January 



singly in small 6o-pots, and sow enough, for however good the seed 

 may be a proportion will almost certainly fail from some cause at this 

 critical period. Give the plants one shift into the 48-size, to keep 

 them going until they are ready for putting into the beds. Cucumbers 

 grow with great rapidity, and should never know a check, least of all 

 by starvation. Upon the slates make as many heaps of soil as are 

 required, and in the centre of each heap put one plant. As the roots 

 extend, add more soil until the heaps meet" and finally become level 

 with the top of the brickwork. This treatment will supply food as 

 the roots develop, and help to maintain the plants in bearing for a 

 long period. Stout wires running parallel with the length of the 

 house, a foot below the glass, will carry the vines. Temperature 

 should never fall below 60 at night ; but as the season advances, if 

 the thermometer registers 90 on sunny days, no harm will be done, 

 provided the roots are not dry, and the air be kept properly moist 

 by plying the syringe. On dull days one good sprinkling over the 

 foliage will suffice, and it should be done in the morning. In warm 

 sunny weather, however, two or three syringings will be beneficial ; 

 but the work must not be done so late as to risk the foliage being 

 wet when night comes on. There will be occasions when it may be 

 advisable to avoid touching the leaves with water, if there is no 

 probability of their drying before nightfall. In such a case the 

 moisture can be kept up by freely sprinkling the floor and walls. 

 Cucumbers cannot thrive if they are dry at the roots, but although 

 there should be no stint of water, it must be given with judgment ; 

 and it is of the utmost importance that the drainage should be 

 effectual, for stagnant water is even more injurious than a dry soil. 

 A few sticks placed in various parts of the bed, reaching down to 

 the slates, will serve as indicators. Draw and inspect them occa- 

 sionally, and a pretty correct idea of the condition of the soil will be 

 obtained. The water should be of the same temperature as the 

 house ; if applied cold the plants will sustain a serious check. In 

 the event of the bed falling somewhat below the proper tempera- 

 ture, the water may with advantage be a few degrees higher than 

 usual. 



Horse-radish should be planted early, to insure fine roots for 

 next Christmas beef. 



Lettuces will soon be in demand, and the early hearts will be 

 particularly precious. Sow a few sorts in pans, in frames, or on gentle 

 hot-beds, to be ready for planting out by-and-by. 



Melon. Although the Melon is a fruit, its culture naturally 



