266 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



is well, too, especially in winter, to remove the male 

 blossoms as soon as they are discerned. Impregnated 

 cucumbers are never so equal and good as those which 

 are unfertilised ; and except for seed, no impregnation 

 should be allowed. I cannot impress too strongly the 

 fact, that to have a constant supply of good cucumbers 

 over a length of time, over-cropping must be avoided by 

 removing those not absolutely required. It is a tempt- 

 ing sight to have a fine display at one time. It looks 

 well while it lasts, but the plants will rebel by resting 

 for a season after the effort. 



After they have been bearing some time and give 

 indications that a top-dressing would be beneficial, mix 

 two parts old mushroom-bed or old hotbed manure with 

 one part of turfy loam, and cover the surface of the bed 

 to the depth of 1 inch or a little more; and after the 

 turn of the season, about the end of January, apply a 

 similar covering to the roots that will have seized upon 

 the first dressing. With increased daylight, they will 

 do with increased moisture, and these top-dressings will 

 cause them to grow more strongly, and they will go on 

 bearing under similar treatment for a long time. It is, 

 however, desirable, when convenience exists, to raise 

 more plants to come into bearing in spring, and, if 

 necessary, to introduce a new set of plants into the 

 winter house to bear through the summer, or .to allow 

 of its being devoted to propagation or any other purpose. 

 Not that this is absolutely necessary, although desirable, 

 for the same plants under careful treatment often go on 

 bearing until the house is needed for another winter set 

 of plants. 



