106 VEGECULTURE 



Prickly, etc., are usually grown outdoors. The Gherkin and 

 the Little Russian Cucumber are grown for pickling purposes ; 

 they are quite small, and require but little culture. 



THE JAPANESE CUCUMBER. This Cucumber is an uncommon 

 kind introduced from Japan several years ago. It is perfectly 

 hardy, of climbing habit, growing some four feet to six feet 

 high, and bearing fruits of good flavour, averaging ten inches 

 to twelve inches long, quite freely, the plant being readily 

 grown in the open air. Seeds can be obtained from most seeds- 

 men, and should be sown where the plants are required to grow. 

 Choose a sunny spot, dig a hole three feet wide and two feet 

 deep, put in a couple of feet of manure, and then replace the 

 soil on top to form a mound, on which plant three or four seeds 

 an inch apart. When the seedlings appear, select the two 

 strongest, and remove the others. Place some stout pea-sticks 

 around the plants, up which they will quickly climb. Give 

 plenty of \vater, also liquid manure when the fruit begins to 

 form. The Cucumbers should be gathered for use when about 

 six inches long, the flavour then being more delicate than if 

 they are allowed to grow to a larger size. This variety needs 

 little more care than the ordinary kinds, but is more productive, 

 the fruits being considerably longer and of better shape, while 

 if quickly grown, the flavour is certainly equal to the majority 

 of those from plants in frames. Should a border at the foot of 

 a warm wall or fence be available, the site will be an ideal one, 

 and will ensure fruits in a very short time after planting ; or a 

 sheltered spot may be selected and trenches containing plenty 

 of manure, covered with at least a foot of garden soil, may be 

 utilized. It all depends on the quality or consistency of the 

 soil and the suitability of the locality as to which system of 

 culture should be adopted. Afford plenty of tepid water as 

 soon as active growth commences, and after a hot day, sprinkle 

 overhead with a syringe or brush dipped in tepid water. 



. THE VEGETABLE MARROW. This vegetable, well-known 

 and popular, requires no description ; but its culture should 

 receive greater attention, especially from the household gardener. 

 There is no imperative necessity for a manure-heap or hotbed 

 in order to grow good Marrows ; but where such can be pro- 

 vided it is an advantage. Good, heavily-manured, well-worked 

 soil will be sufficient, however, and the plants may be planted 

 upon the level ground perhaps in a slight depression to assist 



