12 ON THE CULTURE 



As soon as they have made the first rough leaf, 

 top them, by taking out the break that appears 

 next, which may be easily done with the thumb 

 and finger, or a sharp-pointed stick. In little 

 more than a fortnight, they will be in a fit state 

 to top down ; and in three weeks from the time 

 of sowing, ready to ridge out. 



At this time of the year, the bed will not 

 require any lining ; but observe, that as the 

 wrapping sinks, it will be necessary to increase 

 it, pressing it down close to the box, and keep- 

 ing it within one-third of the top. 



If the plants are not ridged out when three 

 weeks old, plunge them up to the rim, until the 

 fruiting frame is ready for their reception, which 

 ought to be at the latest when they are a month 

 or five weeks old. If it should happen, however, 

 that the frame is not perfectly sweet, by no 

 means ridge them out until it is in a proper con- 

 dition. After they are a month old, increase the 

 lining at the back and front, about four or five 

 barrows-full each, applying it in the following 



