MAY] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 381 



of house which, we think, ought to be more generally used, we have 

 prepared the accompanying plan. The arrangements are so apparent 

 that no detailed description is deemed necessary. The dimensions of 

 this pit are as follows : inside width, 8 feet, height of back wall the 

 same, and the front five feet. As all the other parts are in propor- 

 tion, they can easily be ascertained; of course, the length may vary 

 to any extent. If under twenty feet, the flue should return on itself, 

 as shown in the figure. It should be constructed either of brick or 

 stone ; a dry situation should be chosen, and the bottom covered with 

 six inches of gravel, sand, or coal ashes. It may be entered by a 

 door at one end, or by merely lifting up one of the sashes. The 

 best covering is water-proof cloth, hung on rollers, and elevated six 

 inches from the glass by a portable framework of laths, so as to in- 

 clude a stratum of air between the glass and the covering. It is 

 essential that the cover, when in use, should fit closely round the pit ; 

 as a protection from frost this system will be found more efficient 

 and economical than any method of wooden shutters. Fire heat will 

 eeldom be found necessary, and all kinds of green-house plants may 

 be kept in the highest state of health, and flower better than in a 

 close, steaming green-house. The mere exclusion of frost only is 

 required, and the day temperature may be allowed as high as 70 or 

 75 during sunny weather. Water must be carefully administered ; 

 the dryer everything can be kept, compatible with healthy growth, 

 the better will it be for the plants. A southeast aspect is best. 



MAY. 



WORK TO BE DONE IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 



EARLY MELONS AND CUCUMBERS. 



The early melons will now show fruit abundantly ; they must have 

 plenty of air, and protection from the mid-day sun ; for a few hours 

 sunshine at this season, if the glasses were close shut, would destroy 

 the whole crop. The lights should be taken off, and the plants fully 

 exposed to the open air, about the twentieth or towards the end of 

 the month ; therefore the plants ought to be previously and gradually 

 inured thereto. Should the beds happen to be greatly declined in 

 heat about the first of this month, a fresh lining of hot dung ought 

 to be applied, for at this period of their fruiting a brisk bottom heat 

 is necessary to the free swelling of the fruit. The advantage of this 

 will soon appear very evident. A slight covering ought to be kept 

 over the glasses every night, till about the tenth of the month, after 

 which they will need it no longer; these should be taken off early 

 every morning, for light and plenty of air will now be absolutely 

 necessary. 



