g 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 l