182 VEGETABLE GROWING. 



For home use and home markets, the fall sorts will 

 be the more profitable. Early Orange Marrow, Win- 

 ter Crookneck, Marblehead and Hubbard are desira- 

 ble varieties. 



PLANTING. 



The hills are planted six by six or eight by eight feet 

 apart and the seed dropped directly in the field ; about 

 two and a half pounds are required for an acre. There 

 is much less danger from insects than in the case of 

 cucumbers. Tt is well to drop about six seeds to the 

 hill, and when the danger from insects is past, thin out 

 to three plants. 



When a crop is wanted early, it can be obtained by 

 following the directions given under the discussion of 

 Cucumbers. One should begin with a four- inch pot, 

 however. Some gardeners cut sod, turn it upside 

 down and plant seed on these in a cold frame or hot- 

 bed. This practice does very well with those who give 

 careful attention to the growing of squashes, but with 

 the novice it fails oftener than it succeeds. The one 

 great point to be kept in mind is, that the plant should 

 never become checked in its growth. 



CULTIVATING. 



Soon after the earlier leaves appear, the plant seems 

 to become weak near the ground, and the whole plant 

 is easily tossed about from one side to another by the 

 wind, and often plants are broken off or at least severely 

 bruised. This can be remedied by drawing the earth 

 up to the plants with a hoe, but this should not be 

 carried on so far as to make a hill for them to stand on ; 

 just enough should be drawn up to hold the plant in 

 place. 



As soon as the plants are set in the field, or as soon 

 as the seedlings appear above the ground, the horse 



