342 VEGETABLE FORCING 
serious if proper sanitary measures are observed and if 
suitable cultural conditions are maintained. 
Marketing.—After the fruits have reached marketable 
size, it is important to look over the plants at least three 
times a week so that every cucumber will be picked at 
the proper time. If they are left too long on the vines 
the seeds will become hard, which is objectionable from 
the consumer’s viewpoint; the quality deteriorates and 
the color of the rind. becomes lighter, a condition always 
objectionable to both dealers and consumers. Again, the 
plants become exhausted more rapidly if the seeds are 
allowed to develop to any considerable extent, and this 
in itself is an important reason for early harvesting. 
The large markets demand from two to four grades. 
There can be no doubt concerning the advantages of care- 
ful grading. Fruits of practically the same size, shape 
and shade of color should be packed together. Three 
grades, besides the nubbins, which should be left at home 
unless there is a local demand for them, will be found 
very satisfactory. Fig. 120 will present an idea as to how 
the fruits should be graded. 
There are many kinds of packages for the marketing 
of cucumbers. Barrels holding three or four bushels are 
employed by some of the Middle West growers. Fig. 
121 shows some of the packed barrels covered with bur- 
lap. In the Boston section, the bushel box (Fig. 122) 
is the favorite package. It holds from seven to nine dozen 
cucumbers, the number depending upon the size of the 
fruits. The inside of the box may be lined with paper. 
When closed with strips or thin boards, it makes a very 
satisfactory package. 
In some sections, crates holding four to five dozen 
fruits are employed. Baskets (Fig. 123) of the same 
kind and size as those used for packing lettuce are em- 
ployed by many New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio 
growers. The baskets may be packed level full so that 
