SiSCI.XIV. OF RAISING CUCUMBERS, 19* 



able fituation, and fow in patches eight £ ine feeds in a 

 hole, formed like a (hallow bafin, coyeriag ii If an inch 

 deep ; and if covered with hand giaffes, to bring them 

 up a little while, it were much better. Thin them 

 when getting into rough leaf, to four or five of the bell 

 plants; fpread them a little, and earth up to the feed 

 j S giving a little water; and if, afterwards, the 

 number of plants is reduced to three, it would be better 

 than more. Give plenty of air by day, and a -tittle on 

 nights. Raife earth above the (hanks as they grow* 

 and let it lie about them, while the plants are fmall, in 

 the form of a mallow bafin. 



As to faving the feed of cucumbers, as it is of fome 

 confequence to be ajc er tamed o\ a good kind, when 

 the early nature and approved quality of any fort is 

 known, it ought to be an object to fave it well-, which 

 will be bell done from plants of the Jeccnd crop, that 

 have been ridged out, i. e. brought up under hand 

 giaffes. From this crop that plant which (hews fiuit 

 firft (under the fame culture) mould be referved for 

 feed, judging that its early difpoution may be continued, 

 and becaufe the firft fruit of any kind (if uninjured) 

 always produces the bell feed. 



Fix upon handjeme fruit, and prefer that which is 

 placed loweft, Or grows nearelt the root. Leave no 

 more than one fruit for feed upon a plant, and let it 

 remain on the vines through AugujU or as much longer 

 as the weather will permit, to be very ripe : when cut 

 off, place feed cucumbers againil a Jcuth wall, till they 

 appear decaying, 



Being got rotten ripe, fcoop out the pulp and feed into 

 fome veifel, and fiir it well up, which repeat for feveral 

 days ; then let it be walhed in two or three waters, 

 which will feparate the pulp, and leave the feed clean: 

 fpread it thin for two or three days, that it may dry 

 thoroughly, and putting it up in paper for uie, keep it in 

 a place free from damp. Let it.be every now and then 



examined 



