Tlie Cucumber 



289 



The quality of cucumbers depends on the variety, vigor 

 of the plant, when picked, and how kept and handled in 

 transportation. The notion that cucumbers are spoiled 

 by muskmelons planted near, and vice versa, is erroneous. 

 Carefully selected seed should be obtained. 



Since the fruits of cucumbers are used when young, the 

 productivity of the plants may be greatly enhanced by 

 picking the fruits as soon as they are fit. The patch 



167. Cucumber of the White Spine type (X about 1/3). 



should be gone over every two or three days at least, and 

 if the area is large, it should be picked over every day. 

 If one fruit is allowed to ripen it may prevent the setting 

 of other fruits. If seeds of cucumbers are desired, it is 

 best to reserve a few hills specially for that purpose. 



