38 THE BOOK OF RARER VEGETABLES 



kinds. The Black variety is one of the darkest colours 

 grown, but the colour does not affect the quality. The 

 small Violette naine is a pretty fruit, excellent for pot 

 culture, and there are several white or cream coloured 

 varieties. These vary in shape, and I have seen a 



reddish fruit but 

 not grown it. 

 They are cer- 

 tainly a most in- 

 teresting class of 

 plants, and well 

 deserving of at- 

 tention. At one 

 time they were 

 only considered 

 novelties, but 

 there is no doubt 

 whatever but that 

 they are valuable 

 for food, being a 

 wholesome and 

 delicious vege- 

 table, and cer- 

 tainly worth 

 extended cultiva- 

 tion. I have seen 

 them grown for 



decorative purposes in anything but a happy condition. 

 The plants, once they receive a check, are very sub- 

 ject to red spiders. This points to the need of 

 ample moisture in the house, as the pest will not 

 thrive under this condition. Another evil is allowing 

 the plants to be starved or pot bound. The best 

 results are secured from plants grown in frames in 

 rich soil planted out. In the Paris market gardens a 

 great deal of attention is given to these plants; and 



LONG PURPLE EGG PLANT 

 {One-fifth natural size) 



