Place whole cucumbers in salt water in jars. Let stand 4 days. Remove cucumbers from jar. Cut crosswise, place in pan, let stand 24 hours.
Change cucumbers to fresh water to which 1 cup vinegar and alum has been added. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat put in jars. Combine 2 1/2 cups vinegar with sugar and spices.
Boil 20 minutes. Pour over cucumbers and seal.
Servings: 4