1873.] ON CUCUMBER-GROWING. 403 



pagating, except Calceolarias, Tvhich may remain till October. Cliry- 

 santliemums may now be treated as greenhouse plants. Some early 

 ones showing bloom may be placed under glass. Keep frost from 

 those intended to supply the main autumn bloom. Manure-water is 

 of much service, especially if they are pot-bound ; sow more Mignon- 

 ette. Keep Cinerarias growing with a free circulation of air and 

 plenty of light ; little shading will now be necessary. Primulas to 

 flower early may be removed to their winter quarters, and keep plants 

 for late bloom growing in a healthy atmosphere ; close stagnant air 

 will cause great mischief to Primulas. Liliums will be greatly bene- 

 fited by plenty of manure-water. Gladioli, in pots, which have 

 been kejjt late, should now have plenty of manure-water, and be kept 

 free from decaying flowers. They make a grand show when mixed 

 with other plants in a conservatory. Fuchsias going out of flower 

 should be kept from frost, and may be placed under a stage or simi- 

 lar position. Those blooming will be helped much if they have the 

 water coloured at each watering with guano. All manure-loving plants 

 are helped in this way much better than when they have large and 

 strong applications at longer intervals. Camellias, Cytisus, Coro- 

 nillas, Acacias, Heaths, Epacrises, Eupatoriums, Azaleas, and all simi- 

 lar winter-flowering plants which have been standing out of doors, may 

 now be prepared for taking them into their winter quarters; put' their 

 drainage right, surface the soil with fresh material, secure any shoots 

 which require staking, wash the pots, and arrange the plants neatly 

 where they are to remain. During this month there is much work to 

 be done in housing plants. Hardy shrubs, &c., to be forced for 

 winter-flowering, should now be placed in full sun, and kept moderately 

 dry at the root, but nothing should be starved into ripening, as its 

 usefulness would be much impaired. China and free-growing Pioses 

 for early work may now be kept growing for autumn and winter 

 display. M. T. 



ON CUCUMBER-GROWING. 



In a quiet country village about 16 miles from London may be seen a 

 small garden devoted to Cucumber-growing for market. Having fre- 

 quently visited this place, we are always forcibly struck with the 

 simple means employed and the results obtained. From a study of 

 these we think some highly practical lessons may be learned. The 

 structures, or houses as they may perhaps be called, are primitive 

 indeed, erected chiefly by the owner, who was a few years ago a gen- 

 tleman's gardener, but a working gardener, where the charge was 

 limited. For several years past he has devoted himself to Cucumber- 



