1870.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 27 



a bed may be made for them with leaves and a little manure, making 

 it thoroughly firm. Very little heat is necessary, but the sides of the 

 frame or pit may be well packed round with straw or litter to keep out 

 frost ; and while the bed is settling down, the Potatoes may be placed 

 in a little warmth to sprout, covering them over with a little light soil 

 of any kind, but not leaving them till the roots get matted together. 

 8 inches to 1 foot of soil in the frame is abundance, and over the sur- 

 face Radish seed may be sprinkled, and lightly covered. Early Frame 

 and Short-top Radish answer well for this early sowing. Few Potatoes 

 are better for early work than the true old Ash-leaf Kidney. Potatoes 

 for seed should be kept as cool as possible, of course excluding frost. 

 Being allowed to shoot far, and then suddenly planted out in the cold 

 ground, is one of the principal causes why they come up patching, and 

 many of the tubers perish in the soil. Early Carrots, if required, may 

 be sown in light soil where they can be protected. Fennel, Mint, and 

 Tarragon roots may be lifted, potted, and placed in a hot-bed or any 

 other heat, and brought on for use. All beds of herbs should be 

 trimmed and surface-dressed, or divided and replanted any time before 

 growth commences. Chicory and Endive may be taken under cover, 

 and kept from light and air to blanch. Rhubarb and Sea-Kale, to keep 

 up supplies, require timely attention, as formerly advised. The latter is 

 easily managed when placed in large pots, and covered with others of same 

 size, and taken into warmth to spring ; and it can be retarded by taking 

 it to a cooler place till used up, always keeping it from light and air. 

 Our earliest was taken in this way to the flue of a Mushroom-house, and 

 several good dishes cut off before the main supplies were ready at the 

 end of November. Mitchell's Early Rhubarb has done good service 

 since the beginning of December, and is now succeeded by Prince 

 Albert and Linnaeus. Roots of Victoria are dug up and under protec- 

 tion, to be taken into heat as required to keep up the supply during 

 the remainder of the season. Cauliflower in frames or under hand- 

 lights should never be without air, except in frosty w T eather. A little 

 dry litter placed among their stems would be of advantage. Some 

 sprinkle coal-ashes among the plants, which makes unkindly quarters 

 for slugs. All Brocolis, Kale, Savoys, and similar plants, may be bene- 

 fited by having earth drawn round their stems, which will help to save 

 them from frost. Brocolis which may be hearting should be looked 

 over frequently to secure them before frost destroys the heads. Hot- 

 beds for Early Cucumbers, &c, may be made at once, but where 

 material is scarce, it would be better to leave hot-bed making alone for 

 the present. Where tree-leaves, manure, &c, are plentiful, a quantity 

 may be thrown up and mixed together: and when the heat is moderate, 

 the whole may be thrown into a bed, building it square, and a little 



