Encyclopaedia of Gardening 289 



fertile. Such ground in its natural untilled state is unsuitable for 



the principal fruits, and the crops of vegetables are late; in its 



ameliorated state it will grow good fruit and (given a reasonable 



amount of shelter) early vegetables. Trees, shrubs, Roses, and 



flowering plants generally thrive the better in heavy soil when it is 



drained and aerated. The reason is that more of the nitrifying 



bacteria which convert manure into plant food can live in the tilled 



than in the untilled soil. Those who are 



establishing gardens for market culture 



should give careful attention to the selection 



of ground. This is particularly necessary 



where fruit is to be planted. The best fruit 



lands are generally found within 50 miles of 



the sea, where the soil is loam. Neither very 



stiff nor very light soil is ideal. For vege- 



table culture shelter and a warm aspect are 



important, because they favour earliness, 



which means good prices. Those who are 



making gardens for pleasure need not be so 



particular. 



Solanum, Nightshade (sola-num, from solor, 

 to comfort, in allusion to the narcotic influ- 

 ences. Ord. Solaiiaceae) . A large genus, and 



A BERRY SOLANUM 



Making fresh growth afler 



being cut back. 



one of outstanding importance, inasmuch as it includes the Potato, 

 S. tuberosum (see Kitchen Garden). Hybridists have endeavoured 

 to give the garden Potato improved disease-resisting powers by- 

 crossing with other species, such as S. Maglia and S. Commersoni, 

 but hitherto without success. The latter is the so-called " swamp 

 Potato; " it will thrive in moist places, but is of no value as a food 

 crop. The genus Solanum includes several plants well worth grow- 

 ing for their ornamental appearance. One case in point is the 

 " Winter Cherry," S. Capsicastrum, which carries a crop of bright 

 red berries thrcugh the winter. This may be raised from seed or 

 cuttings. If the former, sow in a frame or greenhouse in spring; if 

 the latter, rest the old plants in spring, prune them back, water and 

 syringe them, then take some of the young shoots which push and 

 insert them in sandy soil under a bell-glass. 

 The plants may be put outdoors in the 

 summer and potted up into 5 -in. about 

 mid-September, using a compost of loam 

 with a little decayed manure and sand. 

 There is a sort with variegated leaves. 

 Other ornamental Solanums are crispum, a 

 hardy wall evergreen shrub with blue 

 How TO PRUNE BACK A flowers in summer, followed by yellowish 

 BKR^ES^ jasminoides, a greenhouse climber 



Cut at the bars with blue and white flowers in summer, 



there is a variegated variety; Melongena, 



the Egg Plant (see Kitchen Garden) ; robustum, a greenhouse 

 species with handsome foliage, suitable for planting in a sub- 

 tropical garden in summer ; and Wendlandii, a warm-house 



