>82 



New Tomatoes. 



my plants this season was more or less rough and ill-shaped : the remain- 

 der of the crop was perfectly smooth and solid ; smoothness of surface 

 being one of its most desirable characteristics. The fruit is rather above 

 medium size ; some of the specimens were quite large. It contains very 

 few seeds, and, from the solidity of its flesh, comparatively little water. 

 Planted at the same time, and receiving the same care and attention, as 

 several other varieties, I was somewhat surprised to find it number two in 

 the order of ripening (the more so as its originators laid no claim to earli- 

 ness for it), and this in a season decidedly unfavorable for the early matur- 

 ing of this fruit. From this fact I have been led to expect, that, with a 



favorable season, it may prove to be as early as any thing we have in culti- 

 vation. A further trial will decide. The only objectional characteristics of 

 this variety (if it should prove to be early) are the extreme delicacy of the 

 skin, which I find is very tender, and liable to break or bruise, unless han- 

 dled with great care ; and its tendency to decay very quickly if allowed to 

 mature on the vines, — points which will tell against it as a market variety. 

 However, taking every thing into consideration, I consider it an acquisi- 

 tion ; and have no doubt that it will become a popular sort for the private 

 garden, if it should not possess all the requisites of a market variety. 



Newton, Oct. 14, 1867. C. N. B. 



