124 FORWARDING LETTUCE. 



between the finger and thumb ; pull away the flower leaves, 

 or petals, close to the stamens and antherae, or central part, 

 which apply close to the pistil in the bosom of the female 

 flower, twirling it a little about, to discharge thereon some 

 particles of the fertilizing powder. Proceed thus to set 

 every fruit, as the flowers of both sorts open, while of a lively 

 full expansion ; and generally perform it in the early part of 

 the day, using a fresh male, if possible, for every impregna 

 lion, as the males are usually more abundant than the female 

 blossoms. By this management, the young fruit will soon be 

 observed to swell freely." 



Cucumbers attain the proper size for gathering in from 

 fifteen to twenty days after the time of setting ; and often 

 in succession for two or three months or more, in the same 

 beds, by good culture. 



FORWARDING CUCUMBERS UNDER HAND 

 GLASSES. 



IF it be desired to have Cucumbers in the open garden at 

 an early season, the plants may be raised in pots as before 

 directed, and planted in a warm border either in the earth, 

 or in hot-bed ridges. A hand-glass should be provided for 

 each hill, which must be kept close down every night and in 

 cool days, taking care to admit air when practicable. The 

 plants may be hardened by degrees, by taking off the glass 

 in the heat of the day, and as the weather gets warm they 

 may be left to nature. 



FORWARDING LETTUCE FOR USE IN WINTER. 



HEAD Lettuce may be cultivated for use in the winter 

 season by means of gentle hot-beds, or in cold-beds made 

 in the manner recommended for the raising of early Cabbage 



