Aubergine. Eierpflanze.

No. 670. - The Egg Plant is a tender, annual plant, that originated in South America. When well grown and properly cooked, it is a delicious table vegetable. Its fruit resembles a large egg in shape. There are two varieties, the white and the violet.

Culture

No. 671. - The seed germinates slowly and should be started in strong heat, for in this, as in all tropical plants, it is of importance to secure a rapid and continuous growth from the first, the plants never recovering from a check received when young. When the plants have formed two rough leaves, transplant them to four inches apart, keep the bed closed and very warm, shaded from the direct rays of the sun, and giving them an abundance of water until the ground is warm and all danger, not only from frost but from cold nights, is past. Then harden off the plants by gradual exposure to the sun and air, and decrease the supply of water. Then carefully transplant them into warm, rich soil, setting the plants two and one-half feet apart. If needed shade the young plants and protect them from the potatoe bug, which is very fond of them, and if not prevented will soon destroy the young plants.

Early Long Purple

No. 672. - This is one of the earliest and most productive varieties. The fruit is long and of a dark, rich, purple color, of fine quality.

Black Pekin

No. 673. - Nearly as early as the above, and as large as the New York purple. It is very prolific and desirable for market. The fruit is nearly round, the skin is smooth, black and glossy; and the flesh is white, fine grained and delicate.

Large New York Purple

No. 674. - This is large and round, and of excellent quality, and is highly esteemed in the Eastern market.

Improved Large Purple

No. 675. - This is the best in cultivation, being early, a sure crop, and of fine quality. The plants are large and vigorous, with light green leaves. The fruit is very large and oval-shaped, a deep purple in color, with an occasional dash of green about the stem. The flesh is white, tender and superior in quality.

Guadaloupe Striped

No. 676. The fruit is nearly oval in shape, and the skin white and variegated with purple, being very ornamental.

Ornamental Varieties

No. 677. - There are three kinds which are not eatable, but are very ornamental in gardens - namely, the scarlet, the tomato-shaped and the white-fruited. The fruit of the scarlet is about the size of a hen's egg, of a whitish color, which changes to yellow and afterwards to a brilliant scarlet. The tomato-shaped is of a bright red color. The white-fruited is egg-shaped and very ornamental.

Egg Plant, Fried (French Style)

No. 678. - Peel and slice two Egg Plants. Sprinkle line salt over each slice, and then replace them in shape again. Press them gently and set them aside for half an hour. Then drain off the water, dry them, dip them in beaten eggs, then in flour, and fry them in hot lard. Season with salt and serve them on a napkin.