THE VEGETABLE-FRUITS 103 



derates over the utility. It is indeed a splendid greenhouse 

 subject, of trailing of semi-climbing habit, bearing handsome 

 flowers, yellow or lilac, which are followed by a curious horned 

 green fruit, or seed-pod. These pods, while yet young and 

 tender, are gathered and pickled in vinegar. The fruits should 

 not be more than half-grown for this purpose. The plant yields 

 abundantly, as a rule. Full greenhouse culture, with much 

 heat, is essential all through growth, although the plants may, 

 if desired, be bedded outdoors. The seeds, especially, require 

 a brisk bottom heat to germinate, and the young plants are no 

 less partial to warmth. The plants are of annual duration, 

 and require exactly the same treatment in sowing and potting- 

 on as that given to most tender annual flowering-plants. 



THE CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus) is the popular repre- 

 sentative of the useful Family of the "Curcubjts," which 

 includes, besides the Cucumber, the Melon, Gourd, Pumpkin, 

 Squash, and Vegetable Marrow, suited to a variety of excellent 

 purposes, and all of them may be claimed as decorative subjects. 

 The culture is somewhat exacting, requiring the assistance of 

 heated glass structures, and much depends upon the skill in 

 management of the cultivator. Outdoor culture is amply 

 provided for, however, after the initial seed-germination and 

 plant-raising has been successfully completed under glass ; 

 and besides the Vegetable Marrows and Gourds, which are 

 essentially outdoor summer subjects, the Cucumber can be 

 given outdoor conditions, and Melons are also represented by 

 varieties which only require a nominal frame-protection. Where 

 there are no hothouses to rear the young plants, they may be 

 raised in a frame on a hotbed. Two or three barrow-loads of 

 fresh horse droppings put into a cool greenhouse will also give 

 sufficient heat to cause the seeds to germinate quickly. Light, 

 turfy loam is the best soil ; leaf-mould and sand should be 

 added. Cucumbers and Melons are best sown singly in small 

 pots. The soil should be pressed down gently, and the seeds 

 covered with half an inch of soil, placed lightly on them. When 

 the seedlings are up, and have made two leaves besides the seed 

 leaves, they should be potted into a larger-sized pot, using the 

 same soil materials. When the roots have filled these pots, 

 the plant will be ready for planting out in the cold frames. 

 Such plants as these are obtainable for planting outdoors the 

 first week in June, and there will not be much doubt about them 

 succeeding. Those plants to receive full indoor treatment all 



