WINTER VEGETABLES. 



83 



a heavy crop should not be left on at one time, at least if there 

 is any necessity for keeping the plants in a healthy productive 

 state. 



Tomatos are more within the reach of the many, but to be 

 sure of a good winter supply, plants ought to be in their fruiting 

 quarters not later than the first week in August, the aim being 

 to get a heavy crop set before the short, dull days of late autumn 

 arrive. A few may be fit for use before they are needed, but the 

 bulk of the fruit will ripen in succession throughout the winter, 

 and nothing that can be sent to the kitchen will better please 

 the cook. The plants succeed best thinly trained over the roof 

 of a freely ventilated, well-heated house, stewing them being a 

 most unwise proceeding. It is immaterial whether they are 

 trained on the extension system or each plant be kept confined 

 to a single stem, providing always that crowding is avoided. If 

 disease is troublesome do not stop quite so closely, as a few side- 

 shoots, or even only a few young leaves, will serve to take the 

 place of the diseased older ones, and the fruit be kept swelling 

 accordingly. Dwarf Orangefield, Old Eed, and Conference are 

 among the best varieties for winter culture ; but most other 

 popular sorts will succeed well if a comparatively early start is 

 made. 



On the value of a good and constant supply of Mushrooms 

 there is but little need to enlarge. In very mild winters they 

 can be had in quantity and close succession from ridge-shaped 

 open-air beds, and also from flat beds in snug sheds, stables 

 and outhouses ; but these supplies are most uncertain whenever 

 a spell of extra cold weather sets in. A gentle heat, or a 

 temperature of about 55°, is all that is necessary or advisable, 

 a stronger heat unduly hastening and weakening the crops. 

 Where so many err is in constantly syringing the beds, the 

 surface soon becoming saturated, which means destruction to 

 Mushrooms. Better keep them a little on the dry side, giving 

 only gentle waterings occasionally. 



