CUCUMBEKS. 91 



will Lave started, when they will require airing every mild 

 day and closing at night. There is but little danger of 

 bugs when grown this way, and by the twentieth of the 

 month they may be removed to the open air, provided the 

 weather is settled. Of course the sod is to be lifted with 

 the plants, and when set out, if they show any signs of 

 wilting, give a good watering at evening. When firmly 

 established they must be thinned to three plants in a hill, 

 the preparation of the soil and after-treatment being the 

 same as for regular out-door culture. When it is desired 

 to force cucumbers, after the crop of cabbage or other 

 plants has been removed from the cold-frames, always by 

 the first of May, the soil should be spaded and raked, and 

 a few seeds planted in the center of each section, or im- 

 mediately under the center of each sash. 



The sashes being placed on, the seeds will soon germi- 

 nate, and when strong, thin to three to a sash. 



In this case the plants may be forced somewhat by keep- 

 ing pretty close, but avoid excessive heat, as it will weaken 

 them, or they may be scorched, to their injury. At the 

 same time guard against sudden changes to cold, when 

 the sashes are opened. 



When the weather becomes warm and the vines require 

 room, the sashes may be entirely removed. 



Marketing 1 , Cucumbers should always be cut, never 

 pulled, as that disturbs and injures the vines. They are 

 ready for market when a little more than half-grown, or 

 while they still retain their green color. When grown 

 near a market, washing will improve their appearance, 

 but for shipping they are better if left dry, but avoid 

 having them wilted. They may be shipped in barrels or 

 boxes, but should not be long packed in bulk. Pickles must 

 be cut when one fourth to one half grown, and these, as 

 well as when grown full size, will be increased in number 

 by keeping them cut clean, for when a part is allowed to 

 ripen but few more set, and the vines soon die. 



