32 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



under protection now require all the air and light possible to keep 

 them sturdy. Peas, Beans, and Spinach may be sown to succeed the 

 autumn sowing. Let the drills be exposed to the sun for a few 

 hours, and cover them with any kind of soil, finishing them up 

 in a dry state, v/liich is of great importance to all kinds of seed. 

 Cauliflower, Lettuce, and other things under protection, will require 

 abundance of air when possible. No dead leaves should appear, and 

 the surface-soil should be kept stirred, and free from anything 

 unhealthy. Keep up supplies of Seakale, Rliubarb, and Chicory by 

 placing small quantities in heat every fortnight or so : the demand 

 w^ill regulate the time. Prince Albert Rhubarb will be giving the 

 supply now, but Victoria can be brought on at this season. Mustard 

 and Cress can be had in fine condition by sowing a small quantity 

 in heat every "week in small pans or boxes. We have known this 

 grow^n successfully in dwelling-houses. It requires to be well exposed 

 to fresh air after it is grown an inch or so, otherwise the flavour will 

 be insipid. Radishes and Early Horn Carrots may be sown on a gentle 

 hotbed if wanted earty, using about 8 inches of soil over the bed, 

 and rather fine and sandy on the surface. A -warm border, sheltered 

 by a wall, will do for early Carrots and Radishes. Protection with 

 litter in frosty weather will be required ; but where frames and other 

 means are limited, it is well to leave such early sowing alone. 

 Potatoes may be placed on small pieces of turf, and covered with a 

 little soil, and sprung in a gentle-growing temperature preparatory for 

 planting in beds or under suitable protection. Hotbeds may be 

 made for Cucumbers, and the seed sown in small pots, using warm 

 soil, and no water given till the plants are up and growing. If hot- 

 beds are to be made, plenty of stable-manure is necessary ; other 

 manure will do, but stable is generally preferred. Let it be thrown 

 up till rankness is reduced before the bed is made ; but it need not be 

 wasted, as rank manure may be made up, and then a depth of 

 sweetened material placed on the surface : the whole made firm and 

 smooth, then place the frame. Over the manure place a layer of turf, 

 grassy side down, if it can be had. A ridge of soil may be placed 

 across the bed, and an inch or two over the turfs. The bed is then 

 ready when the heat is right. Cucumbers do well in a temperature of 

 70° by day and 65° by night, increasing 10° or 15° with sun. Pro- 

 tect Parsley with hoops and mats, &c., so that it can be jDicked in 

 severe weather. Broccolis will require to be looked to frequently, and 

 protected as formerly advised. Mint and other herbs may be lifted 

 and potted, or planted in boxes, and grown in a little heat if wanted. 

 All other ground operations should be well forward by this time, after 

 such an open season. What is left undone, let it be attended to when- 



