[Illustration: BURPEE’S CARDINAL TOMATO.]
BURPEE’S CARDINAL.--I had the pleasure of growing this variety
before it was introduced, having been presented with a small packet
of seed by the originator, who requested me to make a trial of its
merits, and though it was an unfavorable season, and, as I wished to
keep it separate, I could not plant it in my best tomato ground, its
fine qualities exceeded all that he claimed for it. It is of beautiful
appearance, every fruit being a brilliant cardinal red, uniform in
shape, and without blemish or cracks. The flesh is of the same bright
color, is firm and free from any rot or core, and is of superior
flavor. The vine is very heavy bearing, and one of the best for all
purposes that I know.
BURPEE’S CLIMAX.--This variety resembles somewhat the preceding kind,
excepting that the fruits are a light crimson in color and do not
average so large as does the Cardinal. The fruit matures early, ripens
evenly, without core or cracks. The flesh is fine-flavored, solid, and
produces but few seeds; it is a good kind for all purposes.
[Illustration: ESSEX EARLY HYBRID TOMATO.]
ESSEX EARLY HYBRID.--Very early, solid, rich flavored and handsome. It
is of large size and grows perfectly smooth; the color is a bright
pink, ripening evenly all over. It is very early, a great bearer, and,
being solid, is a most excellent variety for shipping purposes.
GOLDEN QUEEN.--This is the best yellow tomato that I have ever grown.
The fruit is of good size, handsome color, smooth, round shape, and
superior quality. They should be in every garden, for the sake of the
pleasing contrast they make when served with the red varieties.
[Illustration: GOLDEN QUEEN TOMATO.]
TURNER HYBRID.--This variety I consider _the_ tomato above all others,
not only for its large size, handsome appearance and heavy cropping,
but most of all for _its superior quality_, which far surpasses that
of any other tomato that I have over eaten; and if there is one crop
more than another that I pride myself upon, it is my tomatoes. Mr.
Burpee, of W. Atlee Burpee & Co., gave me, in 1884, the small paper
of seed sent them by a customer, and I planted it, as stated in the
general chapter on tomatoes, and was so much pleased with it that since
that time I have planted it altogether for my own use, with the single
exception of a few plants of the Golden Queen. It is a rank, strong
grower, with peculiar foliage, the vines strongly resembling potato
tops. The fruit is very large and remarkably early for the size of the
tomatoes; the average weight of the fruit is from twelve to eighteen
ounces, so it will readily be seen that the size is very large, while,
as above stated, I do not think it is possible to recommend the quality
too highly.[15]
[Illustration: TURNER HYBRID TOMATO.]