Cultural Directions. 197 



Snake Cucumber (C. Flexuosus). More of a curiosity than 

 of practical usefulness. Several feet in length, and always 

 growing in a coil. 



Giant Pera. A newly 

 introduced sort of great length 

 and solidity, having but few 

 seeds. 



Small Gherkin, Prickly 

 Gherkin, West India Gherkin, 

 Burr (C. Angurid). A strong- 

 growing plant bearing its small, 

 prickly fruit in great abundance. 

 It is largely used for pickles. 



Should be planted in hills not Snake Cucumber, 



less than 5 feet apart each way, with two or three plants to the 

 hill. 



DANDELION. 



Leontodon Taraxacum. German, Lowenzahn ; French, 

 Dent-de-lion. This common weed of our fields and meadows is 

 often gathered and prepared for <4 greens." Esteemed especially 

 for its hygienic properties. Careful selection of seed has resulted 

 in a number of improved varieties, which are cultivated in 

 European gardens, both for spring greens and salad. 



Americans are only just beginning to introduce its cultiva- 

 tion into their gardens. I have a mammoth variety from Penn- 

 sylvania under trial. 



The cultivation is simple. Sow seed in early spring in hills 

 one foot apart, and thin or transplant to from 10 to 12 inches. 



Keep free from weeds. Leaves 

 may be cut for use in fall ; and 

 the plantation will continue to 

 yield during the spring of next 

 year. European gardeners often 

 improve the flavor of this vege- 

 table by blanching the leaves, 



Dandelion. eit . her b / covering the bed with 



a layer of sand or by putting 

 a large flower pot, inverted, over each plant 



DILL. 



Anethumgraveolens. German, Dill ; French, Aneth ; Spanish, 

 Eneldo. An annual herb of easiest culture, much used by 

 Germans as a condiment, or flavoring for pickled cucumbers, 

 beans, etc. Sow seed in spring or summer, in drills one foot 



