90 BRITISH MODES OF CULTIVATING 



be proper oil-cloth covers for the whole, as guards 

 against severe weather, which would be a great 

 saving of fuel. 



" The depth of the pits should be regulated so as 

 that the average depth of the bark-beds may be a 

 yard below the level of the front flues ; as to that 

 level the bark will generally settle, although made 

 as high as their surfaces, when new stirred up. If 

 leaves, or a mixture of leaves with dung, are to be 

 used instead of bark, the pits will require to be a 

 foot, or half a yard deeper. 



" It may be thought too much to insinuate, that 

 those who have large Pineries should turn them to 

 other purposes, and erect such as are described 

 above. There cannot be a doubt, however, respect- 

 ing the satisfaction that would follow, if to have 

 good fruit at an easy rate w r ere the object. I have 

 given designs for no other kinds of new Pineries 

 these six years past, but such as these ; with some 

 variations respecting extent, however, in order to 

 suit different purses." 



. Soil. Vegetable mould, strong brown loam, 

 pigeons' dung, and shell-marl, are Mr. Nicol's in- 

 gredients. " The vegetable mould used is that from 

 decayed tree-leaves, and those of the oak are 

 to be preferred ; but when a sufficient quantity 

 of them cannot be had, a mixture with those of 

 the ash, elm, birch, sycamore, &c. or indeed any 

 that are not resinous, will answer very well. In 

 autumn, immediately as the leaves fall, let them be 

 gathered, and be thrown together into an heap ; 

 and let just as much light earth be thrown over 



