1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 117 



tlie tubers. Some of the smaller-leaved Kidneys we plant not more 

 than 18 inches between the rows. Where ridges have been thrown up 

 to the frost, the width at which the Potatoes are to be planted, it 

 answers well to place a little kindly soil in the ridges — such as leaf- 

 mould, old mushroom - dung, or old potting - mould — planting the 

 Potatoes on it, and forking down the ridges, carefully burying the 

 Potatoes 4 to 6 inches ; and if they should come up while there 

 is danger of frost, a little litter may be used for protection — earth 

 drawn over the young tops will answer for a time. Herbs may be 

 divided, if necessary, and fresh plantations made. Mint and similar 

 kinds do well to be lifted, parted, and planted singly (in well-worked 

 ground), just after they have sprung an inch or so ; others established 

 may only require surface-cleaning, and top-dressing with clean rich 

 earth. Celery may be sown for the general crop, from the middle to 

 the end of the month. Fine soil, placed a few inches thick on a mild 

 hot bed, answers well to sow the seed on. Excessive heat, or allowing 

 the young plants to become dry at the root, would, in most cases, cause 

 the crop to run prematurely to seed, and be unfit for any purpose. 

 Checks from cold to heat are productive of the evil. Any early seed- 

 lings up, and fit to handle, may be pricked out 4 inches apart, on a bed 

 prepared with a few inches of rotten manure placed on a hard surface ; 

 over the manure is spread an inch or two of light soil. The young 

 plants are planted neatly, fastening the fine roots to keep them firm, but 

 not squeezing ; they should be allowed to hang their full length in the 

 soil. Protection with glass is necessary at this early period, giving 

 air gradually, till the plants are of a size to endure full exposure on 

 mild days. Drawing them up is a great evil to be guarded against. 

 If Basil is wanted, a little seed may be sown in a pan, using free 

 healthy soil, and not covering the seeds very much. Cucumbers and 

 Melons may be begun this month in the smallest places. A bed pre- 

 pared with good stable-dung, and a few leaves to keep it lasting, is as 

 good a way of growing them in summer as any other; hot-water 

 pipes, reducing labour and being more cleanly, are preferable for the 

 workman. If dung-beds and frames are used, let the heat be regular 

 and the atmosphere pure before the plants are planted out — a heat 

 of 70^, and lO'^ or 15° higher, with sun and air on, will bring the plants 

 on rapidly at this season. If the bed becomes dry towards the after- 

 noon, a sprinkling with tepid water over the whole surface, and shut- 

 ting up with sun-heat at a temperature of 85°, will promote active 

 growth. If the steam is of a brown colour, and hanging in drops from 

 the lights, it is a sign that it is impure ; and plants, if they live in it, 

 cannot make healthy growth. Small quantities of soil, in a warm 

 state, laid up to the roots as they appear through the hills, is better, 



