35 



are peculiarly their own ; and these call for a greater sup- 

 ply from the nutritive organs of the plant : the stopping 

 of the branch therefore, is the means of throwing in this 

 increased supply of food ; but those who can most fully 

 appreciate the delicacy of the functions performed by the 

 plant at this stage of its developement, will most fully 

 value the suggestion not to stop back the growing 

 branch all at once, but to do it by successional, though 

 not distant operations. The leaf which is directed to be 

 left above, or beyond each fruit, will serve, both as a 

 reservoir, to receive all the superabundant food, which 

 may either be induced or impelled upwards ; and also, as 

 a labaratory where this food will become purified and 

 changed by its exposure to atmospheric influence, amongst 

 the lax tissue; and whence, an appointed portion will be 

 returned, and devoted by a process of assimilation, to 

 aid in the extension of the plants. 



This system of pruning, with reference both to the 

 barren and the fruitful branches, must be continued, 

 whilst these continue in a vigorous and healthy condi- 

 tion ; but when any symptoms of decay or of expended 

 powers, are perceived, they should be pruned quite away, 

 and young ones encouraged in their stead. All the 

 pruning which has been spoken of, except the occasional 

 removal of a main shoot, should be done at a sufficiently 

 early period of growth, to admit of being effected by- 

 means of the thumb-nail; for like all other plants, 

 Cucumbers are much best treated, when whatever prun- 

 ing they may require, is done at that stage of growth, 

 when the least amount of trouble and labour is required 

 to perform it. Pruning is not under any circumstances 

 a natural process, and when we have recourse to it in 

 artificial cultivation, it is only an expedient, which is 

 rendered necessary by the limited space, within which it 

 becomes necessary to confine the extension of the plants; 

 and since this is the case, it is far better to remove a 



