OF ONE ACRE. 
139 
dozen hills, I divide the long row across the garden 
into three parts, planting the squashes at one end, 
watermelons in the centre, while the other end is 
occupied by cucumbers, which prevents any mixing 
of pollen, and gives a sufficient quantity of each 
fruit without disturbing the symmetry of the garden, 
In gathering the squashes for table use, care must be 
taken that they are not too old, or they will be tough 
and stringy when cooked; the easiest way'to judge 
them is to try them with the nail or small stick; if it 
does not cut the skin freely and easily they are too 
old; no push should be required to make the cut. 
This is also a good test when in doubt about the 
proper condition of sweet corn, and should be applied 
to grains near the base of the ear. No old squashes 
should be allowed to remain on the vines of the 
summer varieties, for if they are allowed to ripen, the 
vine, having fulfilled its natural purpose, will dry up 
and die, while if the fruits are picked off, it will con¬ 
tinue to grow and produce fruit. 
The winter squashes are raised in the same man¬ 
ner, but are more difficult to start, as the young plants 
are subject to a borer which eats them off under 
ground. Plenty of seed should be sown in each hill, 
and as soon as you see a plant wilting or cut off, dig 
around its roots with your fingers or a stick until you 
find and kill the borer, otherwise, he will continue 
his labors on the other plants in the hill. The plants 
should also have careful watching and dusting, to pre¬ 
serve them from the usual insects that prey on young 
vines. "When the plants are about one foot in length 
they should be thinned out to two or three in a hill, 
