The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1880-12-29

should be so arranged as to be pro-
tected from frost, the young plants
being very tender. A frame OF boards
around the bed covered with muslin
answers every purpose. Let the
plants remain in the seed he'd until
danger of frost is over. If the plants
grow tall aud spindling set in slant.
ing position and cover the stems with
earth nearly to the first leaves; they
will then have the appearance Of
young plants, and will grow off more
vigorously. as the covered stem will
put out roots along its entire length.
Hathaway's Excelsior Is an excellent
variety. The trophy and some other
varieties popular at tho North grow
too large here. Set the plants four
by four feet. Cultivate the same as
cabbage A small worm eats the
young green fruit If it becomes too
troublesome syringe the vines with
whale-oil soap. A large worm eats
the leaves; it does not give serious
trouble and Is easily found and de-
stroyed. The all Important point in
raising tomatoes is to gather at the
right stage Of Development Early
in the season pick when The fruit be
gius 10 color; later in the season
gather as suon a. they have attained
their growth, when they will have d
whitlsh look and have lost The fuzzy
appearance and sticky feeling OF the
green lruiL. The laler IN the season
the greener should be the fruit ship,
ped. Pick by breaking the joint
where the obliquely set fruit stem
joins the stalk, by i slight pressure
OF the thumb or finger; this is easily
done il the stem be held i'll the right
position. Handle very carefully as
they break easily Wrap in heavy
straw wrapping paper, pack firmly,
but gently and do not allow them to
extend above the Top OF the crate
Use the standard bushel crate tor all
vegetables not packed in barrels.
The earlier tonaleg scan be marketed
viz NSNtSA PttSS ViiNs VII DiAhSs.
CUUUMBERS.
Plant the iced few days before
the full moon IN January, this is the
time for the last cold snap, during
which the seed will remain in the
earth. Lay off the ground the same
as for other vegetables, the distance
depends somewhat On the character
of the soil, five 10y five feet is the av,
erage distance. Plant the seed at
the intersections OF the burrows, not
over one inch deep, put about twelve
seeds TO the hill and scatter well.
Firm the soil over lhe seed with the
hoe. This operation is OF the great
est Importance in terminating all
seeds and should never be neglected
The white spine is the best variety.
There is great difference in the seeds
Of the same variety, and much uncer.
tainty i'll the quality OF the seed.
The better way Is to get some North
ern gardener 10 raise the seed. Do
not hill the vines, stir the ground as
thoro ughly and frequently as possible
until the vines prevent culture. There
is some risk OF frost, aud in case of
loss the gardener must replant. A
worm eats into the pith OF the run.
ners and the fruit, for which we know
10 remedy. The first shipment will
come off from the 10Th TO the 20lh of
April. Gather as soon as plump
Cut, leaving stem about half an
inch long. Sort according to quality
into two classes, ship these 10 differ.
ent merchants, or better still to dit.
ferent cities The culls can he sent to a
third market, though it is doubtful if
the latter pays Pack firmly laying
them lengthwise with the crate. The
earlier they can be got INTO market
the better.
IRISH POTATOES.
These require light, dry, rich soil
The land intended for potatoes should
not be plowed in September, as tor
other vegetables. When the time
for planting arrives list off the grass
and pillow shallow burrows tour feet
apart down to damp earth; in these
drop the seed, cut IN pieces, leaving
each piece one or two ayes about six
inches apart. Spread the grass pre-
viously cut from the land in the fur
rows over the seed, aud cover with
earth. Keep The ground clean with
Z In hand ,,lou, aud hoo rI,ha E,,lx