SI C T. XIV.. OF RAIDING CUCUMBERS* 131 



able fituatiorV&nd fow in patches eight or nine feeds in a 

 hole, formed like a fhallow bafm, covering half an inch 

 deep ; and if covered with hand glaffes, to bring them 

 up a little while, it were much better. Thin them 

 when getting into rough leaf, to four or five of the beft 

 plants; fpread them a4ittle, and earth up to the feed 

 leaves, giving a little water ; and if, afterwards, the 

 number of plants is reduced to three, it would be better 

 than more. Give plenty of air by day, and a little on 

 nights. Raife earth above the (hanks as they grow, 

 and let it lie about them, while the plants are fmall, in 

 the form of a (hallow bahn. 



As to faving the feed of cucumbers, as it is of fome 

 confequence to be afceriained of a good kind, when 

 the early nature and approved quality of any fort is 

 known, it ought to be an objeft to fave it well; which 

 will be heft done from plants ot the jeeond crop, that 

 have been ridged out, i. e. brought up under hand 

 glafles. From this crop that plant which (hews fiuit 

 firft (under the fame culture) fhould be* referved for 

 feed, judging that its early difpofition mav be continued, 

 and becaufe the jirft fruit of any kind (if uninjured) 

 always produces the befi feed. 



Fix upon handjzme fruit, and prefer that which is 

 placed lowefl, or grows neareft the root. Leave no 

 more than one fruit for feed upon a plant, and let it 

 remain on the vines through Auguji, or as much longer 

 as the weather will permit, to be very ripe : when cut 

 off, place feed cucumbers againft a fouth wall, till they 

 appear decaying, 



Being got rotten ripe, fccop out the pulp and feed into 

 fome veffel, and flir it well up, which repeat for feveral 

 days ; then let it be warned in -two or three waters, 

 which will feparate the pulp, and leave the feed clean : 

 fpread it thin for two or three days, that it may dry 

 thoroughly, and putting it up in paper for ule, keep it in 

 a place tree from damp. Let it be every now and then 



examined 



