HOW TO SUCX3EED. 25 



injure it. Should your fires go entirely out in the cold- 

 est of weather no harm will be done provided the frost 

 does not get in. The temperature may vary from 45 

 degrees to 80 or 90 degrees according to circumstances. 

 The lower temperatures will of course, give a slower 

 growth; with a darker color and perhaps a somewhat 

 heavier yield. The higher temperature will in propor- 

 tion give quicker returns and a lighter color. The ques- 

 tion of yield under higher or lower temperature is as 

 yet an open one, and not important as the variations 

 would be but slight under any circumstances. 



This range of temperature is perfectly safe, and 

 broad enough that the crop can almost be held at will or 

 hastened through for quick returns, as is desired. 



Ventilation. — Fortunately the subject of ventilation 

 requires little or no attention. But the fact must be 

 emphasized to avoid trouble and worry. The truth is, 

 that rhubarb forced in hotbeds banked in and covered 

 over with boards and manure will thrive and grow at a 

 surprising rate. In the cellars the change of air occa- 

 sioned by going out and in for attention to the crop is 

 entirely sufficient. 



Light. — Daylight, even in small amounts, must be 

 excluded. Admitting it while going out and in for at- 

 tention to the crop will do no harm. The growing 

 stalks will turn eagerly toward even a small ray of light, 

 and if it is steadily admitted, will cause the stalks to dis- 

 color and grow crooked, and wherever the light rests 

 steadily the leaves will begin to grow, which by all means 

 must be avoided. Artificial light unless too bright and 

 long continued is not injurious. The blue light as from 

 a gasoline stove does no harm ; but in forcing even with 

 kerosene lamps, I have demonstrated that the stalks in 

 too close proximity to the lamps will be off in color, and 



