Quick Cucumber Pickles

Ingredients

• 17 to 18 lb. cucumbers (3 to 5 inches in length), packed 7 to 10 per qt.
• about 2 gal. 5% brine (3/4 c. pure granulated salt per gal.)
• 6 c. vinegar
• 3/4 c. salt
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 9 c. water
• 2 Tbsp. whole mixed pickling spice
• 2 tsp. whole mustard seed per qt.
• 1 or 2 cloves garlic per qt. (optional)
• 3 heads fresh or dried dill plant or 1 Tbsp. dill seed per qt. (optional)