vinegar, salt and pepper to taste; cucumber.
_Mode_.--Pare the cucumber, cut it equally into _very thin_ slices, and
_commence_ cutting from the _thick end_; if commenced at the stalk, the
cucumber will most likely have an exceedingly bitter taste, far from
agreeable. Put the slices into a dish, sprinkle over salt and pepper,
and pour over oil and vinegar in the above proportion; turn the cucumber
about, and it is ready to serve. This is a favourite accompaniment to
boiled salmon, is a nice addition to all descriptions of salads, and
makes a pretty garnish to lobster salad.
[Illustration: SLICED CUCUMBERS.]
[Illustration: CUCUMBER.]
_Average cost_, when scarce, 1s. to 2s. 6d.; when cheapest, may be had
for 4d. each.
_Seasonable_.--Forced from the beginning of March to the end of June; in
full season in July, August, and September.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE CUCUMBERS.--This family is not
known in the frigid zone, is somewhat rare in the temperate, but
in the tropical and warmer regions throughout the world they are
abundant. They are most plentiful in the continent of Hindostan;
but in America are not near so plentiful. Many of the kinds
supply useful articles of consumption for food, and others are
actively medicinal in their virtues. Generally speaking,
delicate stomachs should avoid this plant, for it is cold and
indigestible.
CUCUMBERS A LA POULETTE.