SECTION VIII 



THE VEGETABLE-FRUITS 



I HAVE placed several subjects in this section which answer 

 to the description of a vegetable-fruit, not that there is 

 any relationship or similarity between them from a botanical 

 point of view, but because, first of all, every one of them require 

 heat and glass protection of some sort in their initial stages of 

 growth ; secondly, much care is demanded on the part of the 

 cultivator in every phase of growth, mistakes or mismanagement 

 being rewarded by complete failure ; and thirdly, because they 

 are delicate subjects, both from a cultural and culinary point 

 of view, which will not accommodate themselves to the rough- 

 and-ready treatment that may with a measure of impunity be 

 given to most vegetables. No kitchen-garden, however, can 

 be considered complete without at least one of them. Glass is 

 indispensable where early and well-ripened fruits are desired ; 

 and some of the subjects should be given a place in a glass 

 structure during the whole course of their existence. So far 

 as raising the seedlings is concerned, although heat is neces- 

 sary as that operation is carried out so early in the year, yet the 

 means of providing heat need not be elaborate a propagating- 

 box with a small lamp under ; a frame upon a slight hotbed ; 

 a heap of manure litter and leaves, into which pots or boxes 

 containing the seeds can be plunged, this being surmounted by a 

 larger box or framework covered with a piece or pieces of glass ; 

 or the greenhouse proper these can all be utilized with profit 

 and success. The satisfactory development of the subsequent 

 growth and production of fruit depends upon the skill and 

 perseverance of the cultivator, 



THE TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum) . This popular vege- 

 table-fruit is now an important addition to the common food- 

 supply of Britain, and an increasing quantity is grown each year 



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