26 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [JAN. 



Ten or twelve days after lining one side, proceed as before, removing 

 the protection of straw-litter, &c., if any, from the other side, and 

 applying a lining of hot dung as above afterwards to both ends ; 

 and these will again revive and augment the heat for another fort- 

 night or more. 



After performing the lining, if very cold, wet, or snowy weather 

 prevail, it may be proper to lay a quantity of dry long litter all 

 around the general lining, which will protect the whole from driving 

 cold rains and snow, and preserve the heat of the bed in a fine grow- 

 ing temperature. 



By applying these linings of hot dung in due time, and renewing 

 them as there shall be occasion, you may preserve the bed in a pro- 

 per temperature of heat of sufficient duration to continue the plants 

 in a free growing state in the same bed until of due size for ridging 

 out into the larger hot-beds, finally to remain to produce their heat. 



Observe, however, that where there is plenty of hot dung, and 

 every proper convenience, you may, in order to forward the plants 

 as much as possible, prepare a second hot-bed, by way of nursery, 

 about a fortnight after making the seed-bed, in order to receive the 

 plants therefrom in their pots, when the heat begins to decline, 

 plunging the pots in the earth as above directed ; continuing to sup- 

 port the heat of this bed, as already explained, and in which the 

 plants may be nursed and forwarded till they acquire a proper size 

 for transplanting finally into the fruiting hot-beds. (See next month.) 



When the plants have advanced in growth with their two first 

 rough leaves, about two or three inches broad, and have pushed their 

 two first running buds in the centre, or are a little advanced in the 

 formation of one or two short runners, they are then of a proper size 

 for ridging out into the large hot-beds, where they are finally to re- 

 main, which perform in proper time, according to the directions 

 given in February under the article Cucumbers. 



But in order to strengthen the plants in a more firm stocky 

 growth, and to promote a production of fruitful runners, each plant 

 must be stopped (as the gardeners term it), or topped at the first or 

 second joint, i. e. the top of the first advancing runner, when formed 

 in the centre like a small bud, should be pinched or cut off close to 

 the joint, as directed in February (which see), where the method of 

 performing it is more fully explained. 



CARE OP THE VARIOUS SORTS OF LETTUCES. 



If you have lettuce plants in frames, or under hoop-arches de- 

 fended with mats, let them enjoy the open air at all opportunities, 

 by taking the glasses, or other shelters, entirely off, when the wea- 

 ther is mild and dry ; but if the plants are frozen, let them, while 

 in that state, be carefully protected from the hot sun, which would 

 materially injure them. 



In very wet weather, and when sharp cutting winds prevail, keep 

 the glasses over them, observing, however, to raise the lights or glasses 

 behind two or three inches, in mild days, to admit air to the plants ; 

 for, if they are kept too close, they will be drawn up weak, and 



