150 MONTHLY CALENDAR. 



for forcing or otherwise, should see that his hot-bed frames 

 are in good repair and ready for use ; he should also repair 

 his sashes, and make straw mats with which to cover them. 

 In preparing dung or other heating materials for hot-beds or 

 forcing-pits, let it be kept secure from, heavy falls of snow or 

 rain, and frequently turned over preparatory to its being 

 made into a bed. With a view to give all attention to cul- 

 ture as the season advances, the gardener should look over 

 his hardy fruit trees and hardy vines, and commence pruning 

 them, by cutting off all dead and superfluous branches ; he 

 may also clean trees from moss and canker, and search for 

 the nests of insects, with a view to destroy them while in a 

 torpid state, to prevent their spreading. If he has trellises, 

 or any implement of husbandry out of repair, he should em- 

 brace the most favourable opportunities of putting them in 

 good condition, and of repairing his fences, &c. 



Previous to making hot-beds, select a situation that is well 

 protected by a close fence or wall, and not in any way con- 

 nected with any building calculated to. harbour rats, mice, 

 moles, &c., which are very apt to take up their abode in 

 warm duug, to the great injury, and sometimes the destruc- 

 tion, of the beds. It is necessary that the foundation for the 

 beds be dryly situated, and not liable to be inundated with 

 water from melted snow, &c. When all is prepared as di- 

 rected in pages 112 and 113, begin to sow Cabbage, Egg- 

 plant, Lettuce, and Tomato seed, 112 ; force Asparagus, 117 ; 

 Kidney Beans, 119; Cucumbers, 121; plant Peas, 132; 

 Potatoes, 133; sow Radish seed, 134. In cold-beds, well 

 protected, plant Broad Beans, 119; sow Cabbage seed, 54. 



After the seed is sown, the beds will require constant 

 attention ; cover them up well in cold nights, and give air at 

 all opportunities, taking care to regulate the heat in the beds, 

 as directed under the different heads, from page 112 to 138. 

 If the heat be excessive, it must be decreased as directed in 

 page 116 ; and if it should become necessary to let off steam 

 in cold weather, care must be taken to cover the aoertures 



