106 The Gaeden. 



little care ; but if tliey are wanted earlier, the plants may be 

 forwarded in a frame, or glass-covered boxes, sowing in Febru- 

 arj or the first of March, and transplanting when the frosts 

 are over. 



The earliest tomato plants should be shortened by taking off 

 a few inches of their tops, so soon as they have set their first 

 fruit, which will cause it to ripen more rapidly. Stir the soil 

 frequently, and keep it free from weeds. Support the plants 

 with branches or a little trellis, as you would peas, to keep the 

 fruit from the ground. The plants, too, when supported, run 

 less to vines, and are much more fruitful. One dozen plants 

 properly supported will yield more and better fruit than three 

 times that number will when allowed to rest on the ground. 



3. The Egg Plant — Solanum Melongena, 



This plant also, as may be seen by its botanical name, belongs 

 to the potato family. It is a native of Africa. One of its 

 varieties bears a white fruit resembhng an Qgg^ whence its 

 name ; but the purple varieties only are used in cookery. Of 

 these the Large Prickley Purple produces the largest fruit, but 

 the Long Purple is superior in flavor, and should be preferred 

 for family use. They may be cultivated in the same way as 

 tomatoes, but are rather more sensitive and tender. They may 

 be sowed in April or the first of May in the open air, selecting 

 a warm border, with a southern exposure. 



The fruit is fit for use when two or three inches in diameter, 

 and continues so till the seeds begin to change color. It is cut 

 in thin slices, and fried, and is also sometimes used in stews and 

 soups. 



4. The Cape Gooseberry — Physalis Edulis. 



This is a newly-introduced annual plant, producing fruit of 

 the size of a cherry, which is said to be excellent eaten raw or 

 made into pies. We have not yet tested it. It is cultivated 

 tli0 same as the tomato. 



