CHAPTER XI 

 VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION 



Governing Points of an Exhibit. A few years ago 

 exhibitors of vegetables used to vie with one another to 

 see who could show the largest potatoes, beets, or carrots. 

 About nine times out of ten the largest specimens won 

 the prizes, regardless of their value on the market. This 

 order has been changed now in the exhibiting and judging 

 of all vegetables. The points that govern now are, 

 general appearance, market condition, uniformity, and 

 trueness to type. The market condition, as regards size, 

 color, shape, and quality, is perhaps the most important. 



Attractive exhibits may be made of vegetables, either 

 alone or with fruits and flowers, if care is used in the selec- 

 tion and preparation of the different kinds for the purpose. 

 Neat, attractive packages should be used in exhibiting. 



Growing. The plant that is expected to produce the 

 best product for exhibition must be grown from the best 

 seed available, have the best kind of soil and environment 

 adapted to its growth, aftd be given the best attention and 

 cultivation. Good seed is very important; one cannot 

 hope for good vegetables if poor seed is used. 



Selection and Preparation for Exhibition. In general, 

 all vegetables should be selected as near to type as possi- 

 ble, and neither too large or too small. The whole sample 

 must be clean and uniform in every way. Do not wash 

 vegetables. Use a soft brush to get the dirt off, being 

 careful not to bruise or blemish the skin in any way. When 

 the vegetable is perfectly dry it should be wrapped in 



