IN THE EVERGLADES 63 



varieties which have a tendency to grow pale green or yellow 

 when half matured should be avoided. 



Cucumbers should be picked when about two- thirds grown, 

 and at this stage of growth should run about six dozen to the 

 ordinary cucumber crate. They should be very carefully assorted, 

 putting absolutely no defective or wormy cucumbers in a package 

 that is marked as first class. They should be cut from the vine, 

 not pulled, and must be wiped free of dust and spines before 

 being packed. They must be evenly laid and tightly pressed into 

 the crate so as to avoid the possibility of their becoming loose or 

 shaking upon delivery, as it must always be taken into considera- 

 tion that they will shrink in transit. 



The local markets often pay as high as $i per dozen for 

 cucumbers in the middle of the winter, our great hotel system 

 here demanding many of these high-priced vegetables in mid- 

 winter. The buyers usually pay from $i to $4 per crate, f. o. b. 

 Miami, and at this price a handsome revenue per acre is obtained. 



I have frequently realized as high as $8 per crate gross in the 

 open market of the North. When cucumbers are well grown, 

 they are one of the most remunerative crops we have. 



