2 BULLETIN 392, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Correlations. — In connection with each lesson topic some sugges- 
tions are made as to the utilization of the subject in vitalizing the 
other Subjects in the school curriculum. These suggestions are not 
intended as a part of each lesson, but should be worked out in con- 
nection with the recitations hi the other school subjects. It is hoped 
that the teachers will take advantage of these suggestions and elabo- 
rate them to meet local needs. 
Sote to the teacher. — To make the teaching of the lesson topics of 
this publication effective, three points must be kept in mind: (1) A 
monthly or seasonal sequence plan should be followed in the pre- 
sentation of topics; (2) simple classroom exercises should be per- 
formed to illustrate and emphasize the principles contained in the 
lesson topics; (3) members of the class in agriculture should carry on 
home work or club work with tomatoes for profit. To have educa- 
tional value this home work or club work should meet the following 
requirements: l (1) The work of growing tomatoes should be a part 
of the instruction in agriculture; (2) a definite plan should be fol- 
lowed in the growing of tomatoes; (3) the parents should agree to 
and approve the home work of the pupils; (-1) the work should be 
carefully supervised by some competent person; and (5) detailed 
records of labor, methods, expenditures, yields, and incomes should 
be kept and reported upon in writing by the pupils. 
LESSON ONE. 
TOPIC: HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE. 
MONTH: SEPTEMBER. 
Lesson outline. 2 — History: The tomato is native to South America, 
having been grown by the original inhabitants. It belongs to the 
nightshade family, and for that reason was long thought to be poison- 
ous. It is only in the last hundred years that it has come into gen- 
eral use. It is adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil condi- 
tions, but flourishes best in a mild climate and on a well-drained rich 
loam soil with a clay subsoil. 
The tomato belongs to the same order of plants as do peppers and 
eggplants. While the real kinship of the tomato to these plants is 
not very close, botanically speaking, yet apparently they are quite 
closely related and might be classed as cousins. They require much 
the same cultivation and they are subject to some of the same pests. 
The same general instructions with reference to starting in hotbeds, 
hardening off in cold frames, transplanting and cultivating for toma- 
toes, are applicable to peppers and eggplants. 
Importance: Great quantities of tomatoes are grown for home use 
and to be sold on the American markets. Thousands of acres are 
1 The term "home project," as used by school officers in certain sections of the United States., involves 
the same requirements as enumerated in this connection. 
- The statements Riven in each lesson outline are based largely upon Farmers' Bulletins Xos. 220 and 6-12. 
