394 The Principles of Vegetable- Gardening 



cloth -covered frames are often used for starting tomato 

 and other plants. Fig. 125. The cloth is rolled up 

 during the day. The securing of a good crop of toma- 

 toes in the North depends very largely on having vigor- 

 ous and stocky plants that are well in advance of the 



Fig. 125. Cloth-covered frames. 



XJsed in the South for tomatoes, tobacco, and other plants. The 

 muslin is used for protection at night and in cold weather, and is rolled 

 up, as shown, in the day. (After Earle.) 



season, and a warm, quick soil. The plants should be 

 set in the field" as soon as the weather is settled. 

 Thereafter they need no special care except to keep the 

 land well tilled. 



It is commonly said that very rich soil is not to be 

 advised for the tomato. This is probably true as re- 

 spects the heavy application of stable manure, for such 



