MISCELLANEOUS. 467 



quire much equipment. They are easier grown, 

 shipped in open ventilated cars, and are not so liable 

 to sudden market fluctuations. 



Perishable Crops. These generally demand expen- 

 sive equipment, such as coldframes and hotbeds, and 

 special care must be exercised until they are disposed 

 of. They have to be packed in small packages, 

 shipped in refrigerator cars, and are more subject to 

 market fluctuations. 



Kind of Soil. Vegetables will grow on almost any 

 type of soil, but when one wishes to make a business 

 of raising very early vegetables in large quantities for 

 shipment to distant markets, a favorable soil and cli- 

 mate must be obtained. A well-drained, sandy loam, 

 which warms up early in the spring, is desirable. Such 

 a soil should be in a good mechanical condition to per- 

 mit of feeding the plants to the best advantage. 



Fertilizers. Humus or decayed animal or vege- 

 table matter, and quickly available commercial ferti- 

 lizers are favorable for these crops. 



Climate. The climate determines the season in 

 which the particular truck crops can be grown. The 

 mild winters of southern Florida will permit the grow- 

 ing of tender crops, such as tomatoes, eggplants, etc., 

 which could not be planted in the far North until late 

 spring. 



Natural Protection is Favorable. As the season 

 advances, each truck zone, so to speak, furnishes the 

 sections north of it, until these in turn receive their 

 supply from home-grown products. Certain locali- 

 ties have natural advantages which enable the truck- 

 ers to market their crops earlier than their competi- 

 tors in the same latitude. Protection is offered by 

 large bodies of water, rivers, heavy forests and 

 swamps. 



Rapid Transportation Necessary. Rapid trans- 

 portation must be at hand before truck gardening can 

 possibly exist. Fast freights, express trains, and 

 rapid steamboats are instruments that determine 



