THE CUCUMBER. 259 



rapidly in eight or ten days after they are planted, and 

 when uncovered in the morning dew-drops will be seen 

 round the edges of the leaves, and white thread-like 

 roots will sooti appear on the surface of the soil in the 

 pots. Pinch the top off each plant as soon as it gets to 

 within 2 inches of the trellis, after which they wiU 

 soon force a lateral growth at nearly every joint 

 These laterals should be all removed except the 

 three at the top of each plant. As they expand 

 their leaves and establish themselves above the trellis, 

 remove by degrees those that are below it, and stop the 

 three top growths at the second joint, and afterwards at 

 every joint. 



Should the middle of March prove mild, do not let 

 the night temperature exceed 75°, with at all times ,9, 

 small amount of air on all night. Increase the air in 

 the morning as soon as the heat reaches 80°, and con- 

 tinue to take every opportunity a£ford,ed by sunny 

 weather of .shutting up early in the afternoon with a 

 moist atmosphere, so that the temperature may run up 

 to 90° for an hour or two. After a sunny parching day, 

 such practice wonderfully refreshes the plants. Always 

 be watchful that they never receive a check from be- 

 coming too dry at the roots, for the cucumber, after it 

 gets into full growth, with its immense surface of active 

 leaves, requires a good supply of water. The surface 

 of the bed in the bottom of the pot is not so apt to get 

 dry, being shaded and level, but that in the pot gets 

 dry more quickly. 



I have generally cut cucumbers within six weeks 

 after planting the plants in the fruiting-pit. When 

 they begin to bear, it is an error to let them bear too 

 freely at first,; a few should only be left to each plant 



