418 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



the two leaders. The subsequent process of pruning is 

 similar to that described under the single-shoot system. 



There is a difference of opinion as to the relative merits 

 of the single and double shoot system, some cucumber 

 growers preferring the one-shoot system, and others pre- 

 ferring the two-shoot system. On this point, however, it 

 may be stated that cucumbers do not stand overcrowding ; 

 and when they are planted in the greenhouse 2 feet or 30 

 inches apart, we believe the single-shoot system is equal 

 if not superior to the two-shoot system. In some of the 

 largest crops of cucumbers which we have ever observed the 

 plants have had ample room for development. In one 

 instance, where a third row of vines was planted in a good- 

 sized house, the crop was only one-third of that where two 

 rows were planted. 



A number of experiments have been made by us in prun- 

 ing cucumber })lants ; space does not permit us to go into a 

 full discussion of the results of these experiments at the 

 present time. However, some of the main points deducted 

 from them can be pointed out in a brief manner. 



In one experiment that was made on all the plants con- 

 stituting a cro}), in which case a single leader and several of 

 the laterals were allowed to grow without pruning, the fol- 

 lowing points were noticed : — 



The average yield of fruit on the main shoot was 18 per 

 cent higher than upon the laterals. The lowest laterals, or 

 those nearest the base of the plant, came next in the produc- 

 tion of fruit, and the others or higher laterals followed in 

 uniform succession in fruit production. The maturing of the 

 fruit was more marked upon the main shoot than upon the 

 laterals. Of the various laterals, the loAvest ones most 

 nearly approached those of the main shoot in maturing its 

 fruit. The main shoot showed a gain of 36 per cent in 

 maturing of the fruit over that of the first lateral. Of the 

 fruit formed on the laterals, (51 per cent occurred in the first 

 axils. The number of internodes between successive forma- 

 tion of fruit on the plant was in the largest number of cases 

 seven. 



In another experiment in the same house the plants were 



