98 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



CUCUMBERS. 



Prof. W. W. Tracy gave a very interesting chat upon cucumbers. In regard 

 to early varieties he would plant as early as practicable out-of-doors, and pro- 

 tect each hill where it is to stand, in preference to starting in hot-beds and 

 afterwards transplanting to open ground. He had seen some admirable re- 

 sults by giving up some sash to cucumbers and allowing the plants to fruit 

 in the bed. 



Of seeds for early planting he mentioned Early Russian, Early Cluster and 

 White Spine. Incidentally Mr. Tracy remarked that cucumbers varied a great 

 deal in their shipping qualities, and most sorts, if kept moist during transit, 

 go right on in the development of seeds. 



For pickles he recommended varieties that are long, slender, dark color, and 

 with fine spines. Perfection Pickling, or, as it is called, Green Prolific, stands 

 at the head of the list. 



With regard to the healthfulness of the cucumber, Mr. Tracy thought there 

 was a very general misconception. It was a much abused vegetable. If fresh, 

 it was for most people a healthful food. In Palestine and Turkey they are eaten 

 in the greatest abundance. The essential point is to eat them fresh. To be 

 at their best, they should be picked the morning of the day they are eaten. 



For commercial growers the cucumber should be planted in drills, with 

 plenty of seed, the drills six feet apart, except such varieties as Early Russian, 

 which should be put three and one-half feet apart. A wide space should be 

 left occasionally to drive through, for convenience in gathering. 



HORTICULTURE BY THE COLLEGE BOYS. 



The hour having arrived for the special order, the meeting was given in 

 charge of Prof. L. H. Bailey, who occupies the chair of Horticulture at the 

 State Agricultural College. Prof. Bailey said that the subjects to be dis- 

 cussed by the young men whom he would introduce, had been marked out by 

 the students themselves ; that his aim in teaching horticulture was to lead the 

 young men to see and investigate, and think for themselves. 



Prof. Bailey first introduced Mr. H. H. Winde, who spoke as follows on 



HARDINESS OF SOME PLANTS. 



Although the last winter was not so severe as the "phenomenal " winter of 

 1884-85, it was, nevertheless, very rigorous. From February 9 to 23, the min- 

 imum daily temperature was not higher than 9° below zero, while it sank to 

 24° belew zero on the 10th. The thermometer registered 22° below for two or 

 three days in January, and on several days in March a few degrees below. 

 Fortunately, however, these low temperatures were not accompanied by high 

 winds, and, as all vegetation was well matured by the long and open fall, 

 plants did not suffer so much as in some winters of higher temperatures. For 

 instance, the Magnolias (which had always been injured in previous winters), 

 were not injured last winter. Even Magnolia umbrella, protected by other 

 trees, was not injured. The following field-notes may possess value: 



Seedling young peach trees on warm, sandy soil were killed to the snow level. 

 The Windsor cherry uninjured. Primus simoni, vigorous trees in exposed 

 places, were not injured, Prunus pissardi, the purple-leafed plum, was killed 



