CUCUMBERS 71 



necessary by the time the days are shortening, other- 

 wise there will be no fruit. The same temperatures 

 will suffice, at least, the minimum one will be suitable, 

 that is 70 by day or 65 in dull cold weather, and 60 

 to 65 at night, but allow the thermometer to rise 

 freely by sun heat, and give tepid water when re- 

 quired. Cold water, or an excess and cold draughts at 

 this time of the year will bring mildew. Give less 

 soil at the roots, letting this be light and well-drained, 

 and give top dressing when needed. Pot culture is 

 excellent for winter plants, and this mode of culture 

 is more suitable when the bottom heat is none too 

 good, as by using sixteen- or eighteen-inch pots warm 

 manures may be given to assist root growth. The 

 pots may be placed on bricks over hot-water pipes 

 with good results, and plants grown in this way make 

 a short-jointed growth. When the pots are in the 

 house in the autumn, they are only partially filled 

 with soil, more being added as the growth progresses, 

 but at all times it is well to make the soil in pots 

 fairly firm. The following are excellent varieties at 

 all seasons : Button's Every Day, Satisfaction, Im- 

 proved Telegraph, Matchless, Market Gem and 

 Lockie's Perfection. 



Outdoor Plants. These are usually raised in frames 

 or under hand-glasses. They are a success if treated 

 in the same way as a vegetable marrow, and well repay 

 a rich root run, and, if possible, a little fermenting 

 material at the roots at the start, while a little timely 

 protection may be given overhead after planting. 



