Smyrna times., 1872-01-17
F,r tue smyrna Ti-nes.'l
prieulture Of the Peninsula.
THE STRAWBERRY CROP.

rrot tbe Peninsula formed by Delaware and
a. Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia
- - J.stined to become one of the most impor-
.Ot - agricultural regions of the country, is
nI', question of time. Already a great
;mnroyement ~ in farming lands has taken place,
nn5 ;ts agriculture has assumed a more diver
@uS ~ and profitable form. The peculiar
o;tmot;on ofthese lands their proximity to navig
Shla waters, their intersections by numerous rail
"oaIs and their being but short distance from
.Go largest and best markets on the continent,
vi INF to the fact that their Importance /
mh;cb IS now great, will shortly he much
;naroasa1 and that by reason of the facility
nth which they may be cultivated, they will
he sought with avldlty.,
The experience of the past few years has
.uarad that small fruits and berries, in this
po.;on of country, are among the most prof.
soEa crops which can be grown, and there is
n Va Jombt that their cultivation will receive
Ho.aosol nv attention, especially as the means
REORGANIZATION are becoming more complete
e'I, Among the berries which have been grown
ur;,b GREAT success, the Strawberry in particular
V veil adapted to this region; and when the
proper seeding is planted, and due attention
mid To the fertilization and cultivation of the
soil, it may be depended upon as highly
rpnuperative CROP
Tho railroad and steamboat facilities are
suafcient to place the fruit in the markets of
pbiladelphia, Wilmington, and New York
w;tLin few hours Of the time of picking
Tins enabling it to reach the consumer in a
fresh and sound condition, and insuring its
ready sale.
The Strawberry plant requires a rich soil for
IFS proper growth when planted on land
which is thoroughly manured, it is very pro-
life and yields large amount of plump, sound
berri1s, while on the other hand if the land
he moor or in a had state of cultivation, the
crop when gathered, often causes much dis
appointment.
If the season be reasonably favorable, the
results of the culture depends almost wholly upon
the skill, industry and Judgment of the farmer
and fthese qualifications be properly exercised
there is little doubt of the consequence.
1t almost impossible to glut the marke
with the Strawberry. Over production ha,
never yet been experienced, nor will it, probably
ever be- There is a growing demand for fruit,
of all kinds and their consumption increase
in a greater ratio than the increase of tn,
population. While Strawberries can be fur
nished in good condition they will alway
meet with a ready sale. Well rotted stabl
manure has been favorite fertilizer with man
growers OF this berry, and it undoubtedly pos
sesses merits of high grade; but som
observers incline to the belief that it is of to
stimulating a character, and that it tends t
promote too great a development of leaf, a
the expense Of the fruit. The same objection
has been urged even in a great degree againS
Peruvian Guano, which is yet used to som
extent. These objections are doubtless we
founded, and although the barn yard manur
may present claims on the score of economy
yet on closer consideration of the question
NAV prove very dear economy in the end.
Even admitting the fact that it cost nothing
as it made on the premises of every farmer,
it does not produce as large crops as Otht
manureS which cost more, it certainly cann(
be regarded as cheap.
During the past few seasons a large qulntit
of Wbann's Raw Bone Superphosphate hi
been used on the strawberry crops in variol
parts Of the peninsula with signal success
Some of our best farmers are loud in Il
praise of this celebrated fertilizer, and consi
er that its liberal use on this and other berri
and small fruits pays them handsomely. /
the use of a moderate dressing of the pho
phate, the fruit is not only largely increased
quantity, but its quality is likewise improve
as the true favor of a fruit is only develop
in those specimens which reach healthy II
turlty. As this question is one Of no SIN
Importance TO our farmers, we are doing bu
simple act of justice in referring to the mer
OF Whanns Phosphate in this manner. VIII
ever tends to increase the crops of farm
aids 10 build up the prosl Gritty of comm in.
ami aDpreclating the value of this crop to
peninsula 1t is desirable to advocate the
OF every means to insure its successful cult
ton. FARMER