The space allowed for each plant varies greatly, especially among growers for market.  Under glass every branched Tomato should be allowed at least three feet each way.  For cordons we advocate a distance between the rows of three feet, and a space of two feet in the row is not too much.  The stems require support of some kind, and stakes are preferable to string; but of course the stems may be secured to wires whenever it is convenient to run the plants immediately under the glass.

Another point upon which authorities differ is the extent to which Tomatoes should be denuded of their foliage.  Some growers condemn the procedure entirely; others reduce their plants to skeletons.  Both extremes are objectionable, for when all the leaves are permitted to remain there is delay or partial failure in colouring the fruit, and the almost entire removal of foliage checks the root action injuriously.  In practice it answers well to wait until the fruit has set, then by pinching out the leading point of each leaf, commencing at the bottom, ripening and colouring are promoted, and the health of the plant remains unimpaired.

In dull weather, and especially in short days, a difficulty is sometimes experienced in setting the fruit, particularly the first bunch.  After fruit has begun to swell on one bunch, the remainder set with comparative ease.  A rather higher temperature than usual combined with free movement of the atmosphere is generally sufficient to insure fertilisation.  If assistance is necessary, however, water the plants early in the afternoon, and close the house rather before the usual time.  The warm atmosphere will develop plenty of pollen, and a gentle shaking of the flower bunches with a slight touch from a hazel twig will liberate visible clouds, which will effectually set the fruit.  Another method is to lift a flat label or paper knife against the flowers.  The label becomes covered with pollen, and by gently touching each flower with a slight upward pressure a great number can be fertilised in a few minutes.  A soft brush passed over the flowers daily has the same effect.  Plants in the open ground need no such attention if they are in good health and the season is at all genial.  When a bunch of flowers contains one that is fasciated or confused, the flower should be pinched out to prevent the formation of large and ugly fruit.  The remainder of the bunch will be the finer for its absence.

==Outdoor culture.==—­For the open ground it is important to choose a variety that ripens early.  The plants should be vigorous, and they must be carefully hardened before they are put out.  Sow the seed in heat in February or March, and when large enough transfer the seedlings to single pots until wanted.  Every effort should be made to avoid giving the plants a check, and if room is available they may be potted on to the six-inch size and allowed to form one truss of bloom before planting out, thus saving valuable time.  The end of May