The Springdale news., 1889-03-08

as they appear, the plants forming crowns instead of young plants. Very large berries are grown in this way and they are easily picked. Some varieties, as Jucunda, Sharp. less and Bidwell seem particularly adapted 10 this method of culture on account of habits of growth.
 A modification of the above method makes what is called the narrow row system to grow thus: Set plan,s as in hill culture, and in stead of removing all runners allow allow one to remain and form slngle plant in the row on each side of the parent plant, ther re move all other rnnnsrs from the new and the old plants as fast as they appear.
 The matted row method is the one most used by growers of straw, berries for market. The plants are set from one to two feet apart in the row, and the rows from three and one-half to four feet distant. The distance between the rows is somewhat governed by the varie- ties set, feeble or vigorous in growth and productiveness of plants. After setting keep off the runners until the plants ale well es- tablisheG, then let all grow. Keep the plants clean with the hoe and cultivate until the young plants be- gin to take root, then suspend hoe ing but keep on eultiyating as long as the season will permit, narrow ing the cultivation as the plants spread until at the end of the seas on the distance between the rows is about two feet Tn width. Have all weeds that appear m rows after the runner plants begin to take root pulled out by hands and let the per sons removing the weeds at the same time straighten the runners and distribute the young plants forming so that they will occupy the vacant spots, fixing them there with Iumps of earth. The matted row system can be modified to suit the wishes of the grower, so that the distance between the rows Do less or greater and the number of plants increased or diminished
 Another method IS he matted hill system. The ground is marked both ways as for corn, three and onehaIf feet each way. Plants are set al the intersections, which are cultivated much like corn, all run ners being allowed to grow and root If the soil is not too woody fair crops of berries can be grown In this way without the hoe.
 In raising strawberrlcs by any method have the rows as long as possible 90 as to uso horse power with the least turning of the horse over the plants. Keep the sail mellow, cultivate whenever the weather and condition of the ground will permit. It has been said "hl- lage IS manure" Berries will do better without manure than without tilIage.
 In the fall when the freezing weather sets n cover the plants with clean straw, leaves or other materi- al that is free from seed and afford protection to the plants. In the spring when the freezing weather is over remove the covering from off the plants and leave it between the rows to serve as mulching. Unless you want early berries it is better to leave the winter covering remain upon the plants as long as possible in the spring, thus retarding bios somlng and lessening danger from frost. The great requisite of straw berries from the time it blooms un- til the berry natures is water Mulching will hell to keep the roots moist, but when extreme dry weather sets Tn they should be wa tered.
 When the berry season arrives keep close watch of the pickers and have them pick clean. Do not let them pull the berry off, but make them pinch off the stem. Do not allow unripe berries, leaves, trash or eulls to go into the boxes. Pick directly into tho box you intend for market Do not allow plckcrs to kneel OH the plants, or skip any row. Discharge those who are care less and disorderly. Use clean, at tractive packages. Always send good fruit to market, and give good measure. A little care in picking and handling will greatly enhance