VEQ1 1 ABLE CROPS. 



695 



Growing for the Sauce Trade. 



When it is realised that the Sydney market consumes some thousands of 

 tons of tomatoes annually, some idea may be formed of the extent of the 

 industry at the present ti 



At the beginning- of each season the different jam and sauce manufac- 

 turers let out contracts for the tomatoes they will require during that sea- 

 son. Some firms deal with as much a> K><» tons annually, letting out con- 

 tracts for about 50 tons to each man willing to supply. The contract is 

 only binding to a certain point. If the season turns out unfavourable, and 

 the grower cannot supply the full amount, no attempt is made to compel 

 him. On the other hand, if a man grows the tomatoes and tries to dispose 

 of them in a more profitable direction he will certainly be brought to book. 



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Wfc ■■J£S$i& 



• s 



A 9-acre Tomato Plantation at Richmond, N.S.W. 



As nothing is gained by getting early tomatoes for this trade, the seed 

 need not be sown till all danger of frosts is over. Seed sown in September 

 is likely to escape frosts, and at the same time will come on better than the 

 earlier-sown beds. Burwood Prize stands easily first as the best all-round 

 variety. It is a -sure and even cropper, a good carrier, and, what is very 

 important also, a most vigorous grower. During the very hot scorching 

 days of December and January the fruit will scald very badly unless well 

 protected by the foliage, and this is one reason why the Burwood Prize is 

 so popular. 



With a good germination one ounce of seed is sufficient to plant 2 acres 

 where field spacing is 6 feet x 6 feet. 



The usual method of planting is to first open out drills with the plough 

 and then to dig small holes at the required distance along the furrow- 

 the plants. About li pints of water are then put in each hole before the 



