Wash the strawberries before they are stemmed by putting them in a colander and plunging them up and down in cold water; remove the stems carefully and quickly. Weigh the berries; allow four pounds of sugar to four pounds of berries. Put a layer of sugar in the bottom of a large preserving-kettle, then a layer of berries, another layer of sugar, and a second layer of berries, with the remaining sugar on top. Stand away in a cool place for about two hours; then put over the fire and bring slowly to boiling point. Lift the berries with a fork; place them in tumblers or jars. Boil the liquor rapidly until it is reduced one-half, and then pour it, while hot, over the berries. When cold cover the jars with paraffin and paper. Strawberries preserved in this way will keep for an indefinite length of time.