Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/132

 1828-9 it was almost detested; in ten years more every variety of pill and panacea was "extract of Tomato." It now occupies as great a surface of ground as Cabbage, and is cultivated the length and breadth of the country. As a culinary dish it is on every table from July to October. Contiguous to large cities, where a high price is given for the first and earliest supply, the exertions of the experienced market gardener bring every operation to bear on its early maturity. It is brought to the table in an infinite variety of forms, being stewed and seasoned, stuffed and fried, roasted and raw, and in nearly every form palatable to all. It is also made into pickles, catsup, and salted in barrels for Winter use, so that with a few years more experience, we may expect to see it as an every-day dish from January to January. It belongs to the same family as the Potato, and like it is destined to be universally cultivated in all climates where it will mature; and we yet expect to see it grown to an extent in the erections of the wealthy who inhabit colder latitudes, that they too may enjoy this favorite. There are several kinds grown for fancy purposes, but only three sorts for the table: these are,

The large smooth Red.—This is a very recent variety, in every respect similar to the common sort, only being smooth and free from protuberances and indentations.

Large Red.—The sort that is grown by the hundreds of acres for market supply, and is from three to eighteen inches in circumference.

Pear Shaped.—This variety is of a reddish-pink color, very fleshy, contains fewer seeds than the two former sorts, equally as good for stewing, and preferable for pickling, being more firm, and of a better shape.

Cherry Shaped.—This variety is very appropriately named. It is cultivated expressly for pickling, and forms a very beautiful variety.

There are several other fancy sorts, generally of a yellow color, which have an interest to those who are fond of variety.