OF EARLY CUCUMBERS. 37 



hold it in one hand, with the other split it down, 

 and tear off the flowers, being careful at the 

 same time not to injure the male part ; then hold 

 the male blossom between the forefinger and 

 thumb of the right hand, while the female flower 

 is held between the middle and forefinger of the 

 left hand ; then put the male blossom in the 

 centre of the female, and the farina will adhere 

 to it, and have the desired effect ; should it, 

 however, happen to fall out after it is done, it is 

 of no consequence whatever, as the impreg- 

 nation is received the instant it is put in. 



The proper time to set the fruit is in the morn- 

 ing, as it always comes in bloom at night, and if 

 left until the afternoon the blossom of the fruit 

 closes a little, in consequence of which it is 

 doubtful whether fruition will be effected. 



In order to ascertain whether the male blos- 

 som is good ; after you have prepared it as above 

 described for use, draw the farina, or genitals, 

 across the thumb-nail, and if good, it will leave 

 a glutinous substance resembling gum. 



