==Ridge Cucumbers== are grown in much the same way as recommended for Vegetable Marrows.  They may be put on hillocks or beds, and in either case a foundation of fermenting material is required to insure a crop in the early part of the summer.  For a late crop, the natural heat of the soil will be sufficient should the summer prove to be fine, but in a cold season Ridge Cucumbers are disappointing.  Of the many methods of growing them, one of the best is to lay out the ground in four-feet beds by taking out the soil to a depth of fifteen inches, and spreading about that depth or more of half-rotted manure, to which may be added any leaves and other litter that may be handy.  Cover with a foot depth of good loam.  About mid-April sow the seeds in three-inch pots or in boxes and place in a cool greenhouse.  After careful hardening, plant out about the third week of May.  If preferred, seeds may be sown on the bed early in May.  Give the plants the protection of a hand-light should the weather prove unfavourable, and some care will be needed to keep them moving fairly until the season is so far advanced as to allow for the removal of the lights.  Put the plants at thirty inches apart down the middle of the bed, and when growing freely, nip out the points =once only=.  A crop of Lettuce may be taken from the beds while the plants are advancing.

==Dandelion==

==Taraxacum officinale==

As a salad Dandelion has won general esteem for its wholesome medicinal qualities.  Nature teaches the way to grow this plant, for she sows the seed in early summer, and we find the finest plants on dry ground, while there are none to be found in bogs and swamps.  Any gravelly or chalky soil will grow good Dandelion, one fair digging without manure being a sufficient preparation for it.  Sow in May or June, and thin to one foot apart every way, keeping the crop scrupulously clean by flat hoeing.  Any time in the winter the roots may be lifted and forced in the same way as Sea Kale, or they may be covered with pots in spring to blanch where grown.  In any case the spring growth must be made in darkness, for when green the flavour is bitter.  Invalids who require this salutary salad may obtain early supplies by planting the roots in boxes in a cellar, and covering with empty boxes.  Only as much water should be given as will keep the roots reasonably moist.

==Egg plant (Aubergine)==

==Solatium Melongena, S. esculentum==

In this country the Egg Plant is generally grown merely as an ornament, but it is a delicious vegetable when sliced and fried in oil, the purple-and black-fruited kinds being especially serviceable for the table.  The common white, which is best known, is fairly good when cooked young, though less rich in flavour than the purple.  The cultivation recommended for Capsicum will suit the Egg Plant, but little atmospheric moisture is needed or the seedlings may damp off.  They