CUCUMBER. 101 



highest perfection for many years b^ that excellent 

 horticulturist Mr. W. Acton, to whose estimable 

 father many of the best horticulturists in this king- 

 dom lie under obligations. 



Thus far on the early cultivation of cucumbers. 

 The raising of the cucumber under hand-glasses 

 is of great consequence, being a succession through- 

 out the summer, and is of much emolument to the 

 market gardener. Hand-glasses are made of va- 

 rious sizes ; but such as are about eighteen inches 

 square will be found the most useful. The glass is 

 generally worked in lead, of the pieces for which 

 the glazier well knows the use. To the bottom of 

 each glass there should be fixed a piece of iron 

 hoop, to protect it in wearing. 



According to the quantity of plants required, the 

 seed of the long green prickly kind, should be sown 

 about the middle of April, either distinct on a 

 slight heat, or in any part of a cucumber frame. 

 When of sufficient strength they should be planted 

 (the mould being light and rich) three in a 32 

 size pot ; when, having a little water they may 

 be plunged in a moderate heat until they begin to 

 grow ; and when the vines are observed to have 

 grown to the third joint, leave two strong ones, 

 which, after being stopped, will furnish sufficient 

 runners to cover the bed. Very little of the stopping 

 is attended to in extensive market grounds ; neither 

 are the glasses taken off, being only tilted on one 

 side : they require, however, different usage in pri- 

 vate gardens. 



While the plants are getting on for their final 

 planting, a rich well sheltered spot should be chosen, 

 H 3 



