CUCUMBERS 65 



necessary in the case of the large growers, such as 

 King of Cauliflowers and Giant. The soil must be 

 rich and ample space provided, two and a half feet 

 apart being the correct distance to plant. Some 

 growers sow even earlier than advised in cold frames, 

 sometimes in autumn, and plant out early in April. 

 As in the case of Broccoli, the Cauliflower should 

 receive a change of soil ; it enjoys a rich, loose 

 medium, as it is a gross " feeder ". In poor soils or 

 in land frequently cropped with the Cabbage tribe, 

 " clubbing " is general. In South Devon excellent 

 results are gained by sowing the autumn varieties in 

 the open in September, and grown thus, failure is 

 not frequent in hot and dry summers. The flowers or 

 heads should not get too old. When of medium size 

 or quite small it is wise to cut them for private use. 

 In the case of a late crop, pull up the plants and place 

 them in a cool place ; it is far better that this should 

 be done than to allow them to open and thus lose 

 quality. 



CUCUMBERS. 



There are few gardens of any size in which 

 Cucumbers are not grown in the summer season. 

 Frequently the best means are not at command for 

 the production of late fruits, but they can be pur- 

 chased in mid-winter for as many pence as they 

 could shillings some forty or fifty years ago. This 

 reminds one also of the great progress that has 

 taken place both in culture and quality. The old 



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