266 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



in getting seedlings to bear well enough when sown 

 as early as recommended, and they generally yield 

 finer individual cucumbers. 



PLANTING, TEMPERATURE, ETC. 



The plants should not be planted closer than one 

 every 2 feet, as crowding in the dull months of win- 

 ter is very injurious ; and throughout September and 

 October they are all the more sturdy and hardy when 

 grown with a liberal amount of air. A thin flimsy 

 foliage grown in a too close moist atmosphere often 

 becomes a prey to thrips and red-spider, two enemies 

 which should be kept at arm's-length, and to which 

 end the house should be thoroughly washed and fumi- 

 gated before planting the plants, and no old melon 

 or cucumber soil where these pests have had a foot- 

 ing should be used. When they begin to bear avoid 

 heavy cropping, and when November arrives be more 

 sparing with atmospheric moisture and waterings, and 

 avoid high night temperatures, which should not range 

 higher than from 68 to 70. The consequences of a 

 high night temperature, when the days are short and 

 dull, are weakly and unfruitful growths. A cover- 

 ing over the glass in cold weather is much to be 

 commended ; it saves firing, and is in all respects 

 preferable to over -heated pipes. Frigid omo is an 

 excellent material for covering, and can be fixed to 

 roll up and down like a shade. It is most important 

 all winter to give a little air every day when at all 

 practicable, and also to prevent the leaves from becom- 

 ing crowded, and to stop the lateral growths at every 

 joint. 



Training, Stopping, &c. Plants intended for winter 



