PREFACE. XI 



of my mode of culture. I here. pledge myself, 

 that the advice given to such practitioners is 

 contained in the following directions. 



My principal object in the different experi- 

 ments I have tried, has always been to discover 

 an easy, as well as a certain method of maturing 

 these delicate plants, and, in consequence, have 

 avoided, as much as possible, any artificial 

 means that might be attended with difficulty or 

 expense. 



The only writer I know upon this subject, with 

 the exception of Abercrombie, whose system is 

 now totally exploded, is Mr. M'Phale, gardener 

 to Lord Hawkesbury. This gentleman published 

 a treatise in the year 1795, in which he stre- 

 nuously recommends brick pits for cucumbers 

 and melons, as far superior to the dung bed. 

 It will be obvious, however, to every person who 



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