OF EARLY CTC UMBERS. 7 



pots, and mix a quantity of leaf mould with a 

 sixth proportion of road sand, not sifted fine. 

 The sifting mould to a fine degree is an error 

 too prevalent in horticulture, and ought parti- 

 cularly to be avoided, from its great tendency 

 to bind. 



It is very requisite that a cucumber should 

 have a good digestion, and in order to accom- 

 plish this, it will be necessary to cover the holes 

 at the bottom of the pots with broken pieces ; 

 then strew a little of the rough sittings of the 

 mould over it, and fill them up within half an 

 inch of the brim with the prepared mould and 

 sand. Shake it down a little, and sow the seed* 



* Some gardeners are very particular in having seed that is 

 three or four years old, imagining that new will grow too 

 vigorous, and not show fruit or set so well ; but in this they 

 are much mistaken, the Author knowing, from experience, 

 that new seed, or at least not more than two years old, is the 

 best calculated for bringing to perfection both the cucumber 

 and melon j possessing the advantage of a greater freedom in 

 growth, and much finer fruit than can be derived from old 

 seed. 



