76 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



gating as the poison does not appear to destroy the eggs. For an 

 early spring crop of tomatoes seed may be sown any time in Decem- 

 ber, grown on in pots for a while, then planted as recommended 

 for the winter crop, or they may be planted in solid beds. One of 

 the main features in keeping a healthy, vigorous growth is the 

 temperature. I am not an advocate of any high temperature; say 

 60° at night, and 70° to 75° degrees in the day according to condi- 

 tions of weather, and give air every available chance, never allowing 

 the foliage to get soft and flabby. Then there will not be much 

 trouble with mildew and kindred other diseases. Two of the best 

 tomatoes that I have ever tested for forcing purposes are the Comet 

 and the Don. I think if anything the Don is the best. Stirling 

 Castle also is a very free setting tomato, but a bit small. 



Cucumbers. 



The demand for cucumbers is equal to that for the tomato. 

 Years ago if we produced a crop in the fall and another in the spring 

 it was not altogether necessary through the shortest days. Now 

 there is a call for them at all seasons. Probably the commercial 

 grower has been responsible for popularizing this vegetable in a 

 general way, more than the private gardener, as their produce goes 

 on the market where it is sold broadcast to the public, which natur- 

 ally causes a brisk demand. 



I believe I am correct in stating that the Arlington, Massachusetts, 

 growers were the first to see the possibilities of growing cucumbers 

 on a large scale for the market as a financial enterprise, and today 

 I believe that town is the largest center for this ever-growing business. 

 The White Spine t^'pes are grown principally in the commercial 

 establishments, while on the private places we oftener see the 

 English or Long Telegraph type. However, both t^pes, are 

 worthy of a place in the forcing house. INIy cultural remarks will 

 be for the short winter months. Cucumbers can be grown suc- 

 cessfully during the short days with a comparatively small amount 

 of soil. They delight in a sandy loam; that cut from a pasture 

 land preferred and laid up for a month or so before using. Also 

 avoid using green manure. If farmyard manure is used have it 

 thoroughly decayed. The English varieties are better planted 



