CUCUMBER 



305 



Markets differ in their requirements, but most of them 

 prefer fruits which are fairly long and dark green in color. 

 They should be uniform in diameter almost to the tip of 

 each end (see Fig. 104), and the surface should be smooth 

 and regular. When the fruits are ready to pick, the seeds 

 should be poorly developed. The flesh should be crisp, 

 tender and of the best flavor. 



American English crosses. As previously stated, the 

 texture and flavor of English varieties appeal to compara- 

 tively few American con- , . : , 



sumers, though the long, green, 

 cylindrical fruits are highly at- 

 tractive in appearance. 



The great vigor and pro- 

 lificacy of English varieties 

 have interested our green- 

 house growers, and these fac- 

 tors, perhaps, have had the 

 greatest influence in causing 

 numerous crosses to be made 

 between the two types. Most 

 of the crosses have been very 

 unsatisfactory. The plants have 

 been thrifty and prolific, but 

 the fruits, in most instances, 

 have been too pointed or taper- 

 ing and irregular in shape. 

 However, there are some not- 

 able exceptions. One reason for the use of crosses is 

 the fact that artificial pollination is not so essential as 

 with pure American varieties. 



Davis Perfect (Fig. 105), a cross, is largely grown. The 

 plants are vigorous and productive, both the stems and 

 leaves being very large. The fruits vary from about 6^/2 

 inches to 9 inches in length, the average being about l l /2 

 inches, and the circumference in the middle about 7 inches. 



Fig. 102. 

 Arlington White Spine cucumber. 



