eservation 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 moul