;j02 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



bles for their own tallies, excepting a few which may be grown with- 

 out i he use of glass. Tomatoes are not usually found on the farmer's 

 table until aboul the first of September and many do nol have ripe 

 tomatoes until time for destructive frosts. No vegetable is more 

 wholesome or more enjoyed, and every possible effort should be made 

 to have the vegetable during- the longest possible period. It is not 

 difficult to produce ripe tomatoes by the 15th of July in practically 

 every section of the State, and earlier where the exposure, soil and 

 climatic conditions are most favorable. Cabbage is not usually 

 ready for the table until well into August or the first of September, 

 and later on many farms. It is easy to have at least a few solid 

 heads by the first of July. Celery is not usually ready for use 

 until late in the autumn. This vegetable is noted tor its health- 

 giving qualities and should be grown ready for the table by mid- 

 summer. We might increase the list of vegetables which may be 

 had much earlier than is customary. 



Thousands of farmers in the State grow vegetables in greater 

 or less quantity for local or distant markets. What percentage of 

 them reap satisfactory profits? Many may be well pleased with 

 their results, but comparatively few make the business as profitable 

 as it should be, and one of the most potent causes of small profits 

 is that the vegetables are not really early. They do not reach the 

 market until prices are down and the cream is gone. 



There is another demand for early vegetable plants, and a very 

 large one. Village and townspeople who have gardens are always 

 willing to pay good prices for fine early vegetable plants. One or 

 two farmers in nearly every locality would find the plant business, 

 in connection with the regular farm work, desirable and profitable. 



The Seed Supply. 



Anyone growing vegetable plants for the n?arket or for use at 

 home should exercise the greatest care in procuring seed. He should 

 be thoroughly posted on the most desirable varieties for his par- 

 ticular locality. He should know where to buy the best seed of 

 the varieties he wants and not pay very much attention to prices. 

 Buy the best seed, although the price may be high. Some seeds 

 should be saved at home. This is particularly true of the tomato. 

 No seedsman could place on the market and sell the kind of tomato 

 seed we have used this year. For instance, the tomato seed Used 

 on our farm this year was taken from the finest, earliest, most 

 perfect specimens that were selling at wholesale prices for three 

 and four dollars per bushel. Could any seedsman afford to do this? 

 He could if the gardeners and farmers would pay two or three 

 dollars an ounce instead of fifteen to thirtv cents. When seed is 



