and the Forcing of the Cucumber. 87 



not moist enough, and a slight sprinkhng of water should be 

 given, upon closing the sashes at night. The plants, till 

 the middle of the month, should be watered about 10 o'clock 

 in the morning. Temperature, 68°, 80°, 68°. 



7th. A barrow full of soil (leaf mould and loam) was 

 added to-day : the roots again showing themselves on the 

 surface of the hills, as soon as it became well warmed, it 

 Avas drawn up over them : the plants look strong, and now 

 require considerable water. Temperature, 66°, 68°, 66°. 



10th. To-day, three barrows of the old manure were taken 

 out, and three of fresh added in the room. The plants have 

 now attained a good size, and begin to show flower buds. 

 More soil was drawn over the surface of the hills, and the 

 plants Avatered more freely. Temperature, 62°, 78° 70° ; 

 of the soil, 80°. 



13th. Weather continues moderate ; the heat of the bed 

 very brisk, since the addition of the last manure. More 

 soil was added, to be in readiness to earth round the plants : 

 it is very important that this should, as well as all soil that 

 is added, be put in three or four days before wanted for use ; 

 always placing it near the back of the bed, in order that it 

 may be easier Avarmed, the sun shining Avith its full force 

 npon it. The moisture is sooner evaporated, than it Avould 

 be in the front of the bed ; and as, early in the season, it 

 often happens that it cannot be procured only in a very Avet 

 state, it is desirable to place it in this situation. Tempera- 

 ture, 66°, 82°, 70° ; of the soil, 85°. 



17th. Heat still continues rather brisk, and the plants 

 are growing very finely. The roots again shoAving them- 

 selves on the surface of the hills, the soil Avas drawn over 

 them, Avhich Avas placed in the bed three or four days since. 

 The object in hilling up the plants from time to time, as 

 well as the addition of soil to the bed at different periods, 

 rather than adding all at once, is to prevent dampness, and 

 a diminution of heat from the quantity of moisture Avhich 

 the soil Avould contain. The plants noAv require considera- 

 ble Avater, Avhich should be given, from time to time, as soon 

 as the sun's rays leave the sashes. Temperature, 65°, 65°, 

 63° ; of the soil, 70°. 



20th. The inclemency of the Aveather, the last three 

 days, has caused the heat of the bed to abate considerably, 

 and, in consequence, tAvo barrows of old manure Avere re- 

 moved, and three of fresh added. We would here mention, 

 that, Avhen fresh manure is added, it should be in a moist 

 state : to put it in, as it is frequently taken aAvay from the 

 stable heap, in a dry heat, is a very injudicious practice, and 

 should be carefully avoided. When, hoAvever, no other is 

 at hand, the barrows full, as they are taken to the bed, 



