552 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Dec., 1901. 
only take up foed in solution, so the manure must have time to change from a 
chemical to a physical combination, in which state only it can be available 
to the growing plant. The land should be ploughed as deep as possible. 
My own practice is to let the plough go twice in the furrow, the second time the 
nose of the plough being dipped as deep as possible, to bring up a portion of the 
subsoil; then to sow a part of the manure to be covered in by the next furrow 
as deep as possible. This will encourage the roots to go down deep into the 
subsoil, and enable the plants to withstand the dry weather when it comes. The 
land must be well cultivated and broken up, and the manure thoroughly incor- 
porated with the soil. This being done, the harrow should be run over the 
surface when dry, to kill the young weeds that will start into growth ; and just 
before harrowing the last time before planting, the sulphate of ammonia or 
soda should be sown broadcast and harrowed in, when the ground will be ready 
for the plants. There are various systems of planting, but the following is 
about the best that can be adopted for field culture. Too much care cannot be 
taken with the planting, for on that depends, to a great extent, the success of 
the crop. In the first place, the plants after they are lifted should never be 
allowed to get dry. While planting, the roots of the young plants should be 
laid in water in which soil has been mixed to make it about the consistency of 
whitewash. This will cling to the roots and keep them moist after they are 
planted, thus enabling the rootlets to start into growth quicker than they would 
otherwise. Theland being prepared, itshould be set out ready for planting, in order 
that the plants may not be kept out of the ground longer than possible. A. line 
should be stretched across the plot where the planting is to be commenced. It 
is not the best way to plant by the line, buta mark should be drawn by a 
pointed stick right along by the line ; when this is done the line should be moved 
on to where the next row is to be, and so on, row after row, until the whole 
ground is set out. The distance between the rows should be 8 feet. The ground 
being marked out for planting, choose a dull day if possible. The plants being 
ready in a shady place, bring out a few at a time with their roots submerged in 
the mud bath. Take a strong handfork, and drive it its full depth and nearly 
perpendicularly into the soil on the marked line, and thus commence the 
planting of the first row. The soil should be drawn out, leaving a hole about 
4 inches deep. This can be easily and quickly done if the ground has been well 
cultivated. Ihe soil at the back of the hole where the fork was inserted should 
be nearly perpendicular; then take the plant in the left hand, and holding it at 
the back of the hole, the collar of the plant being just level with the surface of 
the ground, spread out the roots fan-shaped. The hole must be of sufficient 
depth for the roots to be placed quite straight down. This is of the greatest 
consequence, for if the roots are doubled up it is impossible for the plant to 
thrive. The roots must be placed in the most natural position possible. Then, 
still holding the plant in position with the left hand, replace the soil in the 
hole, pressing it firmly on to the roots with the hand. Do not hurry with this 
part of the work, for it is of vital importance that the plants be properly set. 
Planting the plants and just putting the roots under the soil are two ver 
different matters. The plant being properly fixed, the soil should be levelled 
round it in a workmanlike manner. The plants should be 1 foot apart in the 
row, and the rows 3 feet between. The following are the principal varieties 
grown in the district :— 
Marguerite.—Fruit large, conical, flesh white; a very showy fruit and a 
heavy cropper, but of poor flavour, and the plant is very subject to the leaf 
disease (Spharella fragaria). ; 
Trollope’s Victoria. — Fruit large, roundish-ovate, skin light-crimson 
a great bearer, lasting longer in fruit than any other strawberry, and will give 
greater returns than any other variety. Nearly free from disease. 
Federator.—A strong growing variety, does best on a clay soil; fruit round 
and large, sometimes cockscomb-shape and very large, flesh white, and when 
quite ripe of good flavour. Travels well. 
