TO THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. 135 



as solid as a beefsteak. In proof of their solidity, it is not improper to state, 

 that, although not of extraordinary size, the average weight is from nine to 

 twelve ounces each. It has very few seeds, and, from the solidity of its flesh, 

 comparatively little water. One bushel will make as much catsup, or fill as many 

 cans, as two bushels of the ordinary kind, besides being possessed of a flavor that 

 is unapproachable. For marketing purposes, they possess the great advantage 

 of not only being solid, but of having a thick skin, or rind, which protects them 

 from bruising and mashing in transportation. Another great advantage of this 

 thick skin is, that it admits of their being peeled or skinned for the table with- 

 out scalding, which is always troublesome, and, at the same time, takes away 

 the desired freshness and flavor, when desired for slicing cold. It can be peeled 

 in half the time usually required for the common varieties. As an evidence of 

 the superiority of these Tomatoes for marketing purposes, they commanded ready 

 sale at $2.00 per bushel, when others were offered at $1.00 ; and this without any 

 care having been taken to select them. 50 cents per ounce . . . . 10 



Tilden's. This new and fine variety we have now cultivated two years, and have exhibit- 

 ed specimens before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, which have at- 

 tracted much attention. Our seeds have been raised by ourselves, and selected 

 from the largest, smoothest, and handsomest specimens, taken from plants raised 

 from seeds received direct from Mr. Tilden, the originator. 



The plants are rather dwarfer in habit than the common Tomato, and the fruit 

 sets nearer the root ; and it is the earliest of all the large-growing Tomatoes, 

 and continues in bearing until the vines are killed by frost. The fruit varies 

 from round to roundish-oval, which is the general form of the main crop, and is 

 free from the warty protuberances which disfigure ordinary sorts. Color, light 

 brilliant scarlet, with a glossy skin. Flesh solid, light red, less watery than 

 other kinds, and of good flavor. But its greatest excellence consists in its re- 

 markable keeping qualities, and the ease with which it may be handled without 

 injury, rendering it altogether the most valuable variety for the market. 

 Per oz., 50 cents 10 



Eureka. A new and fine variety, from Mr. Perriam, of Chicago, who alludes to it as fol- 

 lows : " I consider it superior to any thing I have ever tried ; dwarf, early, 

 bush-shape, and prolific 15 



Tree, or Erect. This remarkable and excellent variety, introduced three years ago, is 

 still one of the best, the fruit being very large and smooth ; and the plants, 

 from their erect, compact growth, highly ornamental 10 



The Fbard. This variety originated with a market gardener, of the same name, in the 

 vicinity of Philadelphia. It is stated to be, without exception, the most beauti- 

 ful variety ; is of a bright-scarlet color, cuts as solid as a well-ripened apple, and 

 almost entirely free from seeds, which are deposited mostly on one side of the 

 fruit. It is quite early, and a good cropper. Recommended as being the most 

 perfect and the most desirable of the whole class 15 



New Californian Whortleberry. A remarkable and curious acquisition, with fruits, in 



size and color, exactly like the whortleberry 50 



Sims's Early Cluster. A new English variety, introduced the past season, described as 

 follows : Mammoth variety of the Cherry Tomato, very early, of extremely 

 robust habit, requiring little support ; fruit, very large and smooth, in grape-like 

 bunches, averaging from four to twenty fruits. This variety was raised by Mr. 



Sims, gardener to Weddowson, Esq., Dulwich Common, and is much 



recommended. ............ 15 



Cedar Hill Early. A new American variety, in high repute among the New-York market- 

 gardeners; said to be very early; large size, solid, and productive. *5 



Turnip. 



per Ib. 

 Carter's Imperial Hardy Swede. The very best Swede in Cultivation. Price, 



per oz., 10 cents i.oo 



DIRECTIONS FOR GROWING MUSHROOMS. The only conditions required for the healthy growth 

 of Mushrooms are a mass of short dung, heated to from fifty-five to sixty degrees, and lumps of 

 Spawn about the size of walnuts, six inches apart, just beneath the surface ; the whole covered 

 with an inch thickness of good light friable earth, and three or four inches of straw, or litter of any 

 kind, to keep in the very moderate warmth. This can be managed in any dark cupboard or cellar ; 

 and the size of the bed is immaterial. 



Take of horse-droppings from the stable, without the straw, as much as will make the bed the 

 size you want it, a foot thick : put this anywhere out of the weather, away from the light and 

 draught. Let this be pressed, but not hard; and in a few days, when it is nice and warm on 

 thrusting the hand in, get the Spawn, and break the cakes in small pieces and put them in all over 

 the dung, even with the surface : upon this being patted down smooth, but not hard, it will 

 require from half an inch to an inch of earth all over it. Pat it down to keep it in its place, and 

 put some loose hay or straw over it. When it approaches dryness, it must be sprinkled with water 

 with the chill off, enough to wet the earth, but not the dung. Sooner or later, according to the 

 attention paid to these several points, you will have Mushrooms, and plenty of them. 



Best Mill-track Mushroom Spawn, per pound, 15 cents; 8 pounds for$i.oo 



