VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 



433 



was introduced into England in 1590, and was long' cul- 

 tivated in the flower garden for its beautiful red and 

 yellow fruit, which was not used for food, but by many 

 considered poisonous. "As an esculent plant, in 1828-'9," 

 says Buist, speaking of its use in this country, " it was 



Fig. 149— Atlantic Prize Tomato. 



almost detested; in ten years more every variety of pill 

 and panacea was ' extract of tomato.' " It is now one 

 of the most popular vegetables in cultivation, and springs 

 up self-sown in all our gardens. There are many varie- 

 ties. The following are among the best: Atlantic Prize, 

 Acme, Beauty, Buckeye State, Chemin Market, Cardinal, 

 Dw^arf Champion, Early Ruby, Fordhook First, Golden 



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