THE FORCING PLACE. 11 



inferior in color, quality and yield, to that grown out in 

 the more open space. Too close proximity t(5 the pipes 

 gives too high a temperature which is the chief source 

 of the trouble ; and this can hardly be remedied without 

 detriment to the crops growing on top of the benches. 

 The strong heat shortens the bearing season of the rhu- 

 barb and will also leave the roots much impaired, if 

 not wholly unfit for future use in propagating. How- 

 ever a quick growth and fair yield may be obtained 

 and if no better place is at hand it will pay to use such 

 spaces. 



A Cheap Forcing Cellar. — With none of the above 

 described places available a very cheap and serviceable 

 cellar may be made by excavating for say, two feet and 

 any size desired. The more convenient shape for cover- 

 ing and for convenience in work will be in proportions 

 of one to three, or four. Build the sides above ground 

 with poles, (any size convenient) to the required height, 

 and for the pitch of roof cut the end poles shorter each 

 time, and draw in the side poles sufficiently to make the 

 lap at the corners. Shorten the poles according to their 

 size, and the desired height of the building, large poles 

 would need to be shorter than small ones, in order to 

 avoid unnecessary height. It is better to lay up the 

 sides and ends whole and saw out the doorway after- 

 ward, use 2x6 in. plank for the door frame spiking 

 through into the end of each pole. Cover over with corn 

 stalks, straw or other coarse litter, finishing with earth 

 to a depth sufficient to insure against any possibility 

 of freezing. A flue of sewer crock is easily constructed 

 if one wished to heat with wood or coal, but an oil 

 or gasoline stove or large lamp placed low down will 

 do nicely for heating, if the cellar is not too large. Such 



