38 OX THE CULTURE OF THE CUCUMBER 



and unfruitful ; and their fruit, such as they will 

 bear, will be of a small and inferior kind. Four 

 good breaks or runners, stopped alternately, will 

 be ample ; and two fruit are as many as a strong 

 plant ought to swell at one time. 



Moulding up is another point which demands 

 special attention, and which must be done, if 

 the grower means to excel in his undertaking. 

 As the roots show themselves through the 

 hillocks of earth, let them be covered with an 

 inch or two of the soil recommended ; placing 

 more between the hillocks than elsewhere. 

 This is done in order that the hillocks may 

 meet and form a ridge along the middle of the 

 bed by the end of December ; but care should be 

 taken to keep the sides clear of mould, to admit 

 of the heat of the linings rising through them, 

 to give that lively heat within the frame, which 

 is usually called top-heat, and which is neces- 

 sary for the plants, as it causes them to dry in 

 the day, during the most unfavourable weather, 

 and yet gives them steam-moisture by night. 



