and the Forcing- of the Cucumber. 83 



broken pots we first placed over the hole in the bottom of 

 each. 



The seeds were then sown, three in each pot, covering 

 them about half an inch deep : the pots Avere then plunged 

 under the centre light, in the middle of the bed, bringing 

 them up as near as possible to the glass, that they might 

 receive all the benefit of the air admitted into the bed. 

 Thus prepared, the sashes were shut tight, and at night 

 covered up warm. This variety (the Southgate) we have 

 found to be the best, having tried it for several years : the 

 seed is rarely to be found of genuine quality ; and, from this 

 cause, it has been pronounced inferior by some growers ; 

 but Ave believe no kind to be earlier, or give a greater quan- 

 tity of fruit. Temperature of the bed, 65° ; of the soil, 75°. 



29th, 30th, 31st. Weather more moderate, Avith rain ; 

 the air in the bed has noAV acquired a greater heat, as 

 also the soil. 



February 1st. The heat of the bed to-day is A'ery brisk. 

 The bright sunshine and the moderate temperature of the 

 Aveather, combined, air is admitted in greater quantity. 

 From the want of this, the plants Avhich appeared above the 

 soil in the pots this morning, are someAvhat drawn up, and 

 shoAv the great necessity of giAnng air Avhen the seeds are 

 in the first state of vegetation, as Avell as Avhen the 

 plants are in a more advanced and progressive age. It is 

 a striking instance of the Avant of air, as Avell as light, to see 

 the cotyledons, or seed lea\'es, of plants thickly sown, as 

 soon as they appear above the ground, stretch forAvard eager- 

 ly to catch the first glance of the sun's reviving rays, each 

 one seeming to advance above the other, as if fearing it 

 Avould be deprived of an equal portion of his refreshing 

 power. Air AA-as admitted about 11 o'clock in the forenoon, 

 by tilting up the sashes at the back of the pit about half an 

 inch. If the air is sharp, a bass mat should be laid over the 

 apertures, to prevent the plants being too suddenly chilled. 

 A pan of soft Avater Avas placed in the bed this morning, 

 to become heated to the same temperature, in order to 

 Avater the plants as soon as needed. The plants looking 

 thus flourishingly, if the Aveather continues moderate, a 

 good groAvth may be expected. To give the temperature of 

 the air in the bed, as Avell as the soil, as taken three times 

 each day, Avould occupy considerable room ; Ave have there- 

 fore concluded, from the Avant of space, to give the temper- 

 ature every three or four days (three times each day, viz., 

 morning, noon and night), it varying very little in the inter- 

 mediate time. We think this a better mode than to giA^e a long 

 table of figures for each month. The dates Avill, also, only be 

 given Avhen any thing of importance has occured ; as, often. 



