CULTURE OF THE CUCUMBER IN A DUNG-BED. 501 



should be glazed with sheet glass, one pane to each division. If the 

 bed is made in an excavation, it should be sufficiently large to allow of 

 the dung being turee inches wider than the frame all round ; with an 

 additional space of eighteen inches in width for linings, which will 

 require a space fifteen feet six inches long by eight feet wide. Where 

 there is a proper melon ground, however, such an excavation will be 

 unnecessary. Commence the erection of the bed by laying on the 

 ground, nine inches or a foot thick, brushwood, or the loppings of 

 trees, four feet six inches wide, and twelve feet six inches long ; on 

 the wood lay a little long litter to keep the dung from falling into it, 

 as this would stop the drainage, and prevent the bottom heat from 

 working under the bed. Upon the litter place your manure, carefully 

 shaking it as you proceed, and keeping the surface regular, by beating 

 it down with a fork as you advance, but do not tread it. The manure 

 should be four feet or five feet high at the back, independently of the 

 wood, and six inches lower in front. When the bed is finished, put on 

 the frame, and keep the lights carefully closed till the heat rises, then 

 give air, in order that the rank steam may pass off ; fork over the 

 surface every other day, as directed for the seed-bed, and as the heat 

 decreases give less air. If the dung with which the bed has been made 

 lias undergone the preparation directed, it will be fit to receive the 

 plants in about fourteen days. Before transplanting, however, prove 

 the sweetness of the manure with a candle and lantern, as pointed out 

 for the seed-bed ; and, if satisfied on this important point, from twelve 

 inches to eighteen inches thick of the chosen soil may be put on, to 

 form the hillocks for the reception of the plants. 



Ridging out the Plants. After the mould has been in the frame 

 twenty-four hours, it will be sufficiently warm for the plants to be 

 ridged out. To do this, make a hole in the top of each hillock, and 

 place the pot containing the plant in it; you will then be able to judge 

 as to the proper distance it should be from the glass, which may vary 

 from six inches to nine inches. Carefully turn out the plants, insert 

 them into the holes, press the earth more firmly around them, and 

 water the whole overhead with water at a temperature of 80. 



Air. A little air may be given during twenty hours out of the twenty- 

 four, to allow of the escape of steam and noxious gases, being carelu, 

 to admit it only on the sheltered side of the frame or pit, and to 

 prevent draughts. Should the heat of the bed be low, and an in- 

 creased warmth be requisite, let the unoccupied surface of the bed be 

 forked over, about six inches or eight inches deep, either back or front, 

 and from this a fine steam will arise, which will be very beneficial to 

 the plants ; and, when air is afterwards given, it will materially assist 

 in drying them, which it is well to do, if possible, during the day. 

 In an hour or two alter uncovering in the morning, a little more air 

 may be given, reference being had to the state of the weather ; and 

 again let it be gradually increased, after the lapse of a similar period, 

 up to twelve o'clock in the day. About one, lower in part ; and at 

 three or four o'clock shut down till six, when you should again give 

 air ; the heat then should be about 70 and the plants dry. At eight 

 or nine reguiate lor the night, according to the heat, and so let it 



