CUCUMBERS 25 



cause a coldness at the feet which would be as uncomfortable 

 and unhealthy for the plant as cold feet are uncomfortable 

 and unhealthy for us. With a root temperature at 50 or 55, 

 and a head temperature at 80, it would be difficult to imagine 

 less hygienic conditions or conditions more likely to bring disease ; 

 therefore, though copious waterings are necessary, they must 

 not be given at all times and seasons but only when needed, 

 and the drainage must be able to carry away all that is over and 

 above the actual needs of the soil and the plants. 



We trust we have put this into such clear and simple language 

 that there can be no misapprehension. No rule can be laid 

 down, but let this be some guide : stagnant water is poison, 

 it sours and poisons the soil, it rots the roots. The soil must 

 be watched and the grower must exercise judgment as to when 

 it requires water and how much to give it. 



Syringing. This is a simpler matter and is done once, twice, 

 or even thrice a day, according to the season and the sun. 



Cucumbers thrive only in humidity, for immediately they are 

 subjected to arid conditions they are at once attacked by red 

 spider, which spring from nowhere in whole battalions. A 

 dry cucumber leaf seems of all leaves to be the most unnaturally 

 dry to the touch, and in such condition cannot function. 



The water used for syringing should be as nearly as possible 

 of the same temperature as the house and should be used not 

 merely for the purpose of damping the foliage, but of really 

 wetting it as by a shower-bath. The operation should not take 

 place too late in the day when the thermometer is sinking to 

 its night temperature, but early enough to leave only a dampness 

 by the time the day is done. During the winter months a 

 syringing once a day in the forenoon will probably suffice, and 

 in really bad weather a slight steaming from wetting the hot- 

 water pipes may be safer still. The neglect of this daily damping, 

 even in the winter, will infallibly result in the attacks of thrip 

 and red spider, which once having found a lodgment will only 

 with great difficulty be destroyed. 



Training. This consists of tying up the new growths and 

 fixing them in such position as shall ensure for each one its due 

 proportion of space and light. The weight of a cucumber is 



