JAN.] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 9 



to the heat of the bed, and temperature of the external air : gene- 

 rally observing, in this case, that when there happens a sharp cold 

 air, or cutting wind, it would still be advisable to nail a garden-mat 

 to the upper end of the glasses, to hang down over the place where 

 the air is admitted, supported a little hollow or detached under- 

 neath, two or three inches from the frame ; and it will thus break 

 off and prevent the cutting external air from entering immediately 

 into the frame upon the plants, and at the same time admit a proper 

 degree of mild fresh air to greater advantage : however, in calm 

 moderate weather, this precaution is not materially necessary* 



About a fortnight, or a little more or less time after the bed is 

 made, you will carefully examine the heat thereof, to see if it wants 

 augmentation ; and when the heat begins to decline considerably^ 

 remove the temporary protection of straw, hay, fern, or leaves, from 

 the front and back of the bed, if any was laid round it as before ad- 

 ed ; then apply a lining of fresh hot horse-dung, close to one or both 

 sides, as it shall seem necessary, by the heat being less or more 

 decreased ; for a constant regular degree of internal heat must be 

 supported, to resist the external cold, and continue the plants in a 

 proper state of advancing growth ; but if the heat is not greatly 

 declined, it would be advisable to line only one side first, applying 

 it to the back of the bed ; and in a week or fortnight after, line the 

 front, Sec. forming the lining about fifteen or eighteen inches wide ; 

 but raise it very little higher than the dung of the bed, lest it throw 

 in too much heat immediately to the earth and roots of the plants ; 

 covering the top with earth two inches thick, to preserve the heat, 

 and prevent the rank steam of the new dung from coming Up, and 

 entering into the frame, where it would prove destructive to the 

 plants ; the lining will soon greatly revive the declining heat of the 

 bed, and continue it in good condition a fortnight longer. 



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

 moving 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 fortnight, 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 driv- 

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

 growing 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 fruit. 



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- 



c 



