JAN.] CUCUMBERS AND MELONS. 33^ 



about lialf an inch. Tlie seeds should be sown in 

 a broad pan, four inches deep ; or in small pots, 

 four or five inches diameter, and as mucli in depth; 

 wliich should be plunged to the brim, near to the 

 back-part of the bed. * Now put on the light, and 

 let the frame be matted up at night, in the ordina- 

 ry way. 



Be careful to guard the seeds from mice, which 

 generally swarm about hot-beds, by laying a pane 

 of glass over the pot or pan till they have come up; 

 and afterwards, at night, by covering with a pot of 

 equal size, till the seed-leaves have expanded, and 

 tlie husks liave dropped : for until then, the plants 

 are liable to be destroyed. The cover, however, 

 should always be removed by sun-rise, and be re- 

 placed in the evening. It is at night these vermin 

 generally commit their depredations. 



No air need be admitted till the heat begin to 

 rise, and steam begin to appear ; but after that, 

 the light should be tilted a little every day, in what- 

 ever state the weather may be, until the plants 

 break ground. Air must then be admitted with 

 more care ; and if frosty or very chill, tlie end of a 

 mat should be hung over the opening, that the air 

 may sift through it, and not immediately strike the 

 plants. A little aired water may be given once a 

 day, from the time the seeds begin to chip ; and if 

 a very strong heat rise, the pots should be raised 

 a little, to prevent the roots from being injured. 

 They should be frequently examined on this ac- 



* The kinds are noticed at page 293^ 



y 



