I quite agree with Mr. Hicks (page 82) in his remarks as to the value of the Acme tomato, and •do not think that I shall cultivate it another season. I have from time to time cultivated most if not all the principal varieties of tomatoes, and no variety has proved to be so subject to the rot as the Acme. I have also found the fruit very soft and watery when fully ripe. On this account I do not think that it could be carried safely to any distance. Its peculiar color, pinkish red, is decidedly •objected to by many persons.

But I do not agree with Mr. H. as to the value of the Tilden and Trophy; at least for the garden. The Trophy proves to be very rough and irregular in shape, and ripens very unequally. The same can be said of the Tilden. In the summer and fall of 1881 the Trophy rotted as badly as the Acme, and in this connection it may be of interest to say that I never noticed the rot among my tomatoes until I cultivated the Acme.

But is Mr. H. certain that his plants of the Tilden were correct and true to name? A year or so ago I was desirous of obtaining a few plants of this variety, but could not succeed. I obtained seeds that were claimed to be Tilden, but when the fruit ripened it was plain to all that there was not a Tilden tomato among them. The majority of them were the Trophy, the rest, I know not what.

But I have never had as favorable an opinion of the Trophy tomato as some have. I always considered it too rough and coarse a variety for garden cultivation. For market purposes it will no doubt answer very well, as size, not quality is wanting there. But in the garden we require something very different; solidity, smoothness, productiveness and good quality is there wanted. The desirable quality of ripening equally on all sides, and close up to the stem, is also most essential.

Although I do not consider perfection reached as yet, still I think there is nothing more to be gained as far as earliness is concerned. I think we have attained to that desired point, and would suggest to those who are striving to improve this desirable esculent to give more attention to shape, smoothness, uniformity of size and solidity.

After a trial of many varieties, I know of none better than Hathaway's Excelsior for the main and later crops. Unfortunately it is several days later than the Conqueror and Canada Victor, so that we cannot dispense with the latter varieties as yet. It may be well to say that I gave the Mayflower a trial last season, and was very much pleased with it. I consider it one of our most promising varieties; but another season's trial is necessary to determine its full value. I intended to have given more fully my experience with the different varieties of tomatoes, for which purpose last season I made copious notes. But I fear you could not well spare the necessary space.