OF EARLY CUCUMBERS. 19 



in the pots. If there is any surplus mould, 

 rake it with the hand all over the bed ; then 

 water the plants, taking care, at the same 

 time to sprinkle the bed regularly upon the 

 surface. Close them down for the space of ten 

 minutes, and then admit an inch of air. If the 

 weather is mild, in an hour it may be increased 

 to two inches, and a single mat only will be 

 requisite at night. If, however, the weather is 

 windy, cover them at night with a double mat, 

 or a single one and a little hay. 



Be very particular in allowing them plenty of 

 air, especially of a night, taking care, however, 

 to regulate this by the temperature of the wea- 

 ther. If there is much wind, they will of course 

 require less air ; but, at all events, it is better to 

 give too much than otherwise, more particularly 

 at the first ridging out, as the weather at this 

 season being frequently subject to sudden 

 changes, which, should it occur in the night, and 

 the plants are too confined, or the least rankness 

 existing in the bed, they are sure to experience 

 material injury, which, at this time of year, it is 



D2 



