SOILS FOR FORCED FRUITS. 293 



getable mould, and one-fourth loam, mixed with 

 about a twentieth part gravel, and two inches en- 

 tire gravel at bottom, till about a year old. For 

 year olds, and till shifted into fruiting pots, one- 

 half vegetable mould, one-half loam ; to which add 

 a twentieth part gravel, and as much shell-marl, 

 with three inches clean gravel at bottom. For fruit- 

 ing plants, one-half loam, a fourth part vegetable 

 mould, and a fourth part pigeon-dung ; to which 

 add marl and gravel as above, and lay three or four 

 inches of clean gravel at bottom V 



The above compositions are what I formerly used 

 for pine plants, with much success ; and are what 

 may be reckoned good medium soils for the pro- 

 duction of pine-apples ; which may be varied or 

 improved, as shall be dictated by better judgment, 

 and more experience. 



6. Strawberries, 



To be forced in pots, require a strong, and a very 

 rich loamy earth. 



7. Cucumbers. 



Soil thus composed will produce cucumbers in 

 great abundance : Three-fourths light, rich, black 

 earth from a pasture; an eighth part vegetable mould 

 of decayed tree-leaves, and an eighth part rotten co\v- 

 dung. 



8. Melons. 

 Earth for melons may be thus composed : One- 



* The Forcing Gardener, article Pines. 



