TOMATO — TUENIP. 



221 



TOMATO, (Lycopersicum esculentum.) 



If any vegetable is grown in a family garden, it is al- 

 most certain to be the Tomato. Hundreds of people 

 who have only a few feet of ground at their disposal, 

 manage to cultivate a dozen or two of tomato-plants, 

 though they may have nothing else ; so well is it known 

 that I think few of my readers will require to be told 

 much about its culture. The Tomato will grow any- 

 where, and under almost any circumstances, provided 

 always that it has the necessary high temperature ; it is 

 essentially a plant of the Tropics, and need never be sown 

 in a hot-bed here before March, or planted in the open 

 ground before the middle of May. When cultivated in 

 private gardens, the tomato-vine should always be pro- 

 vided with some sort of trellis, or be tacked up against a 

 fence or wall. By this treatment, not only will a heavier 

 crop be obtained, but the flavor will be better ; when the 

 fruit rests on the ground it has often an inferior flavor, 

 particularly when eaten raw, and is also more apt to de- 

 cay. A few dozen plants usually Suffice for an ordinary 

 family, and if there are no hot-beds or other glass ar- 

 rangements on hand, the plants had better be purchased, 

 as they are sold cheaply everywhere. The favorite vari- 

 eties are the Trophy, Champion Cluster, and Conqueror. 



TURNIP, (Brasska campestris.) 



The Turnip, if wanted for an early crop, is sown in 

 early spring, as directed for beets. The best sorts are the 

 varieties known as White and Purple-top Strap-leaved 

 and Yellow Aberdeen. If for winter or fall use, sowing 

 should be deferred until July or August. The Rata 

 Baga or Swedes, being sown in July, and the earlier 

 winter sorts, such as Yellow Globe or Flat Dutch, are 

 sown in August, 



