Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive.)
THEORY AND PRACTICE,
APPLIED TO THE
CULTIVATION
OF
THE CUCUMBER,
IN THE
WINTER SEASON:
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
A CHAPTER ON MELONS:
BY THOMAS MOORE,
MEMBER OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
SECOND EDITION,
WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING REMARKS ON HEATING
AERATING, AND COVERING FORCING HOUSES; ON
TRANSPLANTING, AND THE USE OF TURF POTS; ON
WATERING; ON ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY, &c., &c.
LONDON:
RICHARD GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS,
5 PATERNOSTER ROW.
MDCCCXLVII.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY DAVID M. AIED
JAMES ST., COVENT GARDEN.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
This little treatise is intended as an inducement to young Gardeners
especially, to seek for the reasons on which the operations of their daily
practice are founded, and by which they are regulated. This announcement
is here made, in order to prevent any reader from supposing that the
author has unduly estimated the opinions of those who have benefited by a
long course of application and experience. As, however, there can be no
doubt that there is much to be learned, so is there but little question
that there is also much to be unlearned, in the present state of the
Science of Horticulture; and these pages are offered without hesitation,
as a mite among the accumulating mass of available information on
gardening subjects; and in the hope that some amongst those who are
seeking to extend their knowledge, may at least be stimulated by their
perusal, if they are not otherwise directly benefited.
The great truths which it is the object of this treatise to impress, are
these: that the ultimate success of gardening operations does not depend
on the performance of any part of them, at a particular time, or in a
particular or even superior manner, but rather upon the supplying, in a
natural manner, as far as possible, _all the conditions_ which are
necessary to the nutrition and perpetuation of plants; and, that it is
within the open pathway of Science, and not the bye-ways of empiricism,
that the finger-post of direction should be sought.
Royal Botanic Garden, Regent's Park,
March 2nd, 1844.
TO THE SECOND EDITION.
In the present edition, it has been thought best to preserve the original
text exactly as it appeared in the first edition. The new matter will be
found in the Appendix.
The author may take this opportunity of returning his thanks to those who
have noticed and commended the former edition, and of expressing a hope
that the present will receive an equal share of favour.
Camden Town, Aug. 1, 1847.
CONTENTS.
CHAP. I. PAGE
Botanical name, and affinities of the Cucumber--properties--
foreign names--improvements in cultivation 9
CHAP. II.
Structures--dung beds--brick pits--forcing houses--gutter
system of heating--the tank system--bottom heat--description
of Cucumber house--aspect--position--angle--covering 11
CHAP. III.
Propagation by cuttings--early fruitfulness--preservation of
varieties--layers--objections to cuttings and layers--seeds--
disadvantages--progressive growth--seed sowing 23
CHAP. IV.
General principles of culture--importance of light--pruning
and training 31
CHAP. V.
Composition of the soil--heath soil--leaf mould--preparation
of soil--charcoal--manures--liquid manures 36
CHAP. VI.
Application of water to the soil--special conditions--
atmospheric moisture--insects--mildew--canker--mode of watering 42
CHAP. VII.
Regulation of temperature--principles to be kept in view--day
and night temperature--deductions 46
CHAP. VIII.
Admission of air--effect of cold air on tender plants--
deterioration--evils resulting from unguarded atmospheric
changes--mode of admitting air--atmospheric influence on
vegetation--nitrogen--carbon 50
CHAP. IX.
Growth of Persian Melons in summer--peculiarities of
treatment--soil--watering--solar heat--light 56
CHAP. X.
Conclusion 59
TREATISE.
CHAP. I.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
The Cucumber, _Cucumis sativa_, is supposed to be a native of the East
Indies; but like many other of our culinary plants, the real stations
which it naturally has occupied, are involved in obscurity: in habit it is
a trailing herb, with thick fleshy stems, broadly palmate leaves, and
yellow axillary monaecious flowers. In the natural arrangement of the
vegetable kingdom, the genus of which it forms part, ranks in the first
grand class, _Vasculares_, or those plants which are furnished with
vessels, and woody fibre; in the sub-class _Calyciflorae_, or those in
which the stamens are perigynous; and in the order _Cucurbitaceae_, or that
group, of which the genus _Cucurbita_, or Gourd family is the type.
The affinities of this order, are chiefly with _Loasaceae_, and
_Onagraceae_; with the former it agrees in its inferior unilocular fruit,
having a parietal placentae, and with the latter, in its definite
perigynous stamens, single style, and exalbuminous seeds. It has also some
affinity with _Passifloraceae_, and _Papayaceae_, in the nature of the
fruit, and with _Aristolochiaceae_, in its twining habit, and inferior
ovarium. M. Auguste St. Hiliare, also regards it as being related to
_Campanulaceae_, in the perigynous insertion of the stamens, the single
style with several stigmas, the inferior ovarium, and in the quinary
division of the floral envelope, in connection with the ternary division
of the fruit.
The properties of the plants comprised in this natural family, are not
numerous; a bitter laxative quality pervades many of them, a familiar
example of which is the resinous substance called Colycinthine, the
production of the Colocynth gourd, in which the active purgative principle
is concentrated, rendering it drastic, and irritating. Among our native
plants the roots of _Bryonia dioica_, in common with the perennial roots
of all the plants in the order, possess these purgative properties. On the
other hand, the seeds are sweet, yielding an abundant supply of oil; and
it may be worthy of remark, that they never partake of the properties of
the pulp with which they are surrounded in the fruit.
The Cucumber does not possess the properties common to the order, in very
powerful degree; its fruit is however too cold for many persons, causing
flatulency, diarrhoea, and even cholera; by others, it may be eaten with
avidity, without producing any injurious effects.
The names by which the Cucumber is recognised by the Hindoos, are
_Ketimon_, and _Timou_. In the French, it is called _Concombre_; in the
German, _Gurke_; and in the Italian, _Citriuolo_. As a cultivated plant,
it is of nearly equal antiquity with the Vine; being mentioned by the
writer of the Pentateuch, as being cultivated extensively in Egypt, above
3000 years since.
The cultivation of this plant, and the production of fine fruit at an
early season, is an object of emulation among gardeners of the present
day; and from this cause, many important improvements in the mode of its
cultivation have been effected. The vast increase of means, arising from
an acquaintance with powerful agents, formerly unknown, which are
available by the present and rising races of gardeners, enable them to
secure the same important results which cost their predecessors much both
of labour and anxiety, with a comparatively small amount of the former,
and a degree of certainty at which they could never arrive. The agents
which an enlightened age has brought under controul, are indeed powerful
engines, which require much skill in their adaptation and management; but
the knowledge necessary to effect this, is so firmly and inseparably
connected with the first principles of cultivation, that an acquaintance
with these, will at all times supply a safe and unerring guide to their
application.
It is to assist the young gardener in this application of principles, to
the growth of the Cucumber in the winter season, that these pages are
designed; and of those who may differ from the opinions which are here
expressed, it is only required that they should receive a calm and
deliberate consideration--a consideration unbiassed by prejudice, and
unmixed with any of that feverish excitement after novelties, which with
gardeners, as well as with all other classes of society, is becoming far
too prevalent, and intense.
CHAP. II.
ON THE STRUCTURES ADAPTED FOR THE GROWTH OF CUCUMBERS.
I will preface the following remarks on the structures adapted for the
growth of Cucumbers, by stating, that a forcing house, a pit, and a common
frame, present the means of bringing this fruit to its perfection,
equally, one with the other, provided that a course of cultivation
suitable to the structure, is followed out; the comparative merits of
each, depend not so much on the nature of the results which may be
obtained by adopting them, as on the facilities they afford for the
attainment of those results.
The use of the common frame, and the ordinary hotbed of fermenting manure,
nevertheless involves these difficulties:--the fermentation is liable to
become excessive, and that in a very rapid manner, and also to decline as
rapidly; the heat, when declining, cannot be speedily restored in
unpropitious weather; it is materially checked in its action, by that
particular state of the weather, which renders its efficient action most
essential; it involves almost an infinitude of labour; and after all, it
is uncertain in its action: when such difficulties as these, are overcome,
Cucumbers can be grown to perfection, on dung beds, assisted by the common
garden frame and sash.
The brick pit, when heated by fermenting manure, presents difficulties of
the same nature with the preceeding, though in a less powerful degree: but
when these structures are heated by means of hot water, in any of its
various modes of application, there need be no irregularity, nor
uncertainty in its action; because the supply of the elements of vegetable
developement, and of the agents by whose aid they are applied, may, to a
very great extent, go on uninterruptedly.
A forcing house, whilst it secures all the advantages which are presented
by a pit, combines with these, some important points which are peculiarly
its own: by adopting a pit, we provide a structure of which Cucumbers
manifest their approval, by thriving equally as well as in their more
ancient location on a dung bed; but further than this, a pit enables us to
dispense with much of the labour, and all the filth, and the uncertainty
which are consequent on the use of fermenting manure as a means of keeping
up the temperature in which they are grown. In a small forcing house,
besides these advantages being secured, all the operations of care and
culture, can be performed just when they become necessary, without
exposing the tender foliage of plants which have been submitted to an
artificially elevated temperature, to the chilling influence of cold air,
which is admitted whenever the sashes of an ordinary frame or of a pit,
are opened, in order to bestow these necessary attentions. It may be urged
that a dung bed has still the advantage, on the ground of economy; but
when a fair calculation is made of labour and loss or anxiety on the one
hand, and of duration on the other, such an assumption, will be quite
untenable. Neatness, convenience, certainty, and economy, are the
principal points of advantage which are gained by the adoption of pits
heated by means of hot water, over those of a structure, depending for its
supply of heat, on the aid of fermenting masses; whilst the attainment of
a still greater degree both of convenience, and of certainty, which may be
secured by cultivation in forcing houses, point out at once the advantages
which render such houses, preferable to pits.
The application of the gutter system of heating, was not long since
thought to be an improvement of great importance, and there can be no
question but that it affords a means of regulating the moisture of the
atmosphere of hothouses, in conjunction with the temperature, which prior
to its introduction had not been attained; and as such, it is worthy of
extensive adoption: it requires however some judgement in its adaptation
to particular structures, and to render, it suitable, to effect any
particular object for which it may be employed.
The tank system as a means of applying bottom heat, employed either in
conjunction with the gutters, or with ordinary piping, to supply heat to
the atmosphere, is the most important advance which has hitherto been made
towards supplying the wants of those plants, which require such peculiar
aid; and with reference to the Cucumber, it may be regarded as furnishing
a new era in its cultivation.
The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, has always
been well known by its practical effects. The mean temperature of the
soil, at a slight distance below the surface, is universally above that of
the superincumbent air; and consequently some degree of bottom heat is
always supplied to plants, in a state of nature. Naturally, by means of
subterraneous heat, and also by the absorption of the sun's rays during
the time they are forcibly directed towards the earth, it possesses the
means whereby any material degree of cold at the roots of plants is
prevented; and when the soil is acted on by the unveiled sun of an eastern
sky, we cannot but feel certain, that even a considerable amount of heat
must be experienced: hence arises the importance of taking advantage of
every ray of sun which our climate affords, when the culture of the
Cucumber, or of any native of warmer latitudes, is attempted out of doors
in this country; and also of using every possibly available means of
increasing rather than diminishing the temperature of the soil: and hence
too, in forcing not only the Cucumber, but also every other plant which
requires to be submitted to a confined atmosphere, and an elevated
temperature, arises the necessity of providing such a degree of warmth at
the root, as may tend to keep its vital powers in a vigorous state of
action; it will effect this, by acting in conjunction with moisture, as a
solvent of the food which is primarily contained in the soil in a solid
form, but can only be taken up by the capillary action of the spongioles
of the roots, when converted into a fluid state. The science of Chemistry
has taught us that the ingredients composing the soil, act on, and
dissolve, and combine with each other in various ways, sometimes being
simply dissolved and held in solution, and at other times, entering into
new combinations, and forming new compounds; but in all cases, the natural
agents, heat and moisture, are necessary to produce these results, and to
present to the tender roots of plants, food so duly prepared, as to be
fit for their assimilation. Warmth in the soil, acts beneficially also, by
preventing the sudden or undue interruption of the excitability of plants
growing in it, which would be likely to result from the lowering of the
temperature of the plants by evaporation, were it not for the action of
the antagonist force, existing in and exercised by the heated soil, which
heat, is communicated to, and absorbed by the plants.
It may be regarded as an established and universal rule, that all plants
require the soil, and the atmosphere in which they are cultivated, to
correspond with the natural circumstances under which they flourish; and
as it has been repeatedly ascertained that the soil is naturally a degree
or two above the temperature of the atmosphere, we have certain and
unerring data for the application of bottom heat, and no more powerful
evidence than this can be desired, to condemn at once the application of a
_very powerful degree of heat_, at the roots of plants.
The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, being a
practical fact established beyond question, another consideration arises
as to the best means of producing it, and of regulating its application.
Various substances and materials have been submitted to a process of
fermentation, and so employed to effect it: stable manure, tanner's bark,
and the leaves of trees, are among the principal of these materials, and
either of them will supply just what the plants require, as truly as these
wants can be supplied by any other means; but from their very nature, they
are violent, and fluctuating, and ephemeral in their action, and setting
aside the labour which the employment of them necessarily involves, we
have in these particulars, the special points in which the tank system of
applying bottom heat far excels them: it is uniform, and constant, in its
action; there need be no apprehension of the soil becoming overheated, for
the source whence it derives its warmth ought never to boil; neither need
there be any fear of its decline, or of a want of power, for when once
thoroughly heated, a body of water will part with it in such a manner,
that a very little attention to the fire, and a very little expenditure of
fuel, will maintain its temperature for an almost incredible length of
time; and as to power, it never should for a moment form a question,
because a powerful degree of bottom heat ought never to be applied: a
close attention for one or two hours during the twenty four which form a
day, will maintain any apparatus in an effective state of action, if it is
properly erected. How different is this, to what has been in days now
past! when in rigorous weather, with the heat of his dung bed declining,
the cultivator knew that at the peril of his crop, he scarcely dared to
attempt to revive it, without involving a more serious because an
accelerated evil; at any rate, if at an immense sacrifice of labour, his
dung casings were replenished piece by piece, he knew too well, that often
many days would elapse, before their action would be efficient and
satisfactory, unless indeed an unlimited supply of materials, were in a
constant state of preparation. By means of the tank, a fire could be
lighted up, and the required effect produced in as many hours, as days
would have been formerly required.
What has been already advanced, tends to the conclusion, that small
forcing houses are preferable, and in the end more economical than pits
and dung beds; and that the tank as a means of supplying bottom heat, is
preferable to the use of fermenting materials; _because the results in
each case, are more perfectly under controul_. Whilst on this part of the
subject, I may be allowed to mention an error which is somewhat prevalent:
We frequently hear of the humid nature of the heat given off by hot water
pipes, in comparison with that derived from such appliances, as a flue; it
is not unfrequently asserted, that the heat thus derived is so moist, so
genial, so peculiarly adapted to plants: there can be no doubt but that
the heat thus obtained is infinitely preferable to that obtained through
the medium of flues, generally speaking; but its superiority consists
rather in its purity, its freeness from noxious gasses, than in its
possessing a greater degree of moisture. Heat--that is--caloric, is the
same, whatever may be the medium by which it may be conducted; and in the
case of hot water pipes, they give off that which has been conducted to
them by the water, directly from the fire, the water acting as a mere
conductor; it is difficult to conceive any thing more thoroughly devoid of
moisture than the heat thus communicated: let any one who doubts this,
place a damp cloth on a series of hot water pipes when in action, and the
result will soon work conviction. With these general remarks, I will
proceed to describe the kind of structure which I regard as being
peculiarly adapted to the growth of Cucumbers; and notice some of the
conditions which it is necessary to keep in view: the engraving on the
next page, represents such a structure.
The aspect of the Cucumber house, should be nearly S.S.E; or in other
words--it should be so regulated between the points south and east, that
whilst the rays of the sun will be admitted as fully and as early as
possible in the morning, there may be no obstruction offered to their more
powerful action as that body approaches the meridian. In the growth of all
tender plants, light and sun heat are required during the winter months as
well as in summer, and there can be no greater error as regards the
erection of structures devoted to such purposes, than to provide for their
admitting the direct rays of the sun in the earlier part of the day, at
the expense of refracting and thereby weakening, to a greater degree than
is really unavoidable, the power of the noon-tide rays of that
invigorating and life-sustaining agent: during the summer months, though
plants then require both light and sun heat, yet the case is different;
the sun's rays have then much greater power, and it is found that their
influence is sufficient, without at all times admitting them directly on
the plants growing in these artificial atmospheres.
[Illustration]
The position of the Cucumber house, with reference to the ground line,
must be determined by local circumstances; if the situation and sub-soil
be dry, it may be carried below the surface in the manner represented in
the annexed engraving, of which (_a_) is the ground line, (_b_) the
pathway, and (_c_) the lowest point excavated: the same course may be
adopted if the soil, though not naturally so dry as this, can be rendered
so by thorough drainage; but when the ground does not admit of perfect
drainage, the structure must be sufficiently elevated to avoid the risk of
injury from the dampness of the locality.
The angle of elevation is not, as it is sometimes asserted to be, a point
of indifference, though mathematical accuracy is certainly by no means
required: in the annexed engraving, the angle of the roof is about 55 deg.,
this provides for the admission of the sun's rays in the winter months,
when his position is comparatively low in the horizon, to a much greater
extent than could take place if a more ordinary slope were adopted. A
still more elevated pitch would doubtless effect this object in a still
more perfect manner; but would not be equally applicable to the
requirements from a permanent structure, which would be wanted for summer
as well as winter use.
A reference to the sketch, will at once shew the general nature of the
internal arrangements. There should be a tank (_d_) supported by brick
piers (_p_) in which a circulation of heated water would supply a genial
warmth to the soil above, and to the roots of the plants growing in the
soil; this tank should be heated by a small boiler, conveniently placed
with reference to adjacent arrangements; a series of iron pipes (_e_)
attached to the same boiler, would supply the requisite heat to the
atmosphere. It may perhaps be thought that the application of the gutter
system of heating would in this case be preferable; but as there would be
a perfect command of moisture, as will be explained further on, it is
desirable to have dry heat also, under controul, and this can be better
effected by means of the pipes than by adopting the gutter plan of
heating. I cannot in this place forbear protesting against the limited
surface of piping generally employed in heating plant structures; what is
thought to be just enough to maintain a given temperature, is usually
after minute calculation, the quantity which is made use of, and the
consequence is, that under adverse circumstances, the apparatus is
necessarily worked at its highest pitch; and I believe that the
application of heat in this form, whether it be by means of an hot water
apparatus, or by a common flue, is most inimical to the plants submitted
thereto. The admission of air, is a point which as far as I am aware, has
never been effected in the manner represented in the sketch: it would be
thus effected;--a series of apertures (_f_) should be provided at
intervals along the front wall, which would externally be closed by small
sliding shutters, and would communicate internally with a chamber (_g_)
formed between the front wall and the side of the tank; this chamber would
also communicate, by a series of openings, (_h_) with the interior space
above the water in the tank, and from this space, through the covering of
the tank, tubes (_m_), also placed at intervals, would be carried up
through the soil, close to the side of the wall; these tubes should be
furnished with caps or valves, so as so admit of the communication being
stopped at any time. In applying this to the admission of air, we must not
loose sight of a series of ventilators, (_i_), placed in the back wall of
the house, which are of precisely the same nature and construction as the
apertures (_f_), already spoken of. I shall have occasion hereafter, to
notice the admission of air, but it will be well in this place, to explain
the action of the plan proposed for that purpose: when it is judged that a
change of the internal volume of air is requisite, the ventilators (_i_)
are to be opened, which admits of a portion of the rarified air to pass
off; the ventilators (_f_) are also to be opened, and by means of the
action of these ventilators on each other, a portion of external air is
taken in; this enters the chamber (_g_), which is warmed by its contiguity
to the tank, and here becomes partially rarified, and rises to the top of
the chamber; the apertures (_h_) admit it to the interior of the tank,
where it becomes not only thoroughly warmed, but also imbibes a degree of
moisture proportionate to the degree in which it becomes heated, and
thence it enters the house by the tubes or shafts already spoken of. The
advantages of warming and moistening the air thus admitted, are very
important ones; for when either a cold or dry state, of the atmosphere
prevails, its influence is very injurious to plants in these confined
situations: cold raw air, when it comes in contact with the tender foliage
of the plants, has the effect of chilling the sap in its progress through
their tissue, and thus lessening their excitability, when it should be
increased; whilst dry air acts as an incessant drain upon the vegetable
juices, which it abstracts through the stomates and pores of the leaves
and stems. When cold air is admitted to any position where it can unite
with caloric, and not in an equal ratio with moisture, it necessarily
becomes arid, and in that state it eagerly combines with moisture in any
form with which it can come in contact therewith; and consequently if cold
air is admitted to a plant structure, where it can have the means of
combining with heat, faster than with moisture, it would be brought into
this arid state, and would supply its voracious appetite, by abstracting
the juices of the plant. It is a very important question how far this
state of things is connected with many of the diseases as they are called,
to which plants are subject; for my own part, I believe it to have a very
considerable influence in the production of many of them. A shallow bed of
soil (_k_), is all that would be required; for in the winter season, there
is nothing gained by encouraging a very luxuriant and gross state of
growth: the composition of this soil will be noticed hereafter: beneath
it, and resting on the top of the tank, should be placed a layer of coarse
open rubble, not less than six inches in thickness; and among this rubble
by means of tubes (_n_), placed at intervals along the bed, I would
occasionally pour considerable quantities of water, in order to maintain a
due regulation of moisture in, and throughout the soil, among which the
vapour arising from the water would ultimately rise. Beneath the tank a
space (_o_), might be provided, which would serve admirably either for the
cultivation of Mushrooms, or the forcing of Rhubarb, or Sea Kale.
Transverse partitions should be introduced into the bed of soil, so as to
divide the roots of each plant from those of its neighbours: this
arrangement will admit of a complete succession of plants being
maintained, by the removal of those which have become old and debilitated,
and the substitution of young and vigorous ones; and this obstruction of
the roots, will not be injurious, for the Cucumber does not by any means
require to be permitted to extend its roots at random, but will readily
submit itself to any rational regimen, with regard to the area from whence
it is permitted to extract its food. A portion of soil sufficient to
support one or two plants, could by this arrangement be renewed as
occasion might require, and the roots of the contiguous plants would
suffer no injury from the operation. The pathway of the house, should be
paved so as to admit of its being occasionally washed and cleansed.
It will be found to be highly economical in reference to the consumption
of fuel, to provide the structure with the means of being covered at
night. Shutters of light frame-work, covered with any waterproof material,
would be found to answer the purpose admirably; they should be elevated a
few inches from the surface of the glass, and they should be arranged so
as to confine a body of air, which acting as a very slow conductor of
heat, would serve to prevent that incessant drain upon the temperature of
the internal atmosphere, which takes place when the material employed is
in contact with the glass, as well as when coverings are altogether
absent. This would not be the only advantage, for as the covering would
to a great extent prevent the radiation of heat from the internal
atmosphere, so would it also prevent the necessity of the application of
so powerful a degree of fire heat at night; and thus the plants would be
permitted to enjoy that natural season of repose so essential to their
well being, instead of being forced into growth by reason of a high
temperature kept up, solely for the purpose of obviating the external
cold.
CHAP. III.
ON THE PROPAGATION OF THE CUCUMBER.
Cucumbers are propagated by cuttings, by layers, and by seeds; the two
former of these methods being frequently practised by those who have
conveniences to keep their plants growing throughout the year; the latter
being adopted either through choice or necessity, by the majority of
cultivators, or those whose means will not enable them, even if they
desired it, to keep up continually a successional growth.
Propagation by cuttings has many advantages to recommend it, especially
when viewed in connection with the production of winter fruit. The plants
raised by this mode of treatment, in comparison with those raised from
seeds, are less gross and succulent in their nature, and more subdued in
their manner of growth; whether it may be that having mature and perfectly
formed parts, they are enabled to assimilate their food more rapidly, than
young and imperfectly formed plants can do; or whether it is owing to any
difference in the balance between the roots and leaves, which latter
organs, in cuttings, and the former, in seedling plants, may be regarded
as predominant, does not appear quite evident, probably the effect depends
partly on each of these supposed causes. They are moreover, sooner in
arriving at a fruit-bearing state, by reason of a universal natural law,
by which the inflorescence and fructification of a plant becomes more
general and perfect, in proportion as the plant attains proximity to its
perfect developement; which effect, is owing to the more perfect
elaboration and preparation of the materials, which when so prepared,
furnish the means of perfecting the organs of reproduction. For the same
reason, the operation of budding a portion of a seedling fruit tree, on a
matured stem, is practised, in order to accelerate its fruitfulness; which
result generally follows, in consequence of the difference existing in the
nature of the food elaborated by the mature plant, and that deposited by
one in an infant state. Thus it is also, that cuttings of flowering plants
generally, are far sooner in arriving at a blooming state, than seedling
plants of the same species: flowers and fruit being formed only by the aid
of the perfectly elaborated sap; which is taken up into the system, and
assimilated in the plant, in proportion to the number of healthy and
mature leaves, in a full state of action: during the younger stages of
growth, the crude material imbibed from the soil, is only partially
elaborated, and in this state, is only converted into food suitable and
destined to increase the foliaceous organs; but when these latter are in
full and vigorous action, a supply of matter, not increased in quantity,
but enriched in quality, becomes laid up in the store-house and structure
of the plants; and it is by means of this matter, aided by the natural
agents, that the nature of the developement is changed from being simply
that of the organs of nutrition, to that of the more perfect and important
organs of reproduction. Besides the precocity of plants propagated by
cuttings, there is also another advantage resulting from the practice,
and that is the preservation of particularly desirable varieties; the
Cucumber is a plant which readily admits of hybridization, and although
the result of this is sometimes to give rise to superior varieties, yet if
impregnation is permitted to take place promiscuously, the bad qualities
of particular varieties, are as likely to be combined in the succeeding
race, as the good and desirable ones: this renders it important that the
fruit which are preserved for seed, should have been carefully watched and
protected when in blossom, from the reach of insects; which often effect
the requisite union, in consequence of the pollen adhering to their
bodies, and thus being brought into contact with the stigma. I need
scarcely to say, that where only one variety is grown in any particular
structure, the chances of admixture are less numerous.
The manner in which the operation of propagation by cutting is performed,
is very simple: the tops of healthy growing shoots are taken off, at about
two or three joints in length; they are then planted in deep pots, which
are about half filled with light earth, such as decayed vegetable matter,
and then covered by laying a piece of glass on the top of the pot; a
simple and effective protection is thus formed, the sides of the pot
acting as a partial shade, the glass admitting light sufficiently abundant
to secure the action of the leaves, and maintaining a calm and moist
atmosphere: the pots are to be plunged in a gentle bottom heat, and the
cuttings will soon become rooted; after which they may be treated as
established plants.
Propagation by layers, is another method similar to the last, of which it
is a mere modification; and those points which mark the superiority of the
one, are equally applicable in the case of the other. The operation may be
performed in various ways: thus the branches may be layered at once into
the soil, when these are trained close to its surface, and they will thus
grow on with renewed vigour: when required for removal to other positions,
they may be layered into pots of light soil, in doing which, a convenient
branch may be brought down, secured firmly at a joint to the soil, and
slightly covered therewith, when it will soon become rooted: another plan,
is, to suspend in convenient places, pots having large holes beneath;
through these holes, the points of growing shoots are introduced, and the
pots having a little moss in the bottom, are then lightly filled with
vegetable mould: they may also be propagated, by enveloping a joint of a
growing shoot lightly with moss; the moss should be kept continually
moist, and roots will soon be emitted into it, and when enough are
produced, the plant may be detached.
Either of these methods of propagation will secure not only healthy, but
fruitful plants, in a short space of time; and this latter point will be
found to be one of no small advantage. The principal objection which may
be urged against their adoption, is that they necessarily involve a
process of transplantation, which under any circumstances, and however
carefully performed, must be regarded as an evil rather than otherwise. It
may be thought that the _check_ arising from transplantation may do good,
by preventing too great luxuriance of growth, and thereby tending to
accelerate fruitfulness; but even if this result may be apparently
produced by such means, it is surely far more natural to check the plants,
by withholding a portion of food, rather than by mutilating the organs by
which their food is conveyed to them, and then actually placing them in a
position where food is still more abundantly supplied than before. It is
very questionable however, how far what is called a "check" is justifiable
as a means of inducing fructification; for if fructification be the most
perfect state at which a plant can arrive, there does not seem to be much
rationality in adopting any such means as a "check" in bringing about
this perfection of developement. A _check_ applied as a means of
accelerating maturity, can only be regarded as an expedient, rendered
necessary by previous defective treatment.
The most commonly practised as well as the most natural method of
propagation, is by seeds, and this will generally be found to be also the
best method, if the conditions required by its adoption can be properly
carried out. There is however, one decided disadvantage attendant on the
raising of Cucumber plants intended for winter forcing from seeds; and
hence in a great measure arises the apparent superiority of propagating by
extension: the disadvantage consists in the exceedingly succulent and lax
nature of the tissue of the young plants; owing to that natural principle,
by which their increase and extension is most especially provided for
during the infant stages of their existence: the result is, that in
consequence of the deficiency of light and solar heat, which are the grand
agents of vegetable fructification, their sap does not become sufficiently
elaborated, nor their tissue rendered sufficiently solid by assimilation
and deposition of matter, to bring about the developement of floral parts;
the food and moisture imbibed, instead of being sublimated and fully
elaborated, is only partially acted on by the vital and natural agents,
and the result is an increase of growth, but not a developement of
fruit-bearing parts. There is nevertheless, an advantage in raising plants
from seeds, not only as regards the obtaining of improved races, but also
in a cultural point of view. The science of Horticulture, does acknowledge
such a thing as progression, in the developement of plants; the functions
of nutrition necessarily go on prior to those of reproduction or
fructification, the latter being continually dependant on, as well as
being the result of the former: hence we arrive at a conclusion, that _to
supply uninterruptedly_, ALL _the elements which administer to the
nutrition of a plant, is the most rational means of inducing a state of
fruitfulness_. This may at first sight be questioned; cases may readily
enough be quoted, in which food has been bountifully supplied, and the
plants have grown amazingly, but not fruited; if however, food had been
thus supplied, in connexion with a due share of _light_, and an _excess of
heat_ had been avoided, we have natural evidence to prove unquestionably
that fructification would have followed. An abundance of food, a high
temperature, and a deficiency of light, are just the conditions which are
opposed to the developement of the floral organs in plants, and are
inductive of mere barren extension: not that plants grow thus, because
they delight in such a state of things, but because they are thereby
unnaturally excited and compelled to do so, although that growth cannot
under such circumstances, become properly matured; and hence arises the
impossibility of their producing blossoms.
The advantage of raising plants of Cucumbers from seeds, consists in the
facility thus afforded of altogether avoiding transplantation: the roots
of Cucumbers are of a very tender nature, and however carefully they may
be transplanted, they are liable to sustain injury in the removal: by
having recourse to depositing the seeds at once in the soil where they are
intended to grow, this is entirely obviated, and there can be no possible
reason why the conditions necessary to germination should not be as fully
supplied in a hillock of soil, as when a portion of the soil is placed
within a garden pot; this vessel can certainly have no influence in
producing more perfect or healthy germination, whilst the mutilation of
even the most careful act of transplantation, may tend to check the future
developement of the plant.
It may be, however, that circumstances prevent the sowing of the seeds at
once in their ultimate position, and in such cases, they may be sown
singly in pots partly filled with decayed vegetable mould, plunged in a
milk-warm bottom heat. The temperature both of the soil and atmosphere
during this period, should not be high, but such as to permit the plants
to push gradually forth from their dormitory, and assume by a natural
process, the functions of active vitality. In order to maintain them in
vigour of constitution, they should be exposed as much as possible to
light; and that, by being placed near the glass, so as to receive the rays
as little broken and refracted as possible. Water should not be applied at
all, until vegetation has manifested itself, and afterwards, but
sparingly, whilst the plants are young, especially in prolonged periods of
dull sunless weather. Plants which are thus raised, should be planted out
as soon as possible, when their fibres are least numerous, as a means of
avoiding in part, the injuries to which they are exposed in
transplantation.
When the plan of depositing the seeds in the hillock of soil is adopted,
it is necessary to arrange the soil so that any subsequent additions made
to it, may not have the effect of covering too deeply the roots of the
plants, neither of burying the neck of the stem beneath the surface; it
should be arranged so that this latter may remain elevated above the
surrounding soil on the top of a slight mound, after the whole of the soil
is adjusted for the roots. I have already mentioned that the depth of soil
ought not to be at all considerable, but rather shallow than otherwise, so
as to expose the roots as far as possible to the influence of the sun.
It will have been seen that the plan of raising young plants from seeds,
has both its advantages and its disadvantages; and in order to avoid the
latter, and secure some of the former, the seeds should be sown early in
the autumn, whilst there is a sufficiency of heat and light, to mature the
growth they make previous to the dull cheerless days which mark the near
approach, and at length the arrival of winter. They will thus be endued
with the "stamina" necessary to sustain them, through that trying period,
and though not without difficulty, yet with comparative certainty, to
reward the well-directed zeal of the cultivator. It is impossible to give
any very minute directions as to the time of performing these operations
of propagation, for like all other gardening operations, it is not at all
requisite that they should be done on any particular day, nor ought they
to be done except when natural conditions are favourable to success: from
ten to twelve weeks generally elapse between the time of sowing the seeds
and the production of fruit, according as the season may be favourable or
otherwise.
The numerous hybrid varieties which are in cultivation, render it a matter
of some importance to make choice of those most suitable to the purpose;
these are however so continually changing, that it is useless to attempt a
record of them. The Sion house Cucumber is perhaps the best of all suited
for cultivation in the winter season. The principal features which are
required in Cucumbers for winter forcing, are, precocity; compactness of
growth, rather than luxuriance; prolificacy, rather than extreme length of
fruit; and hardiness of constitution: these, are to the gardener far more
important points, than those which entitle them to rank as "prize"
varieties.
CHAP. IV.
ON THE TREATMENT OF THE MATURE PLANTS.
From the time that the plants become established, which is the period of
their existence now about to be considered, they require to have the
elements of vegetable growth duly supplied to them, in order to secure
their successful developement. It is not enough to plant them in proper
soil, and duly to water them, unless attention is also paid to the
temperature, as well as the constituents of the atmosphere to which they
are submitted; neither will attention to these latter points be sufficient
to ensure success, if at the same time, the former are neglected. A _soil_
of suitable chemical, as well as mechanical composition, a pure and
wholesome _atmosphere_, _water_ promptly and properly applied, and _heat_
duly regulated, are conditions which equally require minute care and
attention in their adaptation; and these being applied upon the
comprehensive, and perfectly harmonious principles of nature, will leave
but little to be done in the shape of expedients, which are too frequently
resorted to, as the means of counterbalancing either defective or
unsuitable management. The application of these agents to the cultivation
of the plant under consideration, in the winter season, will form the
subjects of succeeding chapters. I will here briefly direct attention to
the importance of light in the growth of plants, and then devote some
space to the consideration of the subject of pruning and training.
Light is most essential to the perfect and healthy developement of
vegetable organization, the performance of the functions essential to the
health of plants being dependent on its agency. It cannot indeed be
assumed that plants will not continue to grow, unless they are supplied
with an intense degree of light; but it is certain that the successful
nature of their growth, their maturation, and their fructification, are
dependent in no ordinary degree upon the nature and force of its action;
for without it, the vital energies of animated beings are unable to
maintain and perform the processes of elaboration, and assimilation, upon
which their nutrition depends. The mere extension of vegetable tissue, may
indeed go on, though less satisfactorily, under the almost total privation
of light, but with the exception of cryptogamic vegetation, the organs of
fructification are not under those circumstances, produced at all: the
stem may be formed, but does not become solid: the leaves may expand, but
their condition is imperfect; and it is only by means of the full and
complete action of these organs in the nutrition of plants, that the
developement of the floral parts is brought about: the roots may take up
fluids, and these may be conveyed in the natural upward channels, and then
dispersed among the stems and the leaves; but it is the action of solar
light, aided indeed by the natural condition of the elements supplying
heat and moisture, which alone, by a process of elaboration, can convert
this fluid, once crude and undigested, into the compound organic
substances, such as lignin, gum, starch, gluten, &c. which in their turn,
are destined to minister to the support of the organs of reproduction.
Growth, that is mere extension, may go on in proportion as heat and
moisture are supplied to plants, but light is the agent to whose especial
influence we owe the production of their active properties and secretions,
and the perfection of their fruit.