102 ON FORCING VEGETABLES. 



depth of twenty to twenty-four inches ; if the dung be in a 

 good heating condition, cover it with six or eight inches- 

 deep of mould, then lay on the sashes, and protect the beda 

 from the inclemency of the weather. In two or three days 

 the rank steam may pass off; it will then be necessary to 

 stir the mould before the seed be sown, to prevent the growth 

 of young weeds that maybe germinating; then sow the 

 seed either in shallow drills or broadcast, as equally as pos- 

 sible, reserving a small quantity of the warm mould to he 

 sown or sifted over the seeds. The beds should be after- 

 wards attended to, as directed for Broccoli and Cauliflower. 

 This description of a hot-bed is intended expressly for the 

 raising of Spring Cabbage, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and such 

 other plants as may be required for early planting. Beds 

 made earlier in the season, or for forcing, will require a 

 greater substance of manure. See calendar for January, 

 February, and March. 



: OBSERVATIONS 



ON 



FORCING VEGETABLES. 



BEFORE I commenced preparing this work for the press, 

 I intended to have written largely on the subject of forcing 

 fruits as well as vegetables ; but when I considered my 

 motto, and that I was writing for young gardeners, I con- 

 cluded to occupy my pages in such a manner as to effect 

 the greatest possible good at the smallest expense. Of the 

 several branches of Florticulture, some are of greater im- 

 portance than others ; and as the products of the kitchen 

 garden form important articles of food for the bulk of man- 

 kind, it should be our first care to treat largely on the sub* 

 ject of this most useful part of gardening. Next to this is 

 the cultivation of fruits, and the production of ornamental 

 plants and flowers, each of which will be noticed in the 

 respective departments. 



