342 VEGETABLE FORCING 



serious if proper sanitary measures are observed and if 

 suitable cultural conditions are maintained. 



Marketing. After the fruits have reached marketable 

 size, it is important to look over the plants at least three 

 times a week so that every cucumber will be picked at 

 the proper time. If they are left too long on the vines 

 the seeds will become hard, which is objectionable from 

 the consumer's viewpoint; the quality deteriorates and 

 the color of the rind becomes lighter, a condition always 

 objectionable to both dealers and consumers. Again, the 

 plants become exhausted more rapidly if the seeds are 

 allowed to develop to any considerable extent, and this 

 in itself is an important reason for early harvesting. 



The large markets demand from two to four grades. 

 There can be no doubt concerning the advantages of care- 

 ful grading. Fruits of practically the same size, shape 

 and shade of color should be packed together. Three 

 grades, besides the nubbins, which should be left at home 

 unless there is a local demand for them, will be found 

 very satisfactory. Fig. 120 will present an idea as to how 

 the fruits should be graded. 



There are many kinds of packages for the marketing 

 of cucumbers. Barrels holding three or four bushels are 

 employed by some of the Middle West growers. Fig. 

 121 shows some of the packed barrels covered with bur- 

 lap. In the Boston section, the bushel box (Fig. 122) 

 is the favorite package. It holds from seven to nine dozen 

 cucumbers, the number depending upon the size of the 

 fruits. The inside of the box may be lined with paper. 

 When closed with strips or thin boards, it makes a very 

 satisfactory package. 



In some sections, crates holding four to five dozen 

 fruits are employed. Baskets (Fig. 123) of the same 

 kind and size as those used for packing lettuce are em- 

 ployed by many New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio 

 growers. The baskets may be packed level full so that 



