VINES WITH ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE 209 
vine throws its seeds at a person upon the very 
slightest touch. In fact, it will sometimes do so at 
the mere vibration of the ground caused by a per- 
son walking near it. In foliage and general make- 
up it greatly resembles the cucumber. Usually 
it is treated as an annual; it should be trained 
to a fence, and, although there are other plants 
better for foliage, its curious habit recommends it. 
Another great favourite with children is the 
wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata). It has 
prickly, inflated vessels, which the children love 
to burst, but it is also useful as a quick screen, 
for it is a very rapid grower. Its value, however, 
is marred by the fact that its leaves turn brown 
very early. The vine is an annual and should 
have the same treatment as is given to others of 
that class. With plenty of sunlight and in rich 
soil its height is twenty feet. 
