152 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



Supposing by this time the plants are in good or- 

 der for transplanting, either in the pots or the frame, 

 the hillocks should be a little flattened, and a plant 

 set in the centre of each : some may perhaps touch 

 the glass; but that is of no consequence ; for, if the}- 

 are. of a genuine sort, they will turn themselves to 

 their own centre ; and their closeness to the glass will 

 aid them therein. A little water (previously placed 

 under cover) should be given at the time of plant- 

 ing ; and afterwards the moisture arising from the 

 bed will be sufficient : but if this is heavy, and the 

 weather so likewise, the first opportunity must be 

 taken to give air, so as to get the plants in a dry 

 state, as a preventive against the canker to which 

 they are so liable during the winter season, and the 

 more so from the almost continued closeness of the 

 lights, for the benefit of the plants. 



But little more is necessary except the picking of 

 decayed leaves and making good any failures that 

 may occur. For this purpose a few lettuce should 

 be planted in small pots, as such can be readily 

 turned out if required, and will not miss their 

 moving. 



So far on the interior work of the bed : what is 

 wanted to be done outside will chiefly depend on the 

 state of the bed and weather ; but, at all events, it 

 will be the best and surest method to apply a lining 

 of dry litter, about eighteen inches thick, round the 

 bed, after having been made up about a fortnight. 

 In respect of the top covering, it should be suf- 

 ficient to keep out the frost : and it is of conse- 

 quence to allow as little wet as possible to enter the 

 frame. 



