JAN.] 



THE GARDEXER. 



85 



The treatment for early Cucumhers* — There is 

 some difference of opinion whether it is better to raise 

 them from seedlings or cuttings at this season of the 

 year. There is a great deal asserted in favour of pro- 

 pagation by cuttings, which are said to be less liable 

 to suffer from cold atmosphere, in consequence of being 

 less succulent, and that they bear immediately after 

 they have formed roots sufficient to nourish the fruit, 

 and are more productive than seedlings. 



If you raise from seed, make a small hotbed in the 

 commencement of this month, if you have not done so 

 in December, under a single glass frame as directed be- 

 fore, and when the temperature is at the proper point, 

 lay the leaf-mould or a mixture of it with peat over 

 the bed, and sow the seeds in it broadcast, or in drills 

 half an inch deep ; press the earth gently over them 

 afterwards, admit as much fresh air as the state of the 

 weather will safely allow, to carry off the noxious steam 

 wnich arises. Cover the frames securely during frost 

 and snow, but take care to give vent to the pent-up 

 air, whenever opportunity allows. 



You may put the seeds, when the rough leaves ap- 

 pear, which on an average will be in a week, in pots 

 ''about five inches deep, six inches over at the top, 

 and four inches over at the bottom, measuring from 

 outside to outside; put a small oyster shell, the hollow 

 part downwards over the hole at the bottom of the pot. 

 Fill the pots about three parts full of earth, raise the 

 plants out of the ground with your fingers, put tvro 

 plants into each pot ; holding the head of each to- 

 wards the rim, while you put in more earth with the 

 other hand to fill the pot up to the rim. Then take 

 the pot and gently rap the bottom of it upon the edsre 

 of the frame three or four times, which will leave the 

 earth about half an inch below the rim. You may- 

 then press the root of each plant a little with the point 

 of your finger, and put on a little more eai'th to make 



