general planting. Observations on a 
particular variety continued through successive seasons enables us 
to rate with accuracy its value for this locality, and for the condi¬ 
tions under which it is grown, but we fully appreciate the fact that 
under different conditions of soil and surroundings its behavior may 
be quite different. Our best varieties may prove unprofitable in 
other localities, and some that are of no value here may take rank 
among the best when grown under different conditions. 
Varieties of strawberries as well as of other fruits are largely 
local in character, and the best for a particular locality must be 
determined by trial in that locality. 
Cultural directions for strawberries were given in Bulletin 29 , 
but as the edition is exhausted and as inquiries on various cultural 
points are frequently received, it is thought best to again touch 
briefly upon the more important features of strawberry manage¬ 
ment. 
SOIL. 
The strawberry can be made to grow on a great variety of 
soils, but it is easier to manage and reaches a better development 
on light loams than on heavy clays. A soil improperly drained, 
where water may stand for long periods, is entirely unsuited to this 
as well as to other fruits, and a very heavy clay is to be avoided if 
possible. A sandy loam ot good fertility will produce earlier 
fruits than a heavy soil, it is easier to work, can be worked sooner 
after rains, and is in general more satisfactory. In many places 
along our streams there are broad stretches of bottom lands, sandy 
in texture and rich in humus, which, if well drained, are admirably 
adapted to strawberries. 
It is best with any soil that it be cropped for one or two 
seasons before planting with strawberries, and preferably with crops 
that demand clean culture. It is of the first importance that the 
