manure, or leaf-mould, taking care
that nothing injurious to vegetation is mixed with it. Put several
inches of a mixture of good loam and rotten manure on the hills, and
plant and protect as in the case of ridges. If plants are not at hand,
sow seeds; there will still be a chance of Cucumbers during July,
August, and September; for if they thrive at all, they are pretty brisk
in their movements. Three observations remain to be made on this
subject. In the first place, what are known as 'Ridge' Cucumbers only
should be grown in the open air; the large sorts grown in houses are
unfit. In the second place, the plants should only be pinched once, and
there is no occasion for the niggling business which gardeners call
'setting the bloom.' Provide for their roots a good bed, and then let
them grow as they please. In the third place, as encouragement, we feel
bound to say that, as Cucumbers are grown to be eaten as well as to be
looked at, those from ridges are less handsome than house Cucumbers, but
are quite equal to them in flavour.

==Dandelion== somewhat resembles the Endive, and is one of the earliest
and most wholesome additions to the salad-bowl. Sow now and again in
June, in drills one foot asunder, and thin out the plants to one foot
apart in the rows. These will be ready for use in the following winter
and spring.

==Gourd and Pumpkin==.--An early show of fruit necessitates raising seeds
under glass for planting on prepared beds, and the plants must be
protected by means of lights or any other arrangement that can be
improvised as a defence against late frosts. Of course the seeds can be
sown upon the actual bed, but it is a loss of time. The rapidity with
which the plants grow is a sufficient indication that generous feeding
and copious supplies of water in dry weather are imperative.

==Lettuce==.--Sow for succession where the plants are to remain, and plant
out the earlier sowings at every opportunity. To insure a quick growth,
and prevent the plants from running to seed, extra care in giving water
and shade will be necessary after transplanting. The larger Cabbage
Lettuces will prove useful if sown now.

==Maize and Sugar Corn== may be grown in this country as an ornament to
the garden, and also for the green cobs which are used as a vegetable.
Sow early in the month on rich light soil, and in a hot season,
especially when accompanied by moisture, there will be rapid growth. The
cobs to be gathered for cook