Wash, peel, core large yellow or green cucumbers, slice in rings. 2 gallons rings.

Mix 2 cups slock lime and 8 1/2 quarts water. Let stand 24 hours. Drain, wash with cold water. Pour on ice water and soak 3 hours. Drain. Put rings in large kettle. Add 1 cup cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon alum, 1 to 1 1/2 oz. bottle of red food coloring, add enough water to cover. Heat to simmer for 2 hours. Drain. Make a syrup of: 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, 10 cups sugar, 8 to 10 cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups red hots.

Bring to boil, pour over rings. Cover with lid, tightly on kettle. Stand overnight. Drain syrup off, reheat syrup (only) 3 mornings with cinnamon sticks in it, pour back over rings. Next day heat syrup and rings to boil, pack in jars. Seal. Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes. Makes about 9 pints.