. The fruit garden. Fruit-culture; Fruit trees. THE STRAWBERRY 169 Procuring Runners.—When the plants come into blossom all the flower- trusses should be removed ; this will force the plants to make early runners, which should be stopped after the first or second joint, and the plants either be layered into small pots or into turves to root; when ready to lift they should be transferred to well-prepared ground and be treated as previously described. They should have every encouragement, even the protection of tiffany if frosts are likely to affect the early blossoms in May. All the flower-trus
. The fruit garden. Fruit-culture; Fruit trees. THE STRAWBERRY 169 Procuring Runners.—When the plants come into blossom all the flower- trusses should be removed ; this will force the plants to make early runners, which should be stopped after the first or second joint, and the plants either be layered into small pots or into turves to root; when ready to lift they should be transferred to well-prepared ground and be treated as previously described. They should have every encouragement, even the protection of tiffany if frosts are likely to affect the early blossoms in May. All the flower-trusses should be removed excepting the strongest one, and this should be allowed to carry six fruits only. When all the plants required are taken from the bed, remove the runners and keep the ground clean. The two-year-old plants will then produce a grand crop of fruits. Where space is limited panel beds may be made, and such beds being protected by foliage often return a good crop of second-sized fruits. When the beds are made 3 feet across the fruits can be secured without treading upon them. For producing fruits for preserving, plants from three to four years old may prove useful. The fruit for this purpose is best when firm. Large, soft, watery berries become too juicy when boiled. Gardens are frequently surrounded by woods and parklands where birds abound, and it becomes necessary to net the beds before the fruit ripens to keep out the blackbirds and thrushes, which are often hard set for food. Care must be taken to peg the nets close to the ground, or the birds will be sure to find an entrance. Some amateurs may think the preparation of the ground for strawberries somewhat costly, but it must be borne in mind that for some years peas and other vegetable crops can follow the strawberries without extra manure, and after a rest or change of crop the land can again be used for strawberries. Late Strawberries are often as great a luxury as early ones, and where they are require
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