878 THE AMERICAN FARMER 



varieties should be planted, but for pickles, the later kinds should be chosen and planted 

 during the first two weeks of June, and should be gathered when two and a half to three 

 inches in length. There are many fine varieties, such as the EARLY CHESTER, EARLY RUSSIAN, 

 EARLY WHITE SPINED, LONG GREEN PICKLING, etc. Cucumbers thrive best in moist, rich, 

 loamy soil. It is a good plan to start them in a hotbed, when an early crop is desired, and 

 afterwards transplant them when the soil is warm enough. They should not be planted in 

 the open air until the weather is warm and settled. The hills should be made four feet apart 

 each way, and previously prepared by mixing in each & shovelful of fermented manure or a 

 good supply of wood ashes, this to be mixed with the soil, and slightly covered with earth. 

 Plant about ten seeds in a hill and cover half an inch deep. When all danger from insects 

 is passed, thin out the plants, leaving three or four of the best in each hill. Cultivate fre 

 quently, keeping out all weeds, and the soil loose about the plants. The cucumbers should 

 be picked when large enough, and not left to ripen on the vines, as this injures their 

 productiveness. 



The Cucumber Beetle or Striped Bug. This is a great pest to the gardener, 

 as it generally makes its appearance as soon as the plants are well out of the ground, or 

 shortly after, frequently destroying them entirely. For this reason, a constant watch must 

 be kept for its appearance. Dusting the vines with one part Pyrethrum powder mixed with 

 four parts of wheat flour will drive these bugs away. Frequent dusting of the vines with 

 plaster dust, or wood ashes, when wet with dew, is a good preventive. Another good remedy 

 is to put about four quarts of droppings from the hen roost into a pail of water and after it 

 has stood about six or eight hours, sprinkle the liquid on the cucumber vines, and it will 

 drive the bugs away, or prevent their attacks, and will also fertilize the soil. The sediment 

 at the bottom of the pail should never be used, as it will injure the vines, and the liquid 

 should not be made stronger than we have recommended for the same reason. A cloudy day 

 is the best time to apply the liquid, since it will remain longer before becoming dried off. 



Citrons. The culture for the citron should be the same as recommended for MELONS, 

 which see. 



Dandelion. This plant is found growing wild in a large section of the country, the 

 leaves being excellent for &quot; greens &quot; in the early spring. The root is also very healthful, and 

 when dried and roasted, is frequently used as a substitute for coffee. The dandelion is being 

 cultivated at present to a considerable extent, and well deserves a place among the garden 

 vegetables. The seeds are sown early in the spring in drills eighteen inches apart; thin out 

 to six inches in the drills, keep clear of weeds, and the following spring they will be fit for 

 table use. 



Egg-Plant. When an early crop is desired, the seed should be sown thickly in a 

 hotbed, and transplanted, or in a warm, dry, sheltered place in the open ground, where the 

 young plants will be well protected, since they are apt to be tender. When they are three 

 or four inches high, and the weather is sufficiently warm, they should be transplanted into 

 rich soil in hills about two and a half feet each way. Keep the ground free from weeds, and 

 draw the earth around the plants as they advance in growth. The principal varieties are the 

 EARLY LONG PURPLE, NEW YORK IMPROVED PURPLE, and BLACK PEKIN, all of which are 

 hardy and prolific. 



Endive. This plant is used as a salad, and when well bleached is very palatable. It 

 is also very wholesome. The best varieties are the GREEN CURLED, which is the most hardy 

 of all, the WHITE CURLED, the FRENCH Moss, and the BROAD LEAVED BATAVIAN, the latter 

 being used principally for flavoring soups. Endive requires rather moist, well pulverized, 

 rich soil. For early use, sow in a hotbed, or in a warm sheltered spot in shallow drills. 



