EGG-PLANT. 601 



is obovate, four or five inches in diameter, six or seven inches 

 deep, slightly indented at the apex, and of a fine deep purple 

 when well matured, specimens sometimes occur slightly 

 striped or rayed with yellowish-green. 



The American Large Purple, if not the same, is but an 

 improved form of this variety. 



A highly ornamental variety, introduced Scarlet-fruit- 

 ed Egg-plant, 

 from Portugal. The plant attains the height Hov. Mag. 



of three feet, with leaves about six inches long. In general 

 appearance, it resembles the Common Egg-plant ; but the 

 fruit, which is about the size of a hen's egg, is of a beauti- 

 ful scarlet. 



It is rarely if ever used for food, but is principally culti- 

 vated for its peculiar, richly colored, and ornamental fruit, 

 which makes a fine garnish. 



The variety is late, and comparatively tender. The seeds 

 should be started early in a hot-bed, and the plants grown in 

 a warm and sheltered situation. 



Fruit milk-white, egg-shaped, varying from White Egg- 



plftTlt* 



three to five inches in length, and from two 



inches and a half to three inches and a half in diameter. 



It is the earliest, hardiest, and most productive of all vari- 

 eties. The plants frequently produce five or six fruits each ; 

 but the first formed are generally the largest. 



If sown in the open ground early in May, the plants will 

 often perfect a portion of their fruit ; but they are most pro- 

 ductive when started in a hot-bed. 



The fruit is sometimes eaten cooked in the manner of the 

 Purple varieties, but is less esteemed. 

 51 



