tilized and that moisture is supplied as needed. 
I have known fine crops to be harvested when 
planted as close as four by four feet and thinned 
to two husky plants per hill. 
Plant the seed not over an inch deep in moist 
soil. We find that a double handful of hen ma¬ 
nure well mixed in the hill gives the little 
plants a good start. A light, well-drained neu¬ 
tral soil well supplied with organic matter is 
preferred for this crop. It is a good idea to 
broadcast a commercial fertilizer analyzing 
about 5-8-7 at the rate of one ton per acre, 
which should be raked or harrowed in after 
spading or plowing before the hills are marked 
out and prepared. 
Keep weeds down by hoeing and cultivating. 
Remember a soil mulch conserves moisture. 
This one operation may mean the difference 
between success and failure to mature the crop. 
Squash bugs and cucumber beetles must be 
fought while the plants are small. Hand pick 
the bugs and dust with hydrated lime after each 
shower to keep down the beetles. 
About the time the vines begin to run, which 
usually occurs around six to eight weeks after 
planting, we find that it pays well to hoe in 
around the hills a fertilizer low in nitrogen but 
high in minerals, such as a 2-8-6 or thereabout 
to promote early maturity. It is a mistake to 
use a high nitrogen manure at this time as this 
promotes vegetative growth and delays the 
ripening of the crop. 
Do not pick ornamental gourds until they are 
absolutely hard. It is well to test with the finger 
nail. The full color develops only after the gourd 
is well matured. A gourd will not keep if picked 
green or if roughly handled. Always cut gourds 
