FORCING 75 



old-fashioned plan of forcing in the open under 

 seakale-pots ridiculed, but I venture to say that when 

 properly done the quality is superior to that given 

 by any other method of forcing. The best quality of 

 forced kale is found when leaves alone are used, and 

 if possible no other material should be employed. My 

 plan is as follows, when plenty of oak, beech, or such 

 kind of leaves can be procured (chestnut, lime and 

 sycamore are too soft and soon rot and become useless) : 

 in the autumn, say about the first week in November, 

 clear off the old leaves from the plants, slightly fork 

 between them, fit on the pots and be sure the tops are 

 perfect, so that the steam of the heating material does 

 not enter the pots. Then, as the leaves are collected, 

 pile up between the pots, shaking the leaves up so that 

 the bulk is evenly distributed, for if left in irregular 

 lumps the heat will not be satisfactory. When enough 

 have been brought just to cover the pots, lightly but 

 evenly tread them down around the pots, and then put 

 another layer and tread in the same way. When this 

 work is finished and the pots are well hidden, put a few 

 sticks in the bed reaching nearly or quite to the bottom. 

 In a week's time draw out these sticks, which when felt 

 should be a little warm. If a few days later the sticks are 

 found to be hotter, go over once more and tread the leaves 

 more firmly. This will hinder the heat from increas- 

 ing, and the more slowly the heat increases the better. 

 If a heat of sixty degrees can be maintained after the 

 first fortnight kale can be cut at Christmas. Of course 

 in a private garden only a portion at intervals should be 

 so treated. Sometimes, when the weather is very cold, 

 a covering of long litter is put over all to keep in the 

 heat, and this will be also useful to prevent the leaves 

 being blown about. I am aware that even with the 

 advantage which many people have of obtaining leaves, 

 this method is laborious and expensive. It is very much 



