THE GOURD FAMILY. 231 



XXXIX. THE GOURD FAMILY. 

 CUCURBITACE^E. 



MATERIAL REQUIRED. 



The common cucumber, Cucumis sativus, L., in flower. 1 

 Similar specimens of squash, melon, wild cucumber or gourd. 

 Seeds of pumpkin, melon, arid various other cucurbits. 



CUCUMBER. Cucumis sativus, L. 

 Distribution. 



The cucumber has been widely cultivated from an early 

 date, and presents a remarkable case of the persistence of 

 specific characters for an indefinite period. According to 

 De Candolle, it has been cultivated in India no less than 

 three thousand years, yet its wild form found at the foot 

 of the Himalayas has stems, leaves, and flowers that are 

 " exactly those of Cucumis sativus" 2 



General Characters. 



I. Note first the habit of the plant as regards position 

 and direction of growth. Is it capable of supporting itself 

 in an erect position ? How do young specimens compare 

 with older ones in this respect ? 



II. Observe the leaf arrangement. 



III. Is the plant protected in any way ? Examine the 



1 Well-formed plants, with flowers and young fruits, are easily ob- 

 tained by sowing the seeds in flower-pots a few weeks before the speci- 

 mens are wanted. 



2 Origin of Cultivated Plants, pp. 264-266. 



