THE VEGETABtE-^JlU^S 



many modern improvements to allow these older sorts to retain 

 a share of public favour. 



THE EGG-PLANT or AUBERGINE (Solanum melongena) . 

 This is a plant of the future ; for when its excellent qualities 

 become generally known, and its culture understood and 

 popularly adopted, it will probably leap into public favour like 

 the Tomato has done. The latter vegetable-fruit is one which, 

 with many people, demands an acquired taste ; and the Egg- 

 plant is a somewhat similar subject, only waiting to be known 

 in order to become popular. Its uses are at present limited to 

 being cut into slices, fried in oil, or as an ingredient in stews and 

 soups. But there is another excellent side to its character 

 that of the decorative. All the variations of the Egg-plant are 

 most handsome, in foliage, flower, and fruit ; and a conservatory 

 embellished with a few pots of this interesting plant acquires a 

 valuable additional attractiveness. The Aubergine is essentially 

 a greenhouse subject, although, in good summers, outdoor 

 culture is possible. The seeds must be sown in March, in a 

 strong, moist heat, and, when the seedlings have had about six 

 weeks' strenuous growth, they are pricked out, either on a 

 hotbed or into small pots. The latter are returned to the 

 source of heat a plunge into a hotbed is a good method 

 and grown on steadily until very well rooted. After this, the 

 plants are treated in a manner suited to the method of culture 

 in or out of doors. For the latter purpose, the plants are usually 

 placed in four-inch pots, gradually hardened off, and planted 

 out in June. The site must be warm, sunny, and rich. Two 

 feet between each plant should be allowed, and a stick provided 

 for support. When full greenhouse culture is intended to be 

 given, the usual " shifting " up to the fruiting-pot size is the 

 procedure to be observed. The Aubergine forms an erect, 

 bushy plant, bearing its fruit somewhat after the fashion of the 

 Tomato, only a certain number of which are allowed to remain 

 on the plant. Towards the end of the season, the top shoots 

 of the plants should be pinched off. A liberal supply of clear 

 and manure-water is a great necessity, especially in hot weather. 

 There are many forms of the Egg-plant. Those usually grown 

 for practical fruiting, in Britain, are the earlier quickly-growing 

 varieties, such as the Early Long Purple, and the Early Dwarf 

 Purple. Other varieties may be 'grown for the sake of orna- 

 mental effect, the best one being White Egg, a most handsome 

 subject, of distinct relationship, whose low-growing and branching 



