1410 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



In harvesting cucumbers, cut the short stem so that \ to \ inch of stem 

 remains on the cucumber. The cucumbers will keep longer and sell 

 better if this suggestion is followed. 



Varieties of cucumbers recommended are: for slicing, Improved White 

 Spine, Davis Improved, Cool and Crisp, Fordhook; for pickles, Boston 

 Pickling, White Spine, Fordhook. 



Dandelions 



Sow the seed of dandelions in the spring, about \ inch deep, in drills 

 12 to 30 inches apart. When the plants have made growth enough to 

 be recognized they should be thinned to about 12 inches apart. The 

 thinning should be followed by very clean culture during the summer. 

 If in a cold part of the State it may be desirable to mulch slightly during 

 the winter in order to prevent heaving of the plants resulting from the 

 honeycombing of the ground by the action of frost. The plants will be 

 ready for consumption the next spring in a green stage; but they are 

 greatly improved if blanched by setting two boards in the form of an 

 inverted letter V over the row. Such blanching lessens the bitter taste 

 of the plant and makes the leaves very tender. 



Varieties of dandelions that are recommended are American Improved 

 and Thick-Leaved French. 



Endive 



A sandy loam fairly well supplied with humus or manure is a desirable 

 soil for the production of endive. The seeds are sown rather thickly 

 in drills, about \ inch deep, the drills being 12 to 30 inches apart and 

 the plants being later thinned to 1 2 to 1 8 inches apart in the row. Endive 

 should have continuous growth throughout its season in order that a 

 good growth of leaves may be obtained. When the leaves are 8 to 10 

 inches in length they should be drawn together and tied at the top, or 

 a V-board, such as is mentioned under " Dandelions," may be used for 

 the blanching. The leaves should not be tied when they are wet, as 

 moisture decays the head. After a short period the plants will lose their 

 green color and become of a light, creamy color. At that time they should 

 be used. 



Varieties of endive are Broad Leaf, Green Curled , White Curled . Among 

 a certain class this vegetable is considered a great delicacy. 



Kale 

 Kale may be started as is cabbage, by planting in hotbeds and later 

 transplanting; or it may be started in cold-frames and transplanted. 

 The rows should be 18 to 30 inches apart and the plants 18 inches apart 



