GARDENING OVER A WINTER FIRE. 249 



are several novelties so far superior (according 

 to the catalogues) to anything else known, that 

 it would seem perfection might be reached in 

 this vegetable, if nothing else earthy. Two or 

 three years ago, we had a variety named Gen- 

 eral Grant, indicating that all competitors were 

 vanquished. We bought General Grant, sowed 

 it, hoed it, and ate it, and were satisfied. Gen- 

 eral Grant didn't disappoint us never. It was 

 a good tomato, solid all the way through ; and 

 though not so large as some others, was very 

 prolific. We hoped to "have peace" on the 

 tomato question. But so far from being satis- 

 fied, like the people, with the great namesake 

 for eight years, the seed-growers all proved 

 Liberal Republicans on the tomato question, 

 and every spring new candidates are pressed 

 upon us. And now, Mr. " Smith " has sent 

 out a novelty that renders it almost impossible 

 to wait till next July before seeing the wonder 



