270 AMERICAN HUSBANBR?'. 



CUCUMBER. Cucumis Sativus, etc. 



Of this plant there are nearly a dozen varieties, 

 which are divided into early and late, or cucun?bers 

 for the table and for pickles. The difference in 

 value between early and late cucumbers is illustra- 

 ted by the fa(!t, that those forced for the London 

 markets in March are worth a guinea a dozen, 

 while in August, the same number may be had for a 

 penny. 



Cucumbers should be planted in hills about four 

 feet apart, early in May. Those intended for pick- 

 ling may be planted later. Before planting, the 

 ground must be well prepared by mixing a shovel- 

 ful of well-rotted manure with the earth of each 

 hill. Two or three plants are enough to a hill ; but 

 a dozen at first will do no harm, as the greater the 

 number, the greater the chance that some of them 

 will escape unhurt the attacks of the cut-worm, yel- 

 low bug, &c., and, after the danger is over, all may 

 be pulled out except the requisite number, leaving 

 the most vigorous plants. The seed should be sown 

 about half an inch deep. The plants must be kept 

 clear of weeds, and in very dry weather they require 

 frequent watering. Artificial impregnation of the 

 female blossom, by placing the male flower in con- 

 tact with them, and twirling them with the fingers 

 in such a manner that the pollen will fall on the 

 seed-vessels of the female flower, is pi-actised by 

 some gardeners, and would seem to be necesvirj 

 where they are raised in forcing frames, to which 

 bees or currents of air do not have free access. Ir, 

 the open air, however, this process is unnecessary , 

 as the winds and bees will distribute the pollen tc 

 every female flower as fast as it is accessible. Cu- 

 cumbers should not be more than four inches long 

 when gathered, crisp and brittle, and of a fine green. 

 No cucumbers should be allowed to remain on the 

 bearing vines till they are yellow, as it will at once 



