i6o 



maturity and the type and size of leaf. These 

 forms, however, have not become sufficiently 

 well fixed to make consideration of varieties par- 

 ticularly important. 



No serious disease or insect pests attack the dan- 

 delion. 



EGGPLANT 



The eggplant is generally thought to be a native 

 of India. In its wild state it is confined almost 

 entirely to tropical and semi-tropical regions. With 

 the greenhouse available for starting the plants, it 

 is possible to successfully cultivate the eggplant 

 during the warmer parts of the season much farther 

 north than could otherwise be done. The commer- 

 cial growing of the eggplant, however, is confined 

 almost entirely to the southern states, but it 

 is grown for home use and in a small way 

 commercially in many northern gardens. The fruit 

 of the eggplant is usually used in a green state, 

 being sliced and fried in various ways. Its use 

 begins when the fruit is from one-half to two-thirds 

 grown and continues until the seed begins to 

 harden. At this time the flesh becomes tough and loses 

 its flavor. In the South where longer seasons are 

 available, moist, loamy soils, abundantly supplied 

 with plant food, seem to give the best results. In 

 the North sandy soils of southern exposure are 

 selected whenever possible and supplied with an 

 abundance of stable and commercial manures in 

 order to hasten the growth to maturity before frost 

 comes. 



Deep and thorough preparation of the soil should 

 be the rule. The early plants started in the green- 



