290 



The Cucurbits 



168. Seeds of Cucumis 

 Anguria (X about 3). 



Cucumbers for the main or pickling crop are usually 

 grown from seeds planted directly in the fields when 

 frost is past ; sometimes they are in two or three plantings, 

 up to even the first or middle of July. 

 Cucumbers do not require as much heat 

 as melons. 



Sometimes cucumbers are grown as 

 a companion crop, beans or lettuce 

 being raised between the hills or rows. 

 When the cucumbers begin to run 

 strongly they should have the whole ground. 



While land for cucumbers should be fertile, raw manures 

 should not be used, unless applied in autumn or early 

 spring and thoroughly incorporated with the soil. Very 

 heavy applications of nitrogen are thought to send the 

 plants too much to vine and to delay fruiting. 



For very early, some of the small-fruited cucumbers 

 may be planted, as Early Russian, Early 

 Cluster, Cool and Crisp. For midseason 

 and late, the White Spine, in various 

 strains, is the standard. Giant Pera, 

 Nichol Medium Green and Tailby are 

 older favorites. 



Gherkins are very small immature cu- 

 cumbers, used for pickles. The name is 

 also applied to the small prickly fruits of 

 Cucumis Anguria, a species known as the 

 West Indian or burr cucumber. This is 

 sometimes cultivated, and its fruits are used for pickles. 

 It is grown in every way as is the ordinary cucumber. 

 Seeds and seedling are seen in Figs. 168, 169. 



Seedling of 

 C. Anguria. 

 (X 2/3). 



