CUCUMBER. 



203 



The per-centage of ash afforded by the plant in the un- 

 dried state, is .63, the constituents of which are in the 

 following proportions. 



Potassa, 47.42 



Lime, ....... 6.31 



Magnesia, 4.26 



Sulphuric Acid, ..... 4.60 



Silicic Acid, . ^ 7.12 



Phosphoric Acid, .... 14.97 

 Phosphate of Iron, • . . . 2.06 

 Chloride of Potassium, . . . 4.19 

 Chloride of Sodium . . . . 9.06 



99.99 



Ashes, Bone-dust and common salt are the special 

 manures indicated by the analysis. Guano is the best 

 manure. 



Culture. — The culture of cucumbers in this fine climate 

 is very easy. They will grow in almost any soil or situa- 

 tion, provided it has a good supply of moisture, but it likes 

 a light, fresh loam, and to be somewhat shaded during the 

 heat of the day. The seed may be planted about the first 

 of April, or as soon as it can be done with safety, as this 

 plant is very tender and will not bear the least frost. If 

 the ground be deeply trenched, the plant is much less 

 susceptible to drought. After the ground is regularly dug, 

 dig out holes fifteen inches deep and the same in diameter, 

 six feet apart each way, and partly fill them with well 

 decomposed manure. A little guano, or fowl manure, 

 sprinkled in the bottom of the hills will be very beneficial. 

 Do not use fresh manure or the the plants will die out. 

 Cow manure and leaf mould are excellent. Cover over 

 the manure with rich, mellow loam. Raise the hills a 

 little above the surface, and form them saucer-shaped, two 

 or three inches deep so as to retain the moisture. Put 



