GUINEA PEPPER. 119 



There are several other varieties of capsicum, 

 producing red,' yellow, and black pods, which, 

 however, are cultivated more for curiosity or orna- 

 ment, than for utility. 



Culture. The capsicums above described are 

 only raised from seed, which should be sown in the 

 beginning of April, in light rich mould, either on 

 a slight hot-bed, or in pots plunged in some va- 

 cant corner of a cucumber bed. But it is better 

 to sow on a slight heat, and covered with a hand- 

 glass, as in such a situation they are less liable to 

 be drawn up weakly. Air should be admitted 

 occasionally, and water' given when the plants 

 appear dry ; when about two or three inches high, 

 they are to be carefully taken up, and planted either 

 singly in small pots, or three in a flat 32 size 

 pot, and after giving them a little water, they are 

 to be plunged in the seed-bed : but if a little hot 

 dung is at hand, a new bed should be made on 

 purpose; and, if this is not convenient, the pots 

 may be placed under a frame. Water must be 

 given in moderate supplies, to assist their subse- 

 quent growth. The plants, by the middle of June, 

 must be hardened to the open air by degrees, 

 so as not to feel any sudden change when turned 

 out. A warm south border of light rich soil is to 

 be chosen, and the plants, after being turned out of 

 the pots, are to be planted at the distance of ten or 

 twelve inches apart. In August they will display 

 their shining green fruit, which the following month 

 will turn to a beautiful crimson colour. 



Some of the market gardeners round London, 

 who raise large quantities of this fruit, first sow 

 i 4? 



