22 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



When making beds in October for the cultivation 

 of Lettuces, they need not be more than 8 in. 

 in depth. A fair quantity of short litter should be 

 mixed with the hot and fresh manure, because at this 

 period the plants do not require heat so much as being 

 kept rather dry and sufficiently warm. Beds made 

 in November should be somewhat deeper, and made 

 with equal parts of old and fresh manure. From the 

 commencement of December the beds should be 

 from 12 to 14 in. thick, and made of fresher manure. 



FIG. 2. SHOWING HOW THREE Rows OF CLOCHES ARE ARRANGED ON BEDS. 



This is necessary, as a greater and more steady heat 

 is then required for such crops as Lettuces, early 

 Carrots, and Turnips. 



If the beds are to be covered with cloches, the surface 

 should have a layer of old mould spread over it evenly. 

 After this three rows of cloches are placed upon each 

 bed, alternating as shown in fig. 2. 



When the beds are intended to carry frames, these 

 may be placed upon them as soon as made, and when 

 properly arranged in straight rows, the surface of the 

 beds may be covered with mould, or even with finely 

 sifted gritty soil in the springtime. When the frames 

 are in position, the "lights" are placed upon them, 

 and these are covered with mats for a few days to 



