692 THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



Cowpea seed was kept in cold store (35 deg. Fah.) from August to Decem- 

 ber one year, and, though infected, the weevil was found not to have 

 developed. The seed planted in December yielded a good crop, and did not 

 seem arfected by the cold. This method destroys the grubs and beetles, and, 

 even if it does not destroy the eggs, prevents their development. Cold 

 storage, though presenting practical difficulties, will certainly save a large 

 percentage of grain that would otherwise be lost. 



THE TOMATO. 



The extensive cultivation of the tomato is of comparatively recent years, 

 but it has advanced so rapidly in public estimation as a most useful, whole- 

 some, and delicious fruit or vegetable, that very large areas are annually 

 planted with it. In this State the production of early tomatoes for domestic 

 use and mid-season crops for sauce manufacturers is a distinct and profitable 

 business, occupying considerable areas. 



The best land for tomatoes is a rich mellow loam, with a little sand in the 

 upper layer, and a good clay subsoil. For early crops a northern aspect is 

 desirable. Poor and medium quality lands will frequently give early crops, 

 but not heavy ones. Where this plant is to be grown in quantity for manu- 

 facture or the open market, when quantity is of more consequence than 

 earliness, the soil must be either naturally rich or artificially made so. 



Preparation of the Land. 



Having selected the land for this crop it must be prepared during the 

 autumn previous to planting in the spring. If new land be taken it must 

 be broken up and prepared with all the care advocated for onions and 

 potatoes. 



Planting in the open cannot take place until the district is clear of frosts 

 unless means be taken to shelter the young plants every evening as the 

 Chinese do. Meanwhile the young plants have to be got ready in a cold 

 frame, or some warm sheltered spot. 



The Seed Bed. 



The seed or plant bed may be made of any desired size, according to the 

 extent of cropping. A frame of boards of the required size may be built 

 on this plot, and covered with calico or new hessian; the latter should be 

 made to shift or roll up, as will be frequently needed. The seed may be 

 sown in shallow boxes under cover, or in the frame, and covered with a 

 sprinkling of fine loamy soil. One to two ounces of seed will produce more 

 than sufficient plants for one acre. As soon as the plants are large enough 

 to handle (2 or 3 inches high) they should be transplanted into the frame, 

 which by this time should have been worked up to the finest condition and 

 tilth. 



The plants may be set out, say, 5 or 6 inches apart, both in rows and 

 spaces, setting each plant opposite the space in the former row. Here they 

 may remain and grow until time for transplanting into the field; and by 



