CUCUMBERS. 89 



rows, eight to twelve inches long, thick at the point ; ker- 

 nels long and slender, very much indented. 



CUCUMBERS. 



These can be safely shipped a long distance, and hence 

 are worthy the attention of those who are remote from 

 market, and desire to grow vegetables for profit. 



Soil and Preparation, The soil best adapted to cu- 

 cumbers is a sandy loam, and they will do well on very 

 sandy land if an abundance of manure is applied. Where 

 manure can be obtained it is far preferable to plow under 

 a good dressing, as the vines are rank feeders. As a rule 

 they are grown in hills. 



For this plan, plow and harrow the ground, furrow out 

 six feet for the large, or four and a half feet for the small- 

 growing kinds, one "way, and three feet the other. At 

 every crossing put a shovelful of well-rotted manure or 

 compost and thoroughly mix it with the soil. 



Planting and Cultivating, The season for planting is 

 from the first to the tenth of May for early, and at any 

 time thence until the first of July, at which latter date 

 those designed for pickles may be planted, their after-cul- 

 tivation being the same as when the crop is to be full- 

 grown. When the manure can be put in broadcast, mark 

 light furrows five to seven feet apart, according to the 

 kind to be planted ; long varieties make the most vine, 

 and vice versa. 



Drop in the seed thickly, certainly twelve or fifteen to 

 a foot, which will allow a fair share for the " striped bug," 

 which is certain to give them a call. Cover an incli deep 

 with fine soil, and press with the hoe-blade. When grown 

 in hills, about twenty seeds should be placed in each, and 

 covered as in rows. 



As soon as the young plants begin to break through, 



