418 



which was taken to Knrope by the Spaniards about the middle of the 

 sixteenth century. Though introduced to Spain the fruit came into 

 general use first in Italy, and Prance was the next country where it 

 became popular. It was taken to England in 1590, but for many years 

 after its introduction it was grown only as a curiosity. For a very long 

 period the belief was common that the plant possessed deleterious 

 properties on account of belonging to the same natural order as the Deadly 

 Nightshade and other highly poisonous plants, and, consequently, there 

 was a strong prejudice against it. After a time, however, this prejudice 

 gradually wore away, and the fruit began to be appreciated, but the 

 Tomato has only become really popular in the United Kingdom within 

 the last half-century. When Tomatos first began to find favour in 

 England they were prepared for table, according to Gerard, in the 

 following way : " The fruit was cut through the middle so as to make 

 two equal parts, tops and bottoms. These were then broiled over a brisk 

 fire for a few minutes with the cut part uppermost to keep the juice in, 

 adding pepper and butter to taste." Gerard further tells us in his quaint 

 style "that when prepared in this manner they form a dainty dish fit for 

 a queen." 



USES. 



Tomatos are now very generally and extensively used in a variety of 

 ways, and more especially in warm climates. In the south of Europe 

 they are very popular, particularly in Italy, while in France their use is 

 general. In the United States the fruit is extensively used in various 

 ways, and in the Australasian colonies it is in great demand. Medicinally 

 Tomatos are considered to be very wholesome, and their use beneficial in 

 various complaints. They are said to be a substitute for calomel when 

 that drug cannot be used without injury to the constitution. Their use 

 in any shape is considered as an aid to digestion, and more especially 

 when rich meats have been eaten. It was customary formerly at the 

 cannibal feasts in Fiji and other South Sea Islands for the natives to eat 

 an indigenous species (Li/copersicon awthropophagorum) to assist the 

 digestion of the large quantity of human flesh that they consumed on 

 these occasions. The foliage of the Tomato, as also that of several other 

 kinds of Solatium, is obnoxious to some forms of insect life, and an 

 infusion of the leaves used as a spray is a good remedy for Aphides and 

 other soft-bodied pests. When planted near fruit trees the Tomato is also 

 supposed to keep away various insects. 



Tomatos can be utilized in a great variety of ways, and either when 

 ripe or in a green state. The ripe fruit is extensively used when raw, 

 eaten plain with or without meat, or mixed in salads. When fried or 

 baked with meat they are very palatable, and are extensively used for 

 flavouring sauces, soups, and gravies. An excellent and popular sauce is 

 made from Tomatos, and also a very tasty and relishing catsup. They 

 enter largely into the composition of the East Indian Chutney, and can 

 be converted into an excellent jam. The fruit is also sometimes dried 

 with sugar to imitate Figs, and a very palatable wine can be made from 



