ed, upon an average this may
be fairly considered as the probable time for its mature growth.

It is not advisable in any young beginner to sow seed in November or
December until about the twentieth of the latter month, as plants grown
in that season are very liable to be retarded in their growth, while
those sown from about the twentieth of December to the beginning of
January will grow much stronger and quicker, as they possess the
advantage of the increase of the season. An experienced framer, however,
can grow plants at any time of the year, and from those sown at the
above time, he may expect to cut fruit by the twentieth of March or
towards the latter end of that month, according to the weather; much
depending upon that and the situation of the framing grounds, which
should at all times be open to the sun, and defended from the winds.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] The Author would recommend January-sown plants, after having been
topped at the first joint, to run four joints, then topped again at the
first joint, when they will generally show fruit, and, if properly
attended to, will swell off to seven or eight inches in length, as the
first shows do not come so fine as those afterwards. Do not let more
than one fruit swell upon a plant at a time, as more will cause them to
grow ill-shaped, and not near so fine.

[5] There is no necessity for setting the fruit beyond the latter end of
May, as by that time the bees will find their way to the frames, and
prove equally effective.

[6] The Author has tried several sorts, but at present only makes use of
three kinds of frame cucumber, which he considers preferable to all the
others. One is a long black prickly fruit, with a fine bloom and short
handle, well filled up. It will sometimes grow for table to the length
of fifteen inches, and usually from eleven to twelve. It is an excellent
bearer, but not so well adapted for October sowing as the other two
kinds, from its tender qualities, being thin leaved and less hardy: it
is, however, a very good sort for January and spring sowing. The other
two kinds very much resemble each other, and will frequently grow to the
length of twelve inches, filled up in the handle, black, prickly, and
carry a good bloom. Their usual dimensions are from eight to ten inches;
being thick-leaved and particularly hardy. Both these are well
calculated for the October bed, and excellent bearers for spring sowing.
The Author obtained them both by impregna