CUCUMBERS 227 



is more desirable; tiie Telegrapii types, in fact, should not be trained in any 

 other way, and the English varieties also will not withstand the same amount 

 of sun as the White Spine. Toward Spring, therefore, when the sun becomes 

 more powerful, a light shade should be used — just enough to break the sun's 

 rays without darkening the house. 



The soil is an important item and it should be carefully selected. The vines 

 should make a quick, healthy growth; for this there must be free root action 

 and the compost should be of such a nature that the roots will rapidly penetrate 

 through it. Stagnant root action is a serious drawback. Sod land soil is the 

 best, prepared about a month before being required. The nature of the soil 

 will determine the materials to be added so as to get the best root action. If it 

 iS heavy, add a liberal quantity of leaf soil, and even thoroughly decayed manure. 

 It is not easy to give definite rules as to soil, for even men of wide experience may 

 err on this point. The soil in different places will act differently, and it will 

 sometimes take several months or a year for a grower in a new place to learn 

 just how to handle his soil to the best advantage. 



SOWING SEED AND CARE OF YOUNG PLANTS 



The seed may be sown at any time from the first to the middle of .August. 

 I prefer small pots for the purpose, with a compost of loam and leaf soil, but no 

 manure. Fill the pots to within an inch of the top, pressing it moderately 

 firm; then place a couple of seeds in each pot and cover with one-half inch of 

 soil. Give a light watering and cover the pots, or if there are not many, place 

 them in a flat and cover the same with a piece of glass, with heavy paper on top, 

 to prevent the sun from striking through. If they are kept in a close, dark place 

 until germination, the.\- will not need any watering after the first application 

 until germination takes place; when the seedlings break through the soil they must 

 be brought into the light. There will be no difficulty in raising young plants 

 during August, as the surroundings are warm; but in the Winter months a fairly 

 brisk heat is necessary; a temperature of 75 is advisable. Grow the seedlings 

 along in pots up to about five inches. They should then be strong, thrifty 

 young plants, in condition to grow rapidly when set in their fruiting quarters. 

 The weather in the early Fall is usually fine for a free, rapid, healthy 

 growth. The Cucumbers should be ready to gather by the first of November. 

 It is not well to allow the vines to carry a heavy crop until they are 

 fairly strong. The White Spine types will begin fruiting ahead of the Tele- 

 graph varieties. 



For Cucumbers grown on raised benches, it is not advisable to have a large 

 quantity of soil at the first planting. If they are to be trained up the roof, they 

 may be planted along the bench about three feet apart, preferably on mounds; 

 then as the roots penetrate through the compost, add more soil. This will 

 induce a lively root action, with a strong, vigorous growth. I do not recommend 

 a large body of soil for carrying Cucumbers through the short days; it is better 

 to depend on feeding. Soil to fill a space two feet wide and (i\e inches deep will 

 be sufficient to carry a heavy crop. Where Cucumbers are grown in a wide house. 



