SOAKING SOLUTION:

2 gal. water
3 c. lime

SYRUP:

3 1/2 pints apple cider vinegar
5 lbs. sugar
1 tbsp. celery seed

Soak 7 pounds small, freshly picked sliced cucumbers in 2 gallons of cold water and 3 cups lime. Soak for 24 hours, stirring every two hours. Let stand overnight.

Drain pickle slices, rinse in cold water and allow to sit in the fresh water for 4 hours, changing water every hour.

To make syrup, bring to a boil vinegar, sugar and celery seed. Pour over pickles and let stand overnight.

The next day, simmer the pickles in syrup for 1 hour over very low heat. Put in jars and adjust cap. Process pints for 10 minutes in boiling water bath.

Makes about 11 pints.