THE CUCUMBER UNDER HAND-GLASSES. 7 



for guidance in these particulars — further, than 

 that extremes are to be avoided ; giving a little 

 water and often, and air whenever it is possible 

 to do so. 



The cucumber makes great progress in the 

 open air in close calm days, especially when 

 thunder and rain are prevalent ; clearly evi- 

 dencing thereby that it delights in a moist and 

 warm atmosphere. 



Pruning and dressing are matters of the 

 utmost importance to the well-doing of the 

 plants. Stop them, as before directed (see 

 p. 5), at the joint above the seed-leaves. They 

 will generally make, from that method of stop- 

 ping, three shoots ; one of which is to be 

 stopped again at the second joint, which will 

 cause it to break afresh; thus giving four 

 runners, the number required, to be trained 

 towards the four corners of the hand-glass; 

 which must be raised by degrees as the shoots 

 advance, first a little on the south side, and 

 soon afterwards all round. These shoots are to 



