PREFACE. XV11 



would be entirely useless ; for whether in the 

 vigour of the plants, quickness of growth, or 

 production of fine fruit, the dung bed, system- 

 atically attended to, as described in this treatise, 

 will prove beyond doubt, that the most expensive 

 means are not always attended with the most 

 beneficial results. 



In the following directions, the first thing I 

 have taken notice of, is the early cucumber, as 

 being the most difficult, and consequently the 

 most particular in its process of culture. Strict 

 attention and perseverance in the method 

 prescribed, cannot fail to bring them to a com- 

 plete state of perfection within the time limited. 



Secondly The necessary directions will be 

 found for promoting the growth of such cucum- 

 bers as are sown in January. It is here necessary 

 to observe, that this is the most preferable season 



