2 BULLETIK- 392^ U. S. DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTUEE. 



Correlations. — In connection with each lesson topic some sugges- 

 tions are made as to the utilization of the subject in vitalizmg the 

 other subjects in the school curriculum. These suggestions are not 

 intended as a part of each lesson, but should be worked out in con- 

 nection with the recitations in the other school subjects. It is hoped 

 that the teachers wlU take advantage of these suggestions and elabo- 

 rate them to meet local needs. 



Note to tlie teacher. — To make the teachmg of the lesson topics of 

 this publication effective, three points must be kept m mmd: (1) A 

 monthly or seasonal sequence plan should be followed in the pre- 

 sentation of topics; (2) simple classroom exercises should be per- 

 formed to illustrate and emphasize the prmciples contamed in the 

 lesson topics; (3) members of the class in agriculture should carry on 

 home work or club work with tomatoes for profit. To have educa- 

 tional value this home work or club work should meet the following 

 requirements: ^ (1) The vrork of growing tomatoes should be a part 

 of the instruction in agriculture; (2) a defuiite plan should be fol- 

 lowed in the growing of tomatoes; (3) the parents should agree ta 

 and approve the home work of the pupils; (4) the work should be 

 carefully supervised by some competent person; and (5) detailed 

 records of labor, methods, expenditures, yields, and incomes should 

 be kept and reported upon in writing by the pupils. 



LESSON ONE. 



TOPIC: HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE. 



month: SEPTEMBER. 



Lesson outline.^ — History : The tomato is native to South America, 

 having been grown by the origmal inhabitants. It belongs to the 

 nightshade family, and for that reason was long thought to be poison- 

 ous. It is only in the last hundred years that it has come into gen- 

 eral use. It is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil condi- 

 tions, but flourishes best in a mild climate and on a weU-drained rich 

 loam soil with a clay subsoU. 



The tomato belongs to the same order of plants as do peppers and 

 eggplants. While the real kinship of the tomato to these plants is 

 not very close, botanically speaking, yet apparently they are quite 

 closely related and might be classed as cousins. They require much 

 the same cultivation and they are subject to some of the same pests. 

 The same general instructions with reference to starting in hotbeds, 

 hardening off in cold frames, transplanting and cultivating for toma- 

 toes, are applicable to peppers and eggplants. 



Importance : Great quantities of tomatoes are grown for home use 

 and to be sold on the American markets. Thousands of acres are 



I The term "home project," as used by school oflScers in certain sections of the United States/involves 

 the same requirements as enumerated in this connection. 

 - The statements given in each lesson outline are based largely upon Farmers' Bulletins Nos. 220 and 642. 



