grow under these adverse conditions, heat is substituted for light as 

 a stimulus ; which results in producing plants possessing a much 

 more delicate structure, and, consequently, a much greater suscepti- 

 bility to certain diseases. All cucumber crops grown under glass 

 are more or less abnormal, or, in other words, they are forced ; but 

 there are considerable differences in the amount of forcing they 

 receive from different growers, owing to different conceptions of 

 manipulating the crop. 



Moisture and Watering. 



The watering of plants and regulation of moisture conditions 

 constitute features which require most careful attention. There are 

 probably no matters connected with the care of plants which offer 

 more conspicuous examples of carelessness or ignorance on the part 

 of the gardener than watering. Over watering of cucumber vines 

 gives rise to unhealthy conditions. When this occurs during cloudy 

 weather, under which conditions evaporation and transpiration 

 become arrested, the soil becomes soaked, the root respiration is 

 interfered with, and the plant is likely to become weakened. This 

 condition of aft'airs is likely to cause succulent growth and a yellow 

 foliage, and if prolonged will result in the death of the vines. 

 During bright, sunny days transpiration and evaporation are so 

 active that the soil is easily drained of superfluous water and the 

 danger arising from over watering is not so great. Too much moist- 

 ure in the air is conducive to fungous infection. This is especially 

 true in regard to the Powdery and Downy Mildews. 



Transplanting Cucumbers. 



Most greenhouse cucumber growers start their seed in boxes, or in 

 beds in special houses. When the seedlings are from two to four 

 inches high, they transplant them into pots. They are allowed to 

 grow six to eight inches high in pots before transplanting in the 

 house. Some growers transplant twice in pots, and, as a rule, the 

 seedlings are planted deeper each time in the soil, so that the 

 cotyledons are just above the surface. It is claimed that a better 

 root system is developed by this practice. The principal object to 

 be gained by transplanting cucumbers is the saving of space, time 

 and heat. Plants sufficient for a large establishment can be started 



