IXTRODUCTIOK 



WiTHix a comparatively short time, the forcing of 

 various garden vegetahles has assumed such vast pro- 

 portions, that now the products of the forcing house 

 are exposed in all the city markets throughout the en- 

 tire year, and many relishes in the way of radishes, let- 

 tuce, cucumhers, etc., that hut a short time ago couhl 

 only be obtained for a few weeks in their s]3ecial season, 

 are now the daily embellishments of the table. But the 

 end is not yet ; the forcing industry is only in its 

 infancy, and will at no distant day revolutionize the 

 whole gardening system. 



The expensive methods of glass and greenhouse cul- 

 ture ha^'e heretofore made it possible for only the few 

 to engage in the work, and the consequent high prices 

 of the products thus grown have made it impossible 

 for any but the more favored ones to enjoy the luxuries 

 thus produced. 



Experiments in the dark cellar are demonstrating 

 that many vegetables may be there grown in their highest 

 perfection, and erelong its inexpensive methods will to 

 a large extent supersede the costly glass. 



It is not the purpose of the following pages to in- 

 duce farmers and gardeners to rush wildly into an enter- 

 prise as yet little known ; but the rather to open up a way 

 and a highway whereon many are reaching success and 

 spanning the long gap of the profitless Winter months 



