re._--The seed should be sown in a hot-bed in March, at
the time and in the manner of sowing tomato seed. The young plants are,
however, more tender; and should not be allowed to get chilled, as they
recover from its effects very slowly. The plant being decidedly tropical
in character, the seedlings should not be transplanted into the open
ground until the commencement of summer weather; when they may be set
out in rows two feet apart, and two feet asunder in the rows. Keep the
ground free from weeds, earth up the plants a little in the process of
cultivation, and by the last of August, or beginning of September,
abundance of fruit will be produced for the table.

If no hot-bed is at hand, sufficient seedling plants for a small garden
may be easily raised by sowing a few seeds in March in common
flower-pots, and placing them in the sunny window of the sitting-room or
kitchen.

In favorable seasons, a crop may be obtained by sowing the seeds in May
in the open ground, and transplanting the seedlings, when two or three
inches high, in a warm and sheltered situation.

_Use._--"It is used both boiled and stewed in sauces like the Tomato. A
favorite method among the French is to scoop out the seeds, fill up the
cavity with sweet herbs, and fry the fruit whole."--_M'Int._

A common method of cooking and serving is as follows: Cut the fruit in
slices half an inch thick; press out as much of the juice as possible,
and parboil; after which, fry the slices in batter, or in fresh butter
in which grated bread has been mixed; season with pepper, salt, and
sweet herbs, to suit; or, if preferred, the slices may be broiled as
steaks or chops.

_Varieties._--

AMERICAN LARGE PURPLE.

[Illustration: American Large Purple Egg-plant.]

Fruit remarkably large,--often measuring eight inches in depth, seven
inches in diameter, and weighing four or five pounds; skin deep-purple,
with occasional stripes of green about the stem; plant hardy and stocky.

The American Large Purple is more generally cultivated in this country
than any other variety. The plants produce two (and rarely three)
fruits; but the first formed are invariably the best developed.

It is similar to, if not identical with, the Round Purple of English and
French authors.

CHINESE LONG WHITE. _Vil._

Quite distinct from the Common White or the Purple. Plant of low growth,
with comparatively pale foliage; fruit white, eight or nine inches long,
two inches and a