VEGETABLES 47 



should be removed. The shoots must be stopped 

 at every second point when the trelHs is sufficiently 

 covered, and some of the old wood can be cut out 

 to allow the young growths room to develop. 



Cucumbers Failing. — Canker is a disease to 

 which cucumbers are subject. Too much moisture 

 just round the stem, where there are few or no 

 fibres to take it up, is a frequent cause of canker ; 

 therefore the collars of the plants should be kept 

 high. Not to wet them there more than can be 

 helped, it is a good plan to place some pieces of 

 charcoal or coal cinders round each. 



Canker, if not taken in time, generally proves 

 fatal. To grow cucumbers really well they ought 

 to be pushed on in a genial temperature from 70° 

 to 80°, and never falling below 60° at the lowest, 

 with plenty of moisture both at the roots and 

 the atmosphere, and nourishment as well. But 

 little ventilation is necessary except in very hot 

 weather. 



RECIPES FOR COOKING 



Concombre Farcie 



Stuffed Cucumber 



Remove the peel from a large cucumber, cut off the stalk 

 end, and scoop out the pips and a portion of the inside. 

 Have ready a forcemeat made of meat, poultry, or fish, with 

 finely chopped onions and chervil, and fill up the inside of 

 the cucumber with it ; envelop with slices of bacon tied 

 over, and put into a stewpan with some nicely flavoured 

 pale stock and a bouquet garni, and let them simmer till 

 tender. Now remove the cucumber, and keep hot whilst 

 the sauce is boiling to reduce it ; thicken it with flour and 

 butter in the usual way, pour it on to a dish, lay on the 

 cucumber, and sprinkle with lemon juice. 



