86 



CUCURBITACEOUS PLANTS. 



straight and well formed, five inches and a half long, and 

 two inches and a half in diameter ; skin deep 

 green, paler at the blossom-end, changing to 

 clear yellow as it approaches maturity, and, 

 when fully ripe, of a yellowish, russet-brown 

 color ; flesh greenish-white, rather seedy, but 

 tender, and of an agreeable flavor. It is a few 

 days later than the Early Cluster. 



The variety is universally popular, and is 

 found in almost every vegetable-garden. It is 

 also very productive ; succeeds well, whether 

 grown in open culture or under glass ; and, if 

 plucked while young and small, makes an excel- 

 lent pickle. 



Early Kussian. This somewhat recent variety resembles 



the Early Cluster. Fruit from three to 

 four inches in length, and an inch and a half or two inches 

 in diameter, and generally produced in pairs ; flesh tender, 

 crisp, and well flavored. When ripe, the fruit is deep yel- 

 low or yellowish-brown. 



Its merits are its hardiness, extreme earliness, and great 

 productiveness. It comes into use nearly ten days in ad- 

 vance of the Early Cluster, and is the earliest garden vari- 

 ety now cultivated. Its small size is, however, considered 

 an objection ; and some of the larger kinds are generally 

 preferred for the main crop. 



London Long 

 Green. Hclnt. 



Fruit nearly a foot in length, tapering 

 towards the extremities ; skin very deep 

 green while the fruit is young, yellow when it is ripe ; flesh 

 greenish-white, firm, and crisp ; flavor good. 



This variety is nearly related to the numerous prize sorts 

 which in England are cultivated under glass, and forced 

 during the winter. There is little permanency in the slight 

 variations of character by which they are distinguished ; 



