126 On the Construction of Brick Pits. 



of this ; from eighteen to twenty-four were gathered every weeJc, 

 until the latter part of August, when the vines were allowed to run 

 at random. A large number, of small size, were cut for pickling 

 afterwards, besides many for the table. The average length of 

 the fruit, throughout the season, was a fraction over ten inches. 



19th. Renewed two barrows of manure, and added one of 

 fresh to the pit ; the plants continue to spread rapidly, although 

 numerous large runners are cut out every day or two ; were it not 

 for such prunings, all would be confusion. The knife should be 

 handled carefully in performing the operation, and the leaves bruis- 

 ed or broken as little as possible. Temperature, 80°, 88°, 82°. 



2Sth. Four barrows of fresh manure were added to-day. The 

 whole was well forked together. Temperature, 79°, 90°, 78°. 

 This was the last manure that was added to the bed. The vines 

 continued to grow vigorously and bear plentifully. Liquid manure 

 may be applied, if they do not appear flourishing, though we sel- 

 dom had occasion to use but a small quantity ; let the sashes 

 remain partly open, or take them wholly off in gentle showers, 

 that the plants may receive the benefit of the rain. During Au- 

 gust, they may be left off altogether. Keep the plants tolerably 

 thin of vines, so that the air may circulate freely ; and cut away 

 all leaves where crowded together so as to shade the fruit. 



With this routine of culture, the vines may be kept in bearing 

 until October ; but after the fruit was to be had in plants from the 

 open air, they were generally neglected, and but little attention 

 given to them. In very small gardens, where there is not room to 

 raise plants in the open air, by pursuing the system of pruning, 

 watering, &ic., they may be kept in a fruitful state. 



After the vines have done bearing, pull them up, and if the bed 

 is not wanted for any particular use, the soil may remain until No- 

 vember, when the old manure should be thrown out. The same 

 operation should be performed, to put the bed into a fit state to 

 commence forcing again, as mentioned in a former paper (Vol. I, 

 p. 406.) If, however, it is intended to commence forcing so as to 

 procure fruit in February, the soil must be removed, and about four 

 or five barrows of well decomposed leaf mould put in its place. 

 The inner wall of the bed should have a good thick coat of white- 

 wash applied, to fill up any crevices, and thus prevent the steam 

 from the manure from entering the bed. If the leaves or hay be- 

 tween the outer wall and the board frame have settled any, from 

 decay, it must be filled up, and the coping nailed on tight. All is 

 then ready for the sowing of the seed. At this season, fruit may 

 be cut in twelve weeks after the seed is planted. 



