80 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



dissimilar and most worthy of cultivation, either in 

 forcing frames or in the open air : and he will begin 

 with the variety which laid the foundation of the 

 fine cucumbers exhibited in this country during the 

 last sixty years. 



1. The Southgate, so called from a village near 

 London, where this fruit was raised in the greatest 

 perfection as to moderate length, symmetry of 

 growth, and colour ; and being of a more tender 

 nature than the common long prickly, is principally 

 recommended for early frame-work, as are all the 

 sorts which have originated from this stock, for 

 which there are numerous claimants, each sort 

 being considered by its possessor as the best. Hence 

 the only advice the author can give to the young 

 horticulturist, to procure a really good cucumber, 

 is to apply to some respectable seedsman or brother 

 gardener for the seed of their best sort. 



2. Long Green Prickly. This is a hardier sort 

 than the Southgate, but not so early ; it is the most 

 proper for hand-glasses and for various culinary 

 purposes. It commonly grows from seven to ten 

 inches long, and has a dark-green skin, covered 

 with small prickles. 



3. Short Green Prickly, is one of the hardiest 

 and earliest sorts, and the best for the open ground. 

 It is also the most prolific in producing the small 

 cucumbers for pickling. The village of Sandy, in 

 Bedfordshire, has long been famous for producing 

 cucumbers in the open air ; and, in the season, whole 

 waggon loads are sent weekly to the London markets, 

 not only for pickling, but in a more mature state 

 for all culinary purposes. 



