478 MANUAL OF GARDENING 



For extra early, Marblehead, Adams, Vermont, Minnesota, and 

 Early Corey are favorites. A most excellent extra early yellow 

 sweet corn, with kernels looking like small field corn, is Golden Bantam; 

 the ears are small and would probably not attract the market buyer, 

 but for home use the variety is unexcelled (Plate XXIV). For later 

 crop, Crosby, Hickox, Shoe Peg, and Stowell Evergreen are now 

 popular. 



Cress. — Two very unlike species of plants are grown under the 

 name of cress, — the upland-cress and the water-cress. There are still 

 other species, but not much known in this country. 



The upland cress, or the true pepper grass, may be grown on any 

 garden soil. Sow early in the spring. It makes a rapid growth and 

 can be cut in from four to five weeks. Succession of sowings must be 

 made, as it runs quickly to seed. The curled variety is the one usually 

 grown, as the leaves may be used for garnishing as well as for 'salads. 

 One packet of seed will be sufficient for each sowing. Any good soil 

 will do. Sow thickly in drills 12 to 18 inches apart. In summer 

 it runs to seed quickly, so that it is usually grown in spring and fall. 



The water-cress is more exacting in its culture, and can be success- 

 fully grown only in moist places, such as edges of shallow slow-run- 

 ning creeks, open drains, or beds excavated near such streams. A 

 few plants for private use may be grown in a frame, provided a reten- 

 tive soil is used and attention given to watering the bed often. Water- 

 cress may be propagated from pieces of the stem, used as cuttings. 

 If one is fond of water-cress, it is well to colonize it in some clean creek 

 or pool. It will take care of itself year by year. Seeds may also be 

 used for propagating it. 



Cucumber. — The custom of putting down cucumber pickles in the 

 home kitchen is probably passing out; but both the pickling and the 

 slicing cucumbers, especially the latter, are still an essential part of a 

 good home garden. A stale or wilted cucumber is a very poor article 

 of food. 



For early use, the cucumber is usually started in a hotbed or cold- 

 frame by sowing the seed on pieces of sod 4 to 6 inches square, 

 turned grass side down. Three or four seeds are placed on or pushed 



