ness to impregnate each
other when, grown together, are exceedingly difficult to keep true to
their original points of merit;" and consequently, to retain any variety
in its purity, it must be grown apart from all other sorts. When a few
seeds are desired for the vegetable garden, two or three of the
finest-formed cucumbers should be selected early in the season, and
allowed to ripen on the plants. In September, or when fully ripe, cut
them open, take out the seeds, and allow them to stand a day or two, or
until the pulp attached to them begins to separate; when they should be
washed clean, thoroughly dried, and packed away for future use.

_For Pickling._--The land for raising cucumbers for pickling may be
either swarded or stubble; but it must be in good condition, and such as
is not easily affected by drought. It should be deeply ploughed, and the
surface afterwards made fine and friable by being thoroughly harrowed.
The hills should be six feet apart, and are generally formed by
furrowing the land at this distance in each direction. Manure the hills
with well-digested compost, level off, draw over a little fine earth,
and the land is ready for planting.

This may be done at any time from the middle of June to the first week
in July. The quantity of seed allowed to an acre varies from
three-fourths of a pound, upwards. In most cases, growers seed very
liberally, to provide against the depredation of worms and bugs; usually
putting six or eight times as many seeds in a hill as will be really
required for the crop. When the plants are well established and beyond
danger, the field is examined, and the hills thinned to three or four
plants; or, where there is a deficiency of plants, replanted.

As fast as the cucumbers attain the proper size, they should be plucked;
the usual practice being to go over the plantation daily. In gathering,
all the fruit should be removed,--the misshapen and unmarketable, as
well as those which are well formed; for, when any portion of the crop
is allowed to remain and ripen, the plants become much less productive.

In favorable seasons, and under a high state of cultivation, a hundred
and twenty-five thousand are obtained from an acre; while, under
opposite conditions, the crop may not exceed fifty thousand. The average
price is about a dollar and twenty-five cents per thousand.

_Varieties._--

EARLY CLUSTER.

Early Green Cluster.

A very popular, early cucumber, producing its f