34 ON THE CULTURE OF THE CUCUMBER 



according to the season. To dry the inside of 

 the frame in December, January, and February, 

 let the linings be four or five inches above the 

 level of the surface of the bed, which will be 

 sufficient ; in March and April they may be 

 lowered in proportion to the increased power of 

 the sun's heat. 



It may appear unnecessary to some persons 

 to have the linings turned so often ; but I beg to 

 remark, that on the lively heat emanating from 

 them, the well-doing of the plants depends, 

 especially when the heat of the bed begins to 

 decline ; and in proportion as attention is 

 bestowed on them, will be the success of the 

 cultivator. If they are allowed to lie undis- 

 turbed until they heat themselves dry, they 

 become useless ; and the same effect is produced 

 if they get overcharged with moisture. In both 

 cases, if not rendered entirely useless, they will 

 take so long a time to recover their heat, as to 

 render them next to valueless; for where a 

 warmth is requisite, in addition to that of the 



