VEGETABLES TOMATO. 301 



we would only take the trouble to always select the first 

 matured fruits, and the best specimens only, for seed, 

 and so continue, there is no question whatever but it 

 would amply repay the trouble. But the grower for 

 market grudges to give up his first basket of fruit, that 

 may realize him $5 or $6, for a few ounces of seed, know- 

 ing that he can get plenty when his crop in not worth the 

 gathering for market. But, depend upon it, he makes a 

 mistake, for the seed from his first fruits would, perhaps, 

 pay him a hundred times better, if used for sowing the next 

 year, than any price he might get for it in the market. 



In private gardens, where space is often limited, a 

 greater quantity of fruit will be obtained by elevating 

 the branches of the Tomato from the ground with brush, 

 such as is used for sticking Peas, or by tying to laths 

 nailed against a board fence ; or, what is neater yet, the 

 hoop training system as practised in France. But for 

 market purposes, on a large scale, it would require too 

 much labor. 



The following, at this date, are the leading kinds : 



Mikado. (See figure 96.) This is the second season 

 that we have grown this variety, and I predict that it 

 will be certain to become a standard sort. It is one of 

 the earliest of the large Tomatoes ; in color purplish-red ; 

 fruit produced in immense clusters, single fruits often 

 weighing one pound and a half each. The Mikado is 

 entirely distinct in foliage from any other Tomato, which 

 allows it to always be distinguished. 



Acme. Very early and handsome, fruit of medium 

 size, perfectly smooth and regular, very solid, and a good 

 keeper. Color distinct, being crimson with a pinkish 

 tinge. In some markets the color would be a detriment ; 

 in others, again, it would be considered no disadvantage. 



Paragon. The description of the Acme will answer 

 for this, except that in the Paragon the color is of a 



