River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1876-12-07
HORTICULTURAL
BY 7. RosENBERGER & SON,
PrOPrietors Of the Maiden Rock MAJ
SyrieS


STRAWBERRY CrLTURE.-This may seem
to many an inoppOrtune moment to
speak of strawberry culture, but we
trust that you will see that it is just
the right moment to speak of this
most luscious fruit.
As it may he of interest To many, we
will say few words in regard to the
habits of the strawberry. There is
probably no other fruit that Uhrives
and 1OurisheS over SO large portion
of the earth as the strawber-
~. 1t grows and bears its fruit amid
the rocky crags of Lapland, even with
i'm the Arctic Circle, while at the same
time it may be found in abundance be-
meath the heat of a tropical sun. 1t
may be found to greater or less eX-
tent upon almost all kinds of soil, ex-
cept very dry, or a very wet one; yet
a light loan that is rather damp than
dry, is probably the best of all soils for
this fruit.
1t is said that over 400 varieties
have been under cultivation in this
country within the last twenty-five
years. Then the question naturally
arises: Why is it that so few of our
people succeed in having and keeping
up a strawberry bed, seeing this fruit
is such a favOrite with the king, as well
as with the poor man!
The answer is simply this: OF these
hundreds of varieties, probably not
three are worthy of general cultiva-
ton. Even though a variety has done
well in some localities, it is far from
certain that it will do well in all local
tiles.
Another cause of failure is this:
The plants are divided into three class
es, viz: Staminates, Pistilates and
HermaphrOdites, or perfect plants.
The first named re male plants. and of
course do not bear fruit; these may al
ways be known by the flower. and
| generally by the appearance of the
plant. As compared with the bearing
| plant, the leaf stem is longer, the leaf
is also longer and narrower, generally
of darker green, and has every ap-
pearanee of being vigorous and
healthy plant. One of them in the
middle of bed one rod square, would
nearly ruin it the first year, as they
grow and spread with such rapidity.
The Pistilate is the female plant,
having pistils but no stamens in the
flowers. They bear fruit only as they
are fertilized by either the Stalninates,
or the perfect flower. The Russell's
Prolific belong to this class.
The next is in reality a Hermaphro-
dite flower, having both stamens and
plstils and is perfect flower, not only
capable of fertilizing itself. but also
of fertiliZing pistilateS, il there are
any near it. The wilson's Albany
Seeding, is the most perfect specimen
of this variety. Then here is the
plant for us to begin with. It thriyes
from ocean to ocean, and from the
Lakes to the Gulf.
Now comes our reason for speaking
of the strawberry at this time.
When is the best time to set out
strawberries
In answer we would say invariably
in the spring: Then the plants have
an excellent opportunity to take root
and grow during the summer and are
ready to bear heavily the next summer.
! When should plants for setting be
ordered We answer, now, at your
first opportunity, so as to be sure to
have them in time in the spring. OF
whom order Order your plants from
such parties rs YOU are confident will
bring you the simon pure article.
Now comes the last and all-impOr-
tant question that concerns us at the
present moment. How am | TO protect
my plants this winterl We say pro-
tect orr plants because we find they
pay for protecting. Go Immediately
and place coarse straw all over your
bed to the depth of five inches, but in
no case use manure. and leave this COW
eTing on till warm weather comes.
Then when you uncover your plants
/ you will find them fresh and green.