142 AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 



of the pots, without breaking the ball of earth, or, if not potted, 

 transplant into hills three feet by two, in very rich, warm soil. 

 Hoe them often, and apply liquid manure from time to time. 



When the fruit seems to have attained about three fourths 

 of its size, and before it begins to lose its deep purple color, it 

 is ready for use. 



The purple egg-plant is a rich and valuable esculent, often 

 growing to the size of an ordinary muskmelon, and when thinly 

 sliced and well cooked by frying in good butter, or lard, in 

 which it cooks more readily, deserves even a better name than 

 that of " beefsteak plant." It is also called by some " Guinea 

 squash." The white is merely ornamental, or, rather, simply 

 curious. 



ENDIVE. 



French, Chicoree. German, Endivie. Spanish, Chicoria. 



GREEN CURLED, &C. 



BRIEF DIRECTIONS. 



Time : sow from February to April for summer use, and from 

 June to August for fell and winter, and set out and cultivate 

 as lettuce. See p. 148. 



At the South it may be sown and set out still later. 



The endive is a handsomely curled plant, resembling the Si- 

 lesian lettuce in its habit, but of a strong and bitter flavor. It 

 is chiefly used as a fall and winter salad, but also for garnish- 

 ing, and sometimes in stews. 



It is rendered milder by blanching, which is effected by gath- 

 ering the whole of the leaves upright, and tying them closely 

 together near the point, two or three weeks before it is cut for 

 use, or by placing over the heads earthen pans or saucers, which 

 are made by the potters for this purpose, like dish-covers, with 

 a small knob upon them. The broad-leaved or Batavian en- 

 dive is a plainer-leaved and coarser variety than the curled. 



