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miist not be used. In case manure is not abundant, make a few 

 small hills in a sheltered, sunny spot, with whatever you can find in 

 the way of turf, rotten manure, or leaf-mould, taking care that 

 nothing injurious to vegetation is mixed with it. Put several inches 

 of a mixture of good loam and rotten manure on the hills, and plant 

 and protect as in the case of ridges. If plants are not obtainable, 

 sow seeds ; there will still be a chance of Cucumbers during July, 

 August, and September ; for if they thrive at all, they are pretty brisk 

 in their movements. Three observations remain to be made on this 

 subject. In the first place, what are known as ' Ridge ' Cucumbers 

 only should be grown in the open air ; the large sorts grown in 

 houses are unfit. In the second place, the plants should only be 

 pinched once, and there is no occasion for the niggling business 

 which gardeners call ' setting the bloom ' ; provide for their roots a 

 good bed, and then let them grow as they please. In the third 

 place, as encouragement, we feel bound to say that, as Cucumbers 

 are grown to be eaten as well as to be looked at, those from ridges 

 are less handsome than house Cucumbers, but are quite equal to 

 them in flavour. Save, therefore., that he cannot command fruit fit 

 for exhibition, the cottager may at least obtain fruit fit to eat, and in 

 this respect rival his wealthy neighbour who would not eat a ' field 

 Cucumber ' for all the world. 



DANDELION somewhat resembles the Endive, and is one of the 

 earliest and most wholesome additions to the salad-bowl. Sow now, 

 and again in June, in drills one foot asunder, and thin out the plants 

 to one foot apart in the rows. These will be ready for use in the 

 following winter and spring. 



GOURDS AND PUMPKINS. An early show of fruit necessitates 

 raising seeds under glass for planting on prepared beds, and the 

 plants must be protected by means of lights or any other arrangement 

 that can be improvised as a defence against late frosts. Of course 

 the seeds can be sown upon the actual bed, but it is a loss of time. 

 The rapidity with which the plants grow is a sufficient indication that 

 generous feeding and copious supplies of water in dry weather are 

 imperative. 



INDIAN CORN is grown in this country as an ornament to our 

 gardens, and also for the green cobs which are used as a vegetable. 

 Sow early in the month on rich light soil, and in a hot season, 

 especially when accompanied by moisture, there will be rapid growth. 

 The cobs to be gathered for cooking when of full size, but while 

 quite green. 



