28 ON THE CULTURE OF THE CUCUMBER 



heat, but the putting down the lights will suffi- 

 ciently counteract its bad effects. Should the 

 heat of the bed be low, and an increased warmth 

 be requisite, let the unoccupied surface of the 

 bed be forked over, about six or eight inches 

 deep, either back or front ; and from this a fine 

 steam will arise, which will be greatly beneficial 

 to the plants ; and when air is afterwards given, 

 it will materially assist in drying them ; which, 

 as before remarked (see p. 19), is necessary to 

 be done, if possible, during the day. In an 

 hour or two after uncovering in the morning, 

 let a little air 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, 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, regulate for the 

 night, according to the heat ; and so let it 

 remain until the next morning, unless there 



