CUCUMBER 305 
Markets differ in their requirements, but most of them 
prefer fruits which are fairly long and dark green in color. 
They should be uniform in diameter almost to the tip of 
each end (see Fig. 104), and the surface should be smooth 
and regular. When the fruits are ready to pick, the seeds 
should be poorly developed. The flesh should be crisp, 
tender and of the best flavor. 
American English crosses.—As previously stated, the 
texture and flavor of English varieties appeal to compara- 
tively few American con- 
sumers, though the long, green, 
cylindrical fruits are highly at- 
tractive in appearance. 
The great vigor and_ pro- 
lificacy of English varieties 
have interested our green- 
house growers, and these fac- 
tors, perhaps, have had the 
greatest influence in causing 
numerous crosses to be made 
between the two types. Most 
of the crosses have been very 
unsatisfactory. The plants have 
been thrifty and prolific, but 
the fruits, in most instances, 
have been too pointed or taper- 
ing and irregular in shape. Fig. 102. 
Arlington White Spine cucumber. 
However, there are some not- 
able exceptions. One reason for the use of crosses is 
the fact that artificial pollination is not so essential as 
with pure American varieties. 
Davis Perfect (Fig. 105), a cross, is largely grown. The 
plants are vigorous and productive, both the stems and 
leaves being very large. The fruits vary from about 6% 
inches to 9 inches in length, the average being about 7% 
inches, and the circumference in the middle about 7 inches. 
