and the Forcing of the Cucumber. 405 



hig-h as the surface of the earth in the bed; and in the back 

 wall are two holes fitted with plugs to regulate the heat; 

 there is also some other minute variations, but these are the 

 only ones of any consequence. We think that there is no 

 necessity of four doors, having found two sufficient for every 

 purpose, and in our severe climate, considerable lieat would 

 escape from the crevices aroimd them. The dung can 

 be easily put in from the two front ones. The advantage 

 gained by having the inner wall perforated up to the bed is 

 very great ; as the heat from the dung escapes with greater 

 facility than through merely one row. This alteration was 

 first suggested by Mr. Loudon. The two walls being carried 

 up to the coping, is another essential thing here ; as the air 

 in the bed is thus prevented from great fluctuations, from 

 variations of the atmosphere during winter ; the holes in the 

 back wall are, we think, superfluous, as, in this kind of pit, 

 the heat can be regulated without scarcely any trouble ; and 

 there is no danger of its being too powerful. In West's pit, 

 half of the chamber, longitudinally, is filled at first; in ten or 

 twelve days the other half is filled. When the heat of the 

 first is exhausted, it is replaced with fresh dung. 



The difference in the two pits will, we apprehend, be 

 quickly perceived. In ours, much more heat is gained, and 

 a great saving of labor ; we are in doubt whether one erect- 

 ed on Mr. West's plan could be worked in the earliest part 

 of the winter season. The half barrel or keg which we place 

 in the centre of the chamber, is intended to conduct hot air 

 into the bed ; the heat would escape slowly from the mass of 

 dung, and if a pipe was carried direct from the chamber, the 

 steam and impure air would be injurious to the plants; but the 

 air in the half barrel becomes heated and ascends free from 

 impurity. If at any time the heat is not wanted, the pipe can 

 be stopped with a plug. In severe cold nights, it obviates the 

 necessity of a thick covering to the sashes. It is temporary, 

 and can be dispensed with in late forcing. 



When this pit was built, we believe there was nothing of 

 th? kind, not even a common brick one, in this vicinity ; 

 lately, however, at Belmont Place, and Mr. Perkins's in 

 Brookline, several ranges have been erected on M'Phail's 

 and other systems, and they are becoming more common 

 among amateurs and gardeners. One improvement in our 

 pit we would make, which should be to lay the outer wall 

 with the bricks flatwise ; sudden changes operate rather too 

 powerfully when laid edgewise ; to guard against this, in 

 January and February, we had a frame of wood work 

 put up on the ends and back of the pit, at the distance of 

 four inches ; the space was filled with (Jry leaves or hay; the 

 top was covered with a board to keep out the wet ; the 



