324 VEGETABLE FORCING 
which would usually exist under ordinary forcing conditions em- 
ployed in growing this crop. 
“6. That plants possess an individuality which has more to do 
with their behavior than the different treatments which would com- 
monly be given in greenhouse operations. That this individuality 
shows itself in the form of plant, relative number of flowers and 
fruit produced, and rapidity of germination and growth. Thcet 
better results can be obtained by using seed from the best in- 
dividuals than by attempting to influence production by increased 
soil temperature.” 
Shading.—Shading is not considered necessary by all 
growers of the spring and early summer crop. Some of 
the most successful and extensive growers do not shade 
the houses. If wilting can be prevented by proper ven- 
tilation, sprinkling and watering, it is doubtful whether 
there is any special advantage in shading, except that the 
houses are more comfortable for the workmen. Shading, 
however, is practiced by some of the best growers, but 
applications of any kind should not be made to the glass 
until the season is well advanced and there is a real 
reason for reducing the temperature by this means. See 
page 36 for information on methods. 
Ventilation is necessary to maintain the health and 
vigor of the plants. Inasmuch as the cucumber is very 
sensitive to drafts and extremes in temperature, the ut- 
most care should be exercised in ventilating. The vents 
should be opened only a trifle in the morning, when the 
temperature has risen to almost 75 degrees, and later in 
the day they should be opened sufficiently to hold the 
temperature if possible at about 85 degrees. In the sum- 
mer time the temperature often exceeds 85 degrees, but 
injuries seldom result if moisture conditions of the house 
and soil are properly controlled. 
Training and pruning—The systems of pruning and 
training the cucumber are not so distinct and well defined 
as are those used with the tomato. Growers in various 
parts of the country differ greatly in their ideas of train- 
ing and pruning. Formerly, there was a disposition to 
