228 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



they slioulcl ho platitcd in rows and trained to xcrtical wires; set the plants tliree 

 feet apart, and ha\e tiie rows fi\e or six feet apart. 



WATERING-FEEDING 



Cucumbers deiijiht in an abundance of nuiisture in the atmosphere, partic- 

 ularly so after the fires have been started. Nor should they suffer for want of 

 moisture at the roots; but they must not be watered to the extent of souring the 

 soil, or the roots will decay. If they are kept a bit drier at the roots before 

 beginning to bear fruit, the vines will be in better condition to carry a heavier 

 crop. A good rule lor this, as for all other vegetables under glass, is to give a 

 good watering once and no more until necessary. 



Feeding will be in order when the vines are carrying a heavy crop. Manure 

 water from the cow barn is excellent for producing a good vine and foliage. 

 But food should also be given with a view to improving fruit, such as bone and 

 potash. Cucumbers will take more nitrogen and less potash and phosphoric 

 acid than many other crops; still these ingredients are necessary to all fruit- 

 bearing plants. A cucumberhouse in full crop is a handsome sight, and with 

 systematic feeding the vines will bear or produce Cucumbers for a long time. 

 The exact duration of a crop is hard to foretell, as it depends largely on the 

 condition of the \inc. As long as they are hung full with fruit, it would be lolly 

 to disturb them, but whenever the vines show signs of deterioration, it is better 

 to discard them and start afresh with young plants. The soil should then be 

 renewed, for it is merely a waste of time to try to recuperate Cucumbers when 

 they once begin to get stunted or worn out. 



AIRING— TEMPERATURE 



Cucumbers are \er\- exacting as to airing and temperature, and any neglect 

 or oversight in these matters will react upon the plants. The temperature best 

 suited to them is 65 by night and 75° or 80° with sun by da>-. Admit a crack 

 of air when the thermometer registers about "^2°. Even then good judgment 

 must be exercised, and it would he well to admit the air on the opposite side. If 

 there is a brisk south vsiiul blowing admit a eraek of air on the opposite side. 

 There is nothing worse than a cold, cutting wind blowing directly on the vines; 

 in fact, they will not stand it during the short days, especially the Telegraph 

 strain, which is somewhat more delicate than the White Spine variety. 

 The latter may be grown successfully in a somewliat lower temperature. 

 It must be borne in mind that both kinds are sensitive to sudden 

 changes. Therefore, a steady temperature must be maintained and the 

 airing done carefully. The atmosphere must he kept sufhciently moist, 

 and the foliage may be sprayed a couple of times a day in bright weather. 

 With such treatment the vines should not he sick or puny, nor be troubled 

 with insects, which will always attack a i)lant that is checked through care- 

 lessness or neglect. 



