CUCUMBERS 157 



The winter squash has enemies apparently 

 peculiar to itself. The rusty-black squash stink- 

 bug lays its eggs on the under sides of the leaves 

 of the young plants. The nymphs that hatch from 

 the smooth shining brown eggs feed on the life of 

 the plants, sucking the sap and greatly injuring 

 the plant health. Of course the netting-covered 

 boxes will furnish protection; but watch out for 

 this enemy. Look for the eggs and destroy them. 

 If the eggs escape our search, the tobacco spray 

 used for the aphids, which also attack squashes 

 sometimes, may dispose of these parasites as well. 



Nothing must be allowed to endanger the har- 

 vest of winter squashes. The delicious mealy 

 golden squash must have its place on the Thanks- 

 giving table. It is indispensable for the Christ- 

 mas dinner. To be sure of prime squash for mid- 

 winter, the fruit must be stored exactly right or 

 canned when quality and texture are best. Stor- 

 ing squashes is especially important. Do not put 

 them under cover too early. Leave them on the 

 big vines to continue maturing, until the vines 

 have died or until frost has burned them. When 

 the cold nights threaten, old bagging may be 

 thrown over the squashes. Protect them in some 

 way from the increasing cold; but leaving the 

 squashes out hardens them and improves the 

 quality. After the time comes for cleaning the 

 garden, the squashes may be cut and stacked on 

 the garden border. Cut with a piece of the vine 



