Cucumbers 1429 



For slicing, the white spine varieties, of which there are num- 

 erous strains, are most in use. The market prefers a variety 

 which is green and holds its own in color well after being picked. 



The hothouse growers in New York State prefer the longer 

 varieties of the Chinese class, while those near Boston grow the 

 Arlington white spine, which is also a favorite outdoor variety. 



Fig. 442. — Loading Cucumbers at Ionia Packing House 



picking and packages 



In a good growing time cucumbers should be picked every two 

 days, and should not be over two inches in diameter for best 

 market. 



The favorite package in New York State is the standard 

 bushel basket with slat cover, and the " cukes," as they are known 

 on the market, should be graded as to quality. 



PROFITS 



As for the profits, it is like many other of the vegetable crops — 

 there is a wide fluctuation in it from year to year, the climatic 

 conditions having a marked influence on the yield. 



The market demand is also governed by the consumption of 

 fresh cucumbers which depends largely on the temperature, many 

 more being used in warm weather than in cool weather. 



The Jewish people are the chief consumers of fresh cucumbers. 

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