FORCING-PITS OR GREENHOUSES. 69 



slightly manured, dug up, and again planted (from plants 

 sown in cold frames, or in boxes in the same pit) about 

 September 20th. This second, or winter crop, requires 

 more attention in growing, both in firing, watering, and 

 airing, as it matures about January 1st, and consequently 

 has had to be cared for during a cold part of the 

 year. The third crop, treated exactly as the second, is 

 planted as soon as the other is cut off, and matures about 

 April 1st. We now vary the use of the pit, by planting 

 at distances of about three feet apart along the center of 

 the bench, plants of the White Spine Cucumber, from 

 seed sown about April 1st, in a corner of the pit that has 

 been kept closer and warmer than that for the Lettuce ; 

 these are planted in pots about three inches in diameter, 

 and by the time the benches are cleared in May are fine 

 strong plants, that give a full crop during the month of 

 June fully a month sooner than from the open ground. 

 The combined value of these four crops will average about 

 $400, for a structure 100 feet in length by eleven feet in 

 width. The estimated expense of cultivation is : 



Interest on $700, cost of construction, at 10 per cent. $ 70.00 



Coal, five tons ... 30.00 



Labor, Manure, etc - -. 100.00 



$200.00 

 Receipts - .. 400.00 



Net Profit - $200.00 



These forcing-pits are likewise used for starting seeds 

 of Tomato, Egg, Pepper, Cabbage, and Cauliflower, and 

 sprouting Sweet Potatoes, which is done with far less risk 

 and in a much better manner than can be accomplished 

 by the hot-bed. One great advantage is, that by being 

 able to walk inside of them, these pits are accessible in 

 all weathers, while with the hot-bed or frames we are in 

 winter often debarred from examination for whole days 

 together 



