CH. 2.] CUCUMBERS. 3! 



ed tree-leaves, fow the feeds, and cover 

 them with half an inch of the fame : Plunge 

 the pot or pan to the brim, in the centre 

 of the bed the one way, and at a foot from 

 the back, the other : Put on the light ; and 

 cover at night with a double mat. 



The feeds fhould be carefully guarded 

 from mice, an animal too frequently found 

 about hot-beds at this early feafon, by pla- 

 cing a pot on that in which the feeds were 

 fown, whofe brim or margin coincides with 

 it, having a hole at bottom, too fmall for 

 admitting the enemy. This cover fhould 

 be removed in the morning, and replaced 

 in the evening, until the feeds germinate, 

 and the plants are an inch high. Thefe 

 vermin commit their depredations chiefly 

 in the night ; and it is neceflary that the 

 plants enjoy the full fun. 



The bed will begin to heat in. twenty- 

 four hours, and mull then have a little air 

 admitted by tilting the back of the light 

 an inch or fo ; and the front half as much*, 



in 



* This rule ought always to be obferved, unlefs the 

 fe verity of frofty wind renders it hurtful to the plants. 



