on the slope as soon as possible after the ridges are made ready, under the protection of hand-lights, until there is free growth and the weather has become quite summery.  It is a good plan to grow one or two rows of Runner Beans a short distance from the ridge on the north side to give shelter, and in case of bad weather after the plants are in bearing, pea-sticks or dry litter laid about them lightly will help them through a critical time, but stable manure must not be used.  In case manure is not abundant, make a few small hills in a sheltered, sunny spot, with whatever material is available in the way of turf, rotten 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 cooking when of full size, but while quite green.