ON TOMATO CULTIVATION. 



429 



Chiswick in 1896, and was given an " award of merit " by the 

 R.H.S., who state that it is of " compact growth, great cropper, 

 clusters overlapping each other, averaging six fruits each ; 

 moderate size, round, smooth, dark red, solid, and good flavour." 

 Smooth fruits of medium size are more highly appreciated in 

 the market than large ones. In nearly every instance the 

 smaller fruits realised from Id. to 2d. per lb. more than the 

 larger ones. 



Experiments in Manuring during the year 1896. 

 No manure was applied until the roots had taken full posses- 

 sion of the soil, at which time a number of plants growing in 

 different houses, and under varying conditions as to light and 

 sunshine, were selected for the purpose of experimenting with 

 the following manures, which were applied fortnightly at the 

 rate of one-eighth of an ounce to each plant. In each case 

 where more than one kind of manure was used they were mixed 

 in equal proportions, and the exact quantity given. The plants 

 were carefully attended to, and their condition and results noted 

 at the time. 



No. 1. Nitrate of soda and muriate of potash. 

 „ 2. Superphosphate of lime, muriate of potash, and sulphate 

 of iron. 



,, 3. Sulphate of ammonia and muriate of potash. 

 ,, 4. Muriate of potash, sulphate of iron, and nitrate of 

 soda. 



,, 5. Sulphate of iron and muriate of potash. 



,, 6. Muriate of potash. 



,, 7. Sulphate of iron. 



,, 8. Nitrate of soda. 



„ 9. Sulphate of ammonia. 



,, 10. Superphosphate of lime. 



Nos. 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10 were quite a failure; the fruit was 

 below the average size, and the foliage had a yellow sickly 

 appearance, indicating a deficiency of nitrogen in the soil. 

 The plants appeared so unhealthy that several persons who 

 were not experienced in plant growing noticed their poor con- 

 dition. 



Nos. 3 and 4 produced a moderate crop, and appeared to be 

 fairly healthy. 



