28 ON THE CULTURE 



but this, however, is seldom the case ; and from 

 four to six inches may generally be considered 

 sufficient from December to April. As the sun 

 increases, and the nights become milder, reduce 

 the covering to three or four inches, until May ; 

 from whence to June a single mat, or a little 

 hay or litter will be sufficient. If the weather 

 is now seasonable, and the nights warm, they 

 will not require any covering, but should this 

 not be the case, it is better to continue it even 

 until Midsummer. 



Take particular care when covering up, after 

 a fresh lining has been put to the bed, that 

 the mats^r hay does not hang over the lights 

 for at least a fortnight, as such will draw the 

 rank steam into the bed, and kill the plants. 



The linings should be continued until the 

 weather is fine and settled, which may be 

 expected in the middle of May ; but should the 

 weather be cold and unfavourable, it may be 

 necessary to retain them until the middle of 

 June. 



