226 TRUCK-FARMING AT THE SOUTH. 



however, if of stocky growth, will resist a slight frost, 

 and the earlier it can be put out the better. If white frost 

 be apprehended, the plants may be protected when grown 

 on a small scale, by means of boxes or any other screen, 

 or by smoke; but when on a large scale it is cheaper 

 to have a surplus on hand, in case of loss by frost. 



CULTIVATION. 



The first workings are done with a cultivator or a horse- 

 hoe, running both ways. The plow and hoe leave the crop 

 free from weeds, and on wide beds, at the time picking 

 commences, the soil will be well drawn up to the stems, 

 but without having covered up the young shoots issuing 

 from the main stem, and which will bear fruit. Train- 

 ing the vines to a single pole or to two placed parallel, 

 or to a trellis, may be practiced on a small scale. Prun- 

 ing the vines is not advisable. The fruit matures in this 

 latitude about June 1st. Below is a table showing the 

 dates of sowing, pricking out, planting and harvest for 

 seven consecutive years: 



PICKING AND PACKING. 



The distance from market, or time required in trans- 

 portation, will determine the stage of ripeness at which the 

 fruit is to be picked. Fruit exposed fairly to the sun will 

 show the commencement of the ripening process on the 

 upper surface, while that in the dense shade of luxuri- 

 ant foliage will first rsdden on the flower end. In the 

 vicinity of Charleston and Savannah, the proper stage has 

 been reached, when the tomato has attained a yellow 

 cast; and in Florida, as soon as it is full-grown and 



