10 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 



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 remain, 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 stopt (as the gardeners term it), or topped at the first or 

 second joint : i. e. the top of the first advancing runner, when form- 

 ed 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 of 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 

 weather 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 attain to but little perfection ; but let the glasses be close shut 

 every night. In severe frosty weather keep them close night and 

 day, and cover the glasses with mats, or straw, 8cc. both of nights, 

 and occasionally in the day-time, if the frost is rigorous ; also let 

 the same care be observed to those under hoop-arches ; but let them 

 have the full air in mild open weather. 



Or where any lettuces are planted in a south border, close under 

 a wall or board fence, Sec. it would be advisable, in hard frost, to. 

 cover them as above. 



In the above lettuces, in general, pick off all decayed leaves 

 when any appear, keep them always cleared from weeds, and de- 

 stroy slugs, which often greatly annoy them ; and in mild weather 

 stir the surface of the earth between, which will much enliven the 

 plants. 



Sowing Lettuces. 



When lettuces have not been sown in autumn for early spring 

 use, you may now sow any of the cos or cabbage kinds, on a slight 

 hot-bed under glasses, to be planted out in spring ; the young plants 

 may be greatly forwarded, if pricked into another fresh hot-bed 



