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THE ART OF PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF THE
Cucumber and Melon;
IN A SERIES OF DIRECTIONS
FOR THE BEST MEANS TO BE ADOPTED IN BRINGING THEM TO
_A COMPLETE STATE OF PERFECTION_.
* * * * *
BY
THOMAS WATKINS,
_Many Years Foreman with Mr. Grange, of Hackney, and now with W. Knight,
Esq. Highbury Park._
* * * * *
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY HARDING, ST. JAMES'S STREET;
AND SOLD BY GRANGE AND DULLY, FRUITERERS, COVENT GARDEN; MASON AND SON,
SEEDSMEN, FLEET STREET; WARNER AND CO. SEEDSMEN, CORNHILL; GARRAWAY,
NURSERY AND SEEDSMAN, NEAR MARYLAND POINT, STRATFORD, ESSEX; AND BY THE
AUTHOR, AT HIGHBURY.
1824.
* * * * *
PRINTED BY S. CAVE, ISLINGTON GREEN.
* * * * *
THE ART OF PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF THE
Cucumber and Melon.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The author begs to inform the purchasers of this work, that it was
originally his intention to have given an engraving of the particular
description of cucumber and melon, which he has been so successful in
bringing to a state of perfection; and, in fact, a plate was executed,
at a considerable expense, for that purpose. Finding, however, that
although accurate in its representation of _fine_ fruit, it did not
pourtray the difference, nor convey the precise idea of those qualities
which constitute the superiority of the author's; and aware that such
would have been obvious to every experienced gardener, the design was
necessarily abandoned, trusting, that as it was merely intended for an
embellishment, its deficiency will not render the work less valuable to
the profession.
CONTENTS.
The Cucumber Seed-bed for October Page 1
The Fruiting Frame for early Plants 14
The Seed-bed for January 43
On the Culture of the late Cucumber 46
On the Hand-glass Cucumber 51
Dimensions of the Boxes and Lights for early and late Cucumbers 59
On the Culture of early and late Melons 65
Dimensions of the Boxes and Lights for ditto 83
Preface.
Having, when young, imbibed a particular inclination to study the
culture of the cucumber and melon, under the direction of my father,
whose character as an early framer was in high repute, I assiduously
tried every experiment which was calculated to improve upon his system,
by bringing them to a more complete state of perfection.
In marking the progress of their growth, I usually committed to writing
those plans which I had found to have been productive of beneficial
effects. The result of these remarks has proved the compilation of the
following treatise, undertaken at the request of several
horticulturists, who have expressed their desire to become acquainted
with the process of my mode of cultivation.
Considering it superfluous to enlarge this work by unnecessary or
controversial observations, I have confined myself entirely to those
directions, upon which I have uniformly acted; and have endeavoured to
reduce them into as plain and simple a form as possible; at the same
time observing to omit nothing which can be of utility in this difficult
and hitherto imperfectly understood branch of horticulture.
Several gardeners, who are now very eminent in their profession, have
placed themselves under my tuition, and I flatter myself are perfectly
satisfied that the instruction they received, was fully adequate to the
compensation required; and perfectly convinced them of the superiority
of my mode of culture. I here pledge myself, that the advice given to
such practitioners is contained in the following directions.
My principal object in the different experiments I have tried, has
always been to discover an easy, as well as a certain method of maturing
these delicate plants, and, in consequence, have avoided, as much as
possible, any artificial means that might be attended with difficulty or
expense.
The only writer I know upon this subject, with the exception of
Abercrombie, whose system is now totally exploded, is Mr. M'Phail,
gardener to Lord Hawkesbury. This gentleman published a treatise in the
year 1795, in which he strenuously recommends brick pits for cucumbers
and melons, as far superior to the dung bed. It will be obvious,
however, to every person who has perused that work, that the plan was
adopted merely through deficiency of knowledge in the proper management
of the dung bed; for Mr. M'Phail asserts, that upon first attempting to
produce early cucumbers in Lord Hawkesbury's garden, he completely
failed, and was, in consequence, induced to apply to some horticulturist
in the neighbourhood, to whom he paid a gratuity of five guineas for his
instruction. The principal thing he appears to have been taught, was to
keep the burning heat of the dung about the roots of the plants down by
the continual application of water into the bed; which, however, he
found insufficient to preserve them in a thriving state, throughout the
winter months. This caused him to assert that it was out of the power of
any person to keep a dung bed sweet, and consequently impracticable to
rear them at that time of the year. To this I have only to observe, that
the following directions will prove a contradiction; for if they are
strictly attended to, no fear need be entertained of their vigorous
growth, either from the premature season, or the inclemency of the
weather.
In December and January, although their health is certain, I must allow
that they do not grow so fast as in other months; and this is the
particular time when difficulty is experienced by those who are
unacquainted with the proper means to be adopted, although, perhaps,
their efforts may have been attended with far more trouble than the
rules here prescribed.
The dung bed is certainly of the greatest importance both in the culture
of the cucumber and melon; and want of knowledge in the management is
generally the cause of the loss of the plants in the winter season, by
the settlement of a cold moisture upon them, which cannot be removed
without assistance from the sun: particular attention, therefore, to the
directions given upon that point is highly necessary; indeed, it cannot
be too strongly impressed on the mind of the horticulturist that upon
this greatly depends the success of his endeavours to mature them to any
degree of perfection.
In the remarks upon preserving the plants from a cold moisture, in the
most inclement weather, I have called to assistance what may be
technically termed an artificial sun; and as this most material point
may be perfectly understood I shall here describe it more particularly.
Keep the bed always wrapped up to nearly the top of the box with hay,
straw, or any kind of sweet litter; observing that hay, however
damaged, is certainly preferable; this will have the desired effect in
promoting a top heat, and obviating the difficulty above-mentioned, in
keeping the plants perfectly dry.
To those who are unacquainted with the management of a dung bed, a brick
one certainly appears more advantageous, in being attended with less
trouble to the horticulturist, though infinitely with more expense, both
in the building and consumption of dung: this, however, is a mistaken
idea, for nothing certainly can be more congenial to the growth of
either the cucumber or melon than a sweet steam heat: this essential
requisite, which may always be obtained by the process hereafter
described, can be but partially promoted in brick pits; for although
water, in its necessary application, may create a steam heat, it soon
evaporates; and the heat of the linings having to pass through the
bricks and tiles, it becomes dry, and quite incapable of affording any
nourishment to the plants.
The limited space in which the plants are confined in their growth by
brick pits, is also a very great objection to this mode of culture. That
they derive their chief support from the extremity of the roots must be
obvious to every one, and if these are concentred in the middle of the
bed, and thereby rendered incapable of expanding over the flues as in
the dung bed, they must be certainly deprived of that vigour which is
natural to them from a free and uninterrupted growth, and where they
experience the whole of the benefit that can arise from the bed in which
they are placed. In short, the dung bed in so many instances is superior
to brick pits, that competition in the culture of either the cucumber or
melon by the latter plan would be entirely useless; for whether in the
vigour of the plants, quickness of growth, or production of fine fruit,
the dung bed, systematically attended to, as described in this treatise,
will prove beyond doubt, that the most expensive means are not always
attended with the most beneficial results.
In the following directions, the first thing I have taken notice of, is
the early cucumber, as being the most difficult, and consequently the
most particular in its process of culture. Strict attention and
perseverance in the method prescribed, cannot fail to bring them to a
complete state of perfection within the time limited.
Secondly--The necessary directions will be found for promoting the
growth of such cucumbers as are sown in January. It is here necessary to
observe, that this is the most preferable season for those which are
not required so very early; as the increasing temperature of the weather
in the course of their growth, affords facility for their being matured
with a greater degree of strength.
Thirdly--The method of bringing to perfection the late frame, or spring
sown cucumber. The directions upon this head will be found extremely
useful, both to young practitioners, and those who are not professed
horticulturists. Many gentlemen who cultivate their own gardens, and are
desirous of possessing a cucumber bed, will find the information here
given of great utility.
Fourthly--In treating upon the process necessary for the management of
the hand-glass cucumber in the summer months, I have offered an improved
system, which will be found of considerable importance to gardeners in
general in enhancing the value of their fruit, by rendering it much
superior to that produced by the common method.
The directions I have given with regard to the melon, will be found to
explode all that difficulty which gardeners have usually imagined exists
in the production of this choice fruit. The description given of my
method of culture, will at once evince the simplicity of its process,
and show the certainty of its result.
Having explained the motives which induced me to undertake this work, I
have only to observe, that the system has been productive of great
advantage to myself, in enabling me to supersede my contemporaries in
several annual shows, by obtaining the prize; and, to render this
effective to every person, the principal thing required, as before
mentioned, is attention and perseverance in the rules prescribed; and
those who adopt them will, I am confident, acknowledge their utility,
and be sensible of the benefits that must eventually arise from a
practical improvement in this particular branch of horticulture.
THOMAS WATKINS.
Highbury Park, January 30, 1824.
THE ART OF PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF THE
Cucumber and Melon.
* * * * *
ON THE MANAGEMENT REQUIRED IN THE CULTURE OF EARLY CUCUMBERS.
* * * * *
THE SEED-BED FOR OCTOBER:
_To be sown from the 10th to the 20th of the Month._
One load of horse-dung, or twenty barrows-full, will be sufficient for a
one-light box, and let it be put together at least three weeks before
making the bed, in a round or square heap, being particular in well
treading it down. If the dung is dry, it will be necessary to give it
some water; if very dry, a dozen pots will be required. Let it lay in
this state a week, and then turn it, shaking the outsides of the heap
into the middle, and give it some more water. In doing this, it is
requisite that the heap should be well shook to pieces, and trod down.
Let it lay another week, at the expiration of which, observe the same
directions as before given, applying the quantity of water in proportion
to the dry nature of the dung. At the end of the third week, it will be
in a proper condition to make use of, as by that time it will be
sufficiently moist and hot, the necessary state in which it should be,
before the formation of the bed.
As much depends upon the nature of the dung, and its proper condition,
great attention should be paid, and some judgment exercised in the means
best calculated to prepare it for a state of fermentation. The most
certain method that can be adopted, and likely to ensure a beneficial
result is, in the summer months, to pack the dung you intend to make use
of for the October seed-bed as close together as possible, taking care
to keep it dry, that it may retain its virtue. This sort of dung is far
preferable to that newly made, being less rank and not so liable to
burn; and when under a state of preparation, by turning and moistening,
as before described, it will be in a much better condition than any that
can be fresh procured.[1]
Before forming the bed, let the bottom be made in the following
manner:--Raise the ground about six inches above the level with road
sand or mould, upon the top of which place some fagots, or other kind of
wood, to the height of a foot, in order that the bed may be well
drained. If there is an insufficiency of dung, you can add a foot of dry
rubbish, such as strawberry or asparagus halm, or any other loose stuff.
Let the bottom be extended nine inches wider than the frame you intend
to make use of, the height of the bed being at the back four feet, and
in the front, three feet nine inches. Beat it well down with a fork;
then put the box on, and fill it three parts full with the shovellings
of the dung that is left; after which, place on the light, and let it be
close shut down. As soon as you discover the heat rising, admit air by
opening the frame about an inch: when it increases, so as to become very
hot, admit more air, by extending the aperture to two inches. It must
remain in this situation about a week; then fork it up above a foot
deep, and if caked together, or in the least dry, give it more water.
From two to four pots is generally sufficient; but the quantity must be
regulated by the state of the bed. Here it is necessary to observe, that
moisture is of most important consequence to the seed-bed, and nothing
is so well calculated to sweeten and cleanse it from impurity as water.
In two or three days after forking up, it will be necessary to take off
the box and light, for the purpose of making the bed even. In doing
this, stir it up from about the depth of a foot, and shake it to pieces;
then put on the box again, and give the light one or two inches of air,
according to the temperature of the weather.
It will now be necessary to wrap up the bed with straw, pea-halm, or
hay, about eighteen inches wide at the bottom, drawing it in gradually
to a foot wide, within three inches of the top of the box.
In three or four days stir up the bed in the same manner as before,
observing that if it be in the least dry, or inclined to a burning heat,
to give it three or more pots of water, as shall seem necessary. It must
be stirred up again in three or four days, and beat down gently with a
fork, when it will be in a fit state to receive the old tan or mould in
which the seed is to be deposited.
A seed-bed should always lay a fortnight or three weeks before the seed
is attempted to be sown; as many evil consequences are to be apprehended
from sowing it before, from the firing of the bed, or the impure nature
of the dung. If this be not strictly attended to, the plants will not
be brought to that degree of perfection, as might reasonably be expected
from a bed in its proper heat and condition.[2]
After the bed has been laid and dealt with according to the foregoing
directions, spread two barrows-full of old tan or light mould all over
the surface, having it a little deeper in the middle than at the sides.
Old tan is certainly more preferable than mould, though either will
answer the purpose. Let it be put in the frame the day before the seed
is sown, and cover the bed up with a single mat at night, taking care to
shut it down until the morning, that the heat may be properly drawn up.
Take some forty-eight size pots, and mix a quantity of leaf mould with
a sixth proportion of road sand, not sifted fine. The sifting mould to a
fine degree is an error too prevalent in horticulture, and ought
particularly to be avoided, from its great tendency to bind.
It is very requisite that a cucumber should have a good digestion, and
in order to accomplish this, it will be necessary to cover the holes at
the bottom of the pots with broken pieces; then strew a little of the
rough siftings of the mould over it, and fill them up within half an
inch of the brim with the prepared mould and sand. Shake it down a
little, and sow the seed[3] from eighteen to twenty-four in a pot, just
covering it with a little mould; then give it a small quantity of water,
which for the first time may be cold, but great care must be taken in
the subsequent waterings, that it be chilled to about the warmth of new
milk.
The seed being sown, plunge the pots in the bed up to the rim, and give
them about half an inch of air. At night they must be covered with a
single mat, taking care to turn it up at at the back, that the steam may
pass freely from the bed. Let the air be continued both night and day.
After the seed has been sown three days, it will be up, when the pots
must be unplunged, placed on the surface, and some water given to them.
They will now require upwards of an inch of air, both night and day,
which will cause the plants to grow stuggy, or dwarfish, and prevent
their drawing. In about three days give them some more water in the
morning, and they will be ready to pot off in the afternoon.
Plants should be always potted off when young, as they strike more
freely in the pots; and, in doing this, the following directions should
be attended to.
Put the mould in the bed to chill, the day before potting off, and let
it be of the same description as that in which the seed was sown. If the
pots are old and dirty, wash them, and be careful in having them
properly dried before they are made use of. Take some old rotten turf,
or a little of the coarse siftings of the leaf mould, and place a small
quantity over the tile at the bottom of every pot; then fill them about
one-third full, put three plants in each, and cover the roots about an
inch. The pots must not be plunged, but placed on the surface, and some
water given them with a fine rose.
It is necessary to have a small pot on purpose to water the plants,
which will contain about three quarts, and has a hollow fine rose, which
is much better calculated to water the plants regularly than a spreading
one.
Be particular in watering them regular, which will be requisite every
two or three days, for the space of three weeks or a month at latest,
when they will be in a proper condition to ridge out.
After the plants have been potted three days, add a little mould to
them, and repeat it every two or three days, for about a fortnight,
until the pot is quite filled. Much attention should be paid to this
method of putting in the mould, which experience has convinced the
author is far superior to the usual practice of filling the pots in the
first instance up to the seed-leaves of the plants. By the gradual mode
of filling, the plant is prevented from shanking, and is certain in its
growth of being dwarfish and strong, which cannot be insured by the
common method, as it tends considerably to weaken the plant, and renders
it very liable to fog off, before taking root. By potting them low, and
only just covering the roots at first, the stems of the plants become
hardened, and strike very freely upwards: as the tap roots of a cucumber
always decay when forced with a strong bottom heat.
It will be necessary, after the plants have been potted about a week,
to examine the bed, for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is any
fire heat. If such should be found to be the case, and the directions as
before given with regard to moisture have been strictly attended to, it
can only exist in the tan, which must immediately be supplied with
water, and, the day following, stirred well up together and levelled,
placing the pots upon the surface. In another week again examine the
bed, and if any fire heat still remains, attend to it as above; if not,
stir up the tan, and plunge the pots about half way down; being,
however, guided in this by the temperature of the bed, as plants sown in
October do not require so much heat as those in the three following
months.
Observe, when the plants have been potted two or three days, to stir the
mould in the pots, round the plants, and likewise the tan, with a
sharp-pointed stick, which will contribute to freshen the plants, and
prevent any thing of a mouldy nature from injuring them.
As soon as they have made the first rough leaf, top them, by taking out
the break that appears next, which may be easily done with the thumb and
finger, or a sharp-pointed stick. In little more than a fortnight, they
will be in a fit state to top down; and in three weeks from the time of
sowing, ready to ridge out.
At this time of the year, the bed will not require any lining; but
observe, that as the wrapping sinks, it will be necessary to increase
it, pressing it down close to the box, and keeping it within one-third
of the top.
If the plants are not ridged out when three weeks old, plunge them up to
the rim, until the fruiting frame is ready for their reception, which
ought to be at the latest when they are a month or five weeks old. If it
should happen, however, that the frame is not perfectly sweet, by no
means ridge them out until it is in a proper condition. After they are a
month old, increase the lining at the back and front, about four or five
barrows-full each, applying it in the following manner:--Remove the
wrapping down to the bottom, and extend the dung to the width of two
feet, and three parts as high as the bed; drawing it in to about
eighteen inches at the top. Cover the lining with the litter four inches
wide from the bottom, and three parts as high as the box, being
particularly careful in stopping up the inside, by pressing the tan
close to the box, about three inches above the bottom. As the lining
sinks, add a little wrapping to the top, formed of hay, or old litter
that is quite sweet.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Dung put together in the above manner, will retain its virtue from
six to nine months.
[2] The heat required in October sown plants, while growing in the
seed-bed, is from sixty-five to seventy degrees of Fahrenheit's
thermometer. Should that temperature be exceeded in this season, they
will draw up very long: but after being ridged out, more heat will
become necessary; that is to say, from seventy to eighty degrees: and
the same is to be observed with young plants raised in the three
following months.
[3] Some gardeners are very particular in having seed that is three or
four years old, imagining that new will grow too vigorous, and not show
fruit or set so well; but in this they are much mistaken, the Author
knowing, from experience, that new seed, or at least not more than two
years old, is the best calculated for bringing to perfection both the
cucumber and melon; possessing the advantage of a greater freedom in
growth, and much finer fruit than can be derived from old seed.
THE FRUITING FRAME,
_For Plants sown in October, November, December, and January._
Four loads of dung will be sufficient for a three-light box, and the
same in proportion to the number you intend to make use of. Let it be
put together a fortnight before the seed is sown; be very particular in
giving it plenty of water, and pack it close together. After it has laid
a week turn it, and if dry, moisten it with water. Let it continue in
this state another week, when the same directions as before given must
be observed; and, in a week more, the bed will be in a fit condition to
make up.
The bottom must be prepared in the same manner as directed for the
seed-bed; then form the bed of dung four feet three inches at the back,
by four feet in the front, allowing for a cavity of about ten inches
between each box; then place the boxes on, and put the shovellings
inside, in the proportion of two or three barrows-full to a light. In
forming the bed, it is the best plan to make it in layers of about a
foot each, which will cause the dung to be much better mixed, than if
all finished at first, of an equal height. Be very particular in
separating the dung, and breaking it to pieces, afterwards beating it
well down with a fork.
After the bed has been thus prepared, put the lights on, and shut them
down close until the heat begins to rise. When such is the case, give
them about an inch of air; and in three or four days wrap the bed all
round with dry litter or useless hay, eighteen inches wide from the
bottom, sloping it in to about a foot as high as the bed, which will
greatly tend to promote a regular heat. As the careful wrapping up of
the bed is an essential requisite, means must be taken to keep it close,
and protect it from any injury that may arise in consequence of
tempestuous weather, this may be accomplished by means of sharp-pointed
sticks, with hooks in the form of a peg, and about the size and length
of a broom-stick. Thrust these through the litter into the bed, about
half way up, one to each light, at the back and front, and two at each
end.
After the bed has been made about a week or ten days, take off the boxes
and lights, in order to level it, and let it have from four to six
inches fall from the back to the front; in this, however, you must be in
some degree guided by the form of the boxes, which it is necessary
should have a good fall, that the plants may derive benefit from the
sun; then fork up the bed about a foot deep, and again place on the
boxes and lights, giving nearly two inches of air, both night and day.
In about four or five days it will be necessary to again fork it up, and
give it some water, in the proportion of two pots to a light. This must
be repeated every two or three days, until the bed is perfectly sweet,
which is usually the case in three or four weeks, applying water during
that time, according to the state of the bed.
When you find that the bed is properly purified, put in the sifted leaf
mould. A three-light box will require a large barrow-full; the quantity
for a one-light being about four shovels. After this, add to the
wrapping some sweet litter or hay, increasing it to nearly the top of
the boxes, and apply about two pots of water to each of the cavities,
taking care to fill them up to nearly the tops of the boxes, with short
sweet mulshy litter. This is a point but very little known, yet of the
greatest importance in the culture of cucumbers; for when the weather
begins to grow severe, if there is no cavity, and the boxes are placed
close together, in the usual manner, the outsides are very liable to
become damp, and the cold, penetrating through, is certain of doing the
plants material injury.
Put a pot of plants in the middle of a three-light box, and at night
admit nearly two inches of air, covering them with a single mat; and if
on the following day the plants look well, they may be safely ridged
out.
It is requisite that both the boxes and lights should be painted every
year, at least a month before they are wanted for use; but if this
cannot be conveniently done, be particular in washing them with boiling
water, in which some unslacked lime must be mixed. This will in some
measure answer the purpose of paint in effectually destroying the
vermin, or the eggs which may have been deposited in the crevices of the
wood.
After the plants are ridged out, wash them every morning, on the
outside, and about once a week in the inside, which will tend to reflect
the light, and cause them to thrive much better. When you wash the
outside, push them down about two or three inches, which will prevent
the water from perishing the lining at the side of the boxes. If the
plants have received no injury, and are able to bear the heat of the
bed, ridge them out, letting the hills be about nine inches high,
covering the roots about an inch round, and being an inch higher than
they were when in the pots. If there is any surplus mould, rake it with
the hand all over the bed; then water the plants, taking care, at the
same time to sprinkle the bed regularly upon the surface. Close them
down for the space of ten minutes, and then admit an inch of air. If the
weather is mild, in an hour it may be increased to two inches, and a
single mat only will be requisite at night. If, however, the weather is
windy, cover them at night with a double mat, or a single one and a
little hay.
Be very particular in allowing them plenty of air, especially of a
night, taking care, however, to regulate this by the temperature of the
weather. If there is much wind, they will of course require less air;
but, at all events, it is better to give too much than otherwise, more
particularly at the first ridging out, as the weather at this season
being frequently subject to sudden changes, which, should it occur in
the night, and the plants are too confined, or the least rankness
existing in the bed, they are sure to experience material injury, which,
at this time of year, it is very improbable they will ever recover; or,
if with extreme difficulty, they should be brought round, they can never
be expected to grow to any degree of perfection.
Stir up the bed every day for a fortnight to the depth of about nine
inches, with a hand-fork, and if you discover any fire-heat, immediately
give water to the part affected, that being the only effectual remedy
that can be applied. Be careful in forking close to the bottom of the
hills, and if you ascertain that it fires much in this place, bore
several holes at the bottom of the hills, and apply plenty of water.
Have a sharp-pointed stick, about six or eight inches long, for the
purpose of stirring the mould round the plants, in a similar manner to
hoeing a crop in a garden. This will very much refresh the plants, and
should be attended to while they are young, for at least two months the
day after they have been watered.
As soon as the roots begin to be visible through the hills, add three
shovels-full of unsifted mould at a time to each hill, being very
careful not to mould too freely, until the beginning of February, as the
plants from the middle of December to the middle of January, lie in a
dormant state; consequently, too large a quantity of mould at this
season, will be attended with ill effects, in stagnating the roots, and
preventing the heat of the bed rising in a free and proper manner.
This being the season when plants are most exposed to injury, and are
frequently lost, great care and attention is necessary for their
preservation from the effects of the cold, in wrapping the linings well
up, and giving a good top covering. If the weather is intense, they will
require eight or nine inches covering of hay, and water only once a
week.
As soon as the plants are first ridged out, have dung in for a lining,
which should always be put in the front and sides first. When the dung
has been put together a week, turn it, and at the end of another it
will be fit for use; one load being sufficient for a three-light box.
After the plants have been ridged out a fortnight, or three weeks at the
farthest, it will be necessary to line the bed to the width of about two
feet, and three parts as high as the bed, inclining with a slope of
about six inches towards the top. When the dung has been put about half
way up, tread it, and then add the remainder, beating it well down with
a fork. Cover the lining with litter about three or four inches thick at
the outside, and within one or two inches of the top of the box; then
place a board at the top about nine inches wide, which will keep it
close, and assist in drawing up the heat. Be particularly careful in
stopping the inside next to the box, when you make a fresh lining, and
beat it close down with the hand about two or three inches above the
bottom.
When a fresh lining has been added, have the dung in readiness for the
back, which will be required about a fortnight afterwards. It should be
formed about two feet six inches wide, well trod down, and wrapped up in
the same manner as the front, within three inches of the top of the
box. Be careful that the litter is not rank; old useless hay, or litter
that has been some time laying by, will be preferable. The same
directions must be attended to in stopping up the inside of the box, as
with the front.
As soon as the heat of the lining in any degree affects the bed, and you
discover that the inside, where it has been stopped, begins to get dry,
give it some water in the evening, just before covering up, for about a
week or ten days, which will be the means of keeping the rankness down,
and causing a sweet steam heat to rise.
As the lining settles, press it down with a spade next the box, and add
more litter upon the top, which should be done every other day,
observing that when you increase one lining to have the dung in
readiness for the next; each lining not being calculated to last more
than a month or five weeks; though the back one will not want renewing
quite so often as the front. When you apply the second front lining, it
will be necessary to bore the bed with a hedge-stake or mop-stick,
making five holes to a three-light box; that is, one under each hill,
and two under the bars: bore them straight rather better than half way
up the bed, so that when the second back lining is applied, holes may be
bored exactly opposite to the others. This will cause a free circulation
of the heat from one lining to the other, and prove not only of great
service in regulating the temperature of the bed, but of equal advantage
in draining off the surplus water. Take care when you add a fresh
lining, to keep the holes open.
As the linings draw the boxes down, they will require rising with boards
and bricks. In order to accomplish this, it will be necessary to provide
some small pieces of board, rather larger than a brick, placing one of
each, with a brick, under the corners of the boxes; and, as the bed
settles, increase the number of bricks. When you raise the boxes, stop
up the bed with rotten moist dung, and close up the inside about two or
three inches above the bottom of the box.
The plants should be always topped when young, at the first joint, as
before directed; then let them run two joints twice following;[4]
afterwards keep them topped at the first joint, except it be blind,
which may be easily ascertained by close examination; if you find such
to be the case, let it run another joint before it is topped.
It is necessary that the plants should be continued in leaf mould until
the middle of January, as there is no other in which they will thrive so
well at that season of the year. Their peculiar and tender nature bears
a strong resemblance to young children, in the care requisite for their
nurture and growth. They require light nourishment, that will easily
digest; and no soil is so well calculated for this purpose as
leaf-mould, mixed with a little grit; from its excellent properties in
absorbing the water.
In ridging out the plants, one thing must be attended to in the
preparation of the bed, which has not been before mentioned. Hollow the
bed out to the depth of about four inches in the middle, so that if the
weather is cold or windy, the dung may be pulled down half way up the
hills, when it will be nearly level about the bed; but as soon as the
weather becomes mild, it must be drawn away again, or otherwise the heat
will be too violent for the roots. As mould is added to the roots, draw
the dung away level with the bottom of the hill; then put it half way up
again, being, however, regulated in this by the heat of the bed, and the
temperature of the weather. After the hills cover nearly three parts of
the bed, take the dung out which has been placed round them, and level
it with nearly the bottom of the box, leaving three or four inches
round the sides to keep out the rankness from the linings, as before
directed.
In covering up the plants, a single mat will be sufficient, until they
have been ridged out a fortnight, unless the weather is windy or very
cold; in such case, make use of a double mat or a little hay; be
careful, at the same time, not to give them too much covering at first,
as it will draw the plants, and cause them to grow very weak; in this,
however, you must be in some degree guided by the heat of the bed, and
the temperature of the weather. When there is a good heat, and the
weather is still, they will require less; but if there is much wind, or
the air is very cold, it must of course be increased. It seldom occurs
that plants require much covering until a fortnight before Christmas,
when it will be found necessary, if the weather is moderate, to cover
them from four to six inches. Instances have occurred, when the author
has been obliged to increase the covering to a foot in thickness, from
the intense cold; but this, however, is seldom the case; and from four
to six inches may generally be considered sufficient from December to
April. As the sun increases, and the nights become milder, reduce the
covering to three or four inches, until May; from whence to June a
single mat, or a little hay or litter will be sufficient. If the weather
is now seasonable, and the nights warm, they will not require any
covering, but should this not be the case, it is better to continue it
even until Midsummer.
Take particular care when covering up, after a fresh lining has been put
to the bed, that the mats or hay does not hang over the lights for at
least a fortnight, as such will draw the rank steam into the bed, and
kill the plants.
The linings should be continued until the weather is fine and settled,
which may be expected in the middle of May; but should the weather be
cold and unfavourable, it may be necessary to retain them until the
middle of June.
In about the third week of the month of January, the plants will
require stronger food; and half bog and half leaf mould may be applied.
Should there be a difficulty in obtaining bog earth, procure the top
spit of light meadow earth, and lay it up for twelve, or, at the least,
six months before it is wanted for use. When you mould towards the
outside, it may be still stronger, mixing rotten dung or leaf mould, in
the proportion of one-fourth, with bog or light meadow earth; observing,
however, not to mould up the plants level until some time after fruit
has been cut. The beginning of March is the proper time to mould up
full.
Let a cavity be left at the back and front of the box of about two
inches, to prevent the roots from being injured on the outside of the
box by the linings; and to cause the heat to rise freely from the bed.
It is very necessary that the plants should be kept thin of vine, as
being material in the growth of fine fruit; and as they extend towards
the outside of the bed, do not suffer them to run more than one joint
at a time.
Keep the leaves thinned, by taking out the oldest first, in order that
they may stand single, and not one over the other; to accomplish which
it will be necessary to peg them out. When taking off the leaves, cut
them close to the vine, not leaving a long stalk, as that will rot and
injure the plants. When they are laid, be particular in having the
plants down close to the mould, as early as possible, in order that they
may strike root; at the same time being careful not to bury the vine. In
doing this, place a little mould round the side of the vine first,
leaving the top uncovered until it is a little hardened, and the roots
begin to strike. When such is the case, cover the vine all over, and
then you may continue laying within one joint of the extremity.
It is here necessary to observe, that very few are acquainted with the
advantages that may be derived from laying the plants in a proper
manner. Many even, who are in the habit of observing this method,
practice it so slightly, that little if any benefit results from it; and
by far the greatest number of horticulturists take no notice of it
whatever. Laying is certainly a most material point in the culture of
the early cucumber; and it is impossible to ensure a good crop without a
strict attention to it: in fact, the Author principally attributes his
success in the production of fine fruit, to his extreme care in this
particular. It should be done every fortnight or three weeks after the
plants have come into bearing; and, if continued in a regular manner,
good fruit may be obtained until October. Some imagine that October sown
plants will soon be worn out, after producing a few cucumbers early; but
this is a mistaken idea, for, if the laying is continued regularly, they
will bear good fruit equally as long as any young plants sown in the
spring. Leaf-mould, mixed with a little road sand, is the best thing to
lay them in until the latter end of March, when you may add a stronger
soil, composed of one-fourth of leaf-mould or rotten dung, mixed with
bog or light meadow earth.
Soft water is essentially necessary for the plants, as hard is almost
certain of producing the canker, unless particular means are adopted to
prevent it. In some situations it may be impossible to obtain soft
water; in such a case, let the water stand in a tub for at least
twenty-four hours; if two or three days even it will be the better, as
in that time it will be in some degree softened by the sun, and the raw
coldness expelled from it.
After the plants have come into bearing, sheeps dung is an excellent
thing to mix with the water, if used in a moderate manner. The following
proportion will be necessary:--To six pots of water put in the tub one
shovel-full of dung; let this be stirred up continually for the space of
two or three days, and when wanted for use, it must be again well
stirred up. In watering with this mixture, be particular in having a
small thin spouted pot, without a rose, so that it may be easily poured
under the leaves. A gallon or six quarts will be a sufficient quantity
for one light, and in watering be careful that it is not sprinkled over
the leaves. Sheeps dung, mixed with the water, will be found very
beneficial to the plants, if used moderately, as too great a freedom
will tend to injure them.
When the plants are first ridged out, they will require water every
third day, until about the middle of December; and when applied, it must
be sprinkled all over the plants and bed, observing to give a larger
quantity where the heat seems most to prevail. In general more water is
requisite at the back than the front: unless there is much heat in the
front from the middle of December until the middle of January, once in
five or six days will be sufficient to water the plants. Round the side
of the box, and at the back, however, should be watered every night,
while there is much heat. About two or three quarts of water at each
time to a light will be sufficient for the plants until the middle of
January and from that time more will be necessary. In applying the water
you must be guided in a great measure by the state of the weather. Take
the opportunity of watering when the sun is out, and then close them
down for about a quarter of an hour or more, according to the season of
the year. At all times, before watering, admit double the usual quantity
of air about a quarter of an hour previous to the application, for the
purpose of hardening the plants.
Water may be applied at any time of the day, if the heat is good, but
the most preferable time is certainly about eleven o'clock in the
morning, particularly as the season advances towards the months of April
and May, and the weather becomes more temperate, and the sun has greater
power. After they are watered, shut them down for about ten minutes or a
quarter of an hour, and let them have the benefit of a clear sun; then
shade them with a mat for two or three hours, and shut the frame close
down, in order that a moist sweet steam heat may be produced, which will
cause the fruit to swell very quick. At one or two o'clock take off the
mat and admit a little air. When the sun is clear and the weather hot,
let them be shaded from eleven to two o'clock; some evergreen boughs or
pea-sticks are very good things.
Should the above directions be found inconvenient to attend to, the
difficulty may be obviated by adopting the following method. After the
plants are watered in a morning, shut them down, for the space of about
ten minutes, then give them a little air; in about the same time
increase it, and so gradually until the proper quantity is admitted. The
gradual admission of air is extremely important, and ought, therefore,
to be particularly attended to.
The frames should never be shut down too long in the morning of the
spring and summer months; a little air should be given at eight o'clock,
if the weather is fine, in an hour it will be necessary to increase it;
afterwards attending to it according to the state of the weather.
In order to produce fine fruit in the early part of the season, that is
in February and March; let only one grow on a plant at a time. Keep the
male blossoms rubbed off when young, to prevent their weakening the
plants; the best method of doing which is with a small pointed stick.
As soon as the plants begin to show fruit, leave a few male blossoms to
set the fruit with. If this be not attended to in the early part of the
season[5] the fruit will not swell off, as it is the female blossom
alone that bears it, and if these be not impregnated with the male they
will prove unfruitful. The female flower may easily be distinguished
from the male, by the appearance of the fruit at the bottom of the
blossom which the other does not possess.
When the female flower is in full bloom, take a male blossom which is in
full bloom also, and 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 impregnation is received the
instant it is put in.
The proper time to set the fruit is in the morning, 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 blossom 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.
As soon as the fruit becomes the size of your finger let no more than
one be upon a plant at a time to swell off, and when beginning to grow
crooked give the stalk end a twist, place them on their backs, put a peg
to the side, and the heat of the bed will soon draw them down and make
them straight.
A cucumber is a plant that requires much water, particularly when
bearing fruit: it will be necessary then to give from one to two gallons
each time according to the heat of the bed, and temperature of the
weather. If the season is fine and the heat good they will require water
every other day, but if the weather is dull, and the heat slack, be very
cautious in applying the water lest they should get the canker, which is
a dangerous disorder, and very difficult to be removed. The best thing
in such a case is to give a strong heat, and be very moderate in the
application of water.
After the plants have been ridged out a fortnight it will be necessary
to shut them down in the afternoon, about an hour before they are
covered up. They will, however, require air in the night, generally till
the fruit is cut, and even then if the weather is mild; for by being
kept close at night when there is a strong heat, the fruit is liable to
change colour and become of a yellow cast.
The plants should be uncovered in a morning by eight o'clock, or nine at
farthest, in the winter, and six or seven as the season advances, unless
the weather is very cold or windy, when they may remain an hour longer
than usual.