454 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
647. Varieties change so rapidly from year to year that 
it is scarcely worth while to do more than mention the 
names of varieties prominent today. There are exceptions, as 
the Stone, but the probabilities are that even this stand- 
ard variety of such splendid qualities will ultimately be 
replaced by a superior one.- Four-fifths of the varieties 
suggested in this discussion were not offered by Amer- 
ican seedsmen 20 years ago. The grower, therefore, 
should be on the lookout for improved varieties, scanning 
the catalogs annually and securing sample packets of 
seeds of the most promising for testing in comparison 
with the old, reliable sorts. 
Some markets have a preference for red tomatoes, while 
others want purple. Again, it often occurs that there is 
a demand for fruits of both colors upon the same market. 
EARLY VARIETIES 
Earliana is very much the best-known early variety in 
America, being grown probably more extensively than 
all other early varieties combined. Extreme earliness, 
bright-red color, large size and high quality for an early 
tomato are the points that have gained for it such wide 
popularity. As the strains of this variety show great 
variation too much care cannot be exercised in procur- 
ing seed of the best, whether purchased or grown at 
home. The vines of most strains die early in the season, 
after producing a comparatively small amount of fruit. 
Bonny Best, introduced only a few years ago, practi- 
cally as early as Earliana, is regarded superior by many 
successful growers. The fruit is red, solid, of good size, 
smoother, and higher in quality than Earliana. The 
plants are very productive and vigorous and valued for 
canning in New Jersey. 
Chalk’s Jewel and John Baer are similar to Bonny Best 
and are well liked by many gardeners. Redhead is a new 
variety popular for canning and market. 
