When transplanted in the spring, half-dead leaves should be pulled off and the roots shortened about one-third of their length, as this induces them to throw out a new set of fibrous roots from the ends cut off which they would not do if it was not done. No matter whether the plants have been a long time out of the ground or have been taken up but recently, the shortening of the roots is beneficial to plants that are set out in the spring. The roots have become ripened during the winter, and the ends are always broken off when taken up, and it is necessary that they should be cut off smooth and clean before planting again. Not so with plants in the fall; for if it be observed, the roots of the strawberry continue to elongate from the extreme end until cold weather sets in, and when carefully taken up before this time the ends are not broken, and if soon planted again they will immediately grow. To understand this more fully, it is only necessary to take up a few plants in August or September, and place them on the ground in a shady place, and give them a good sprinkling of water.

After they have remained there forty-eight hours, examine the roots, and the new growth will be seen by their whitened appearance.