JAN.] CUCUMBERS AND MELONS. 337 



about half an inch. The seeds should be sown in 

 a broad pan, four inches deep ; or in small pots, 

 four or five inches diameter, and as much in depth ; 

 which should be plunged to the brim, near to the 

 back-part of the bed *. Now put on the light, and 

 let the frame be matted up at night, in the ordi- 

 nary way. 



Be careful to guard the seeds from mice, which 

 generally swarm about hot-beds, by laying a pane 

 of glass over the pot or pan till they have come 

 up ; and afterwards, at night, by covering with a 

 pot of equal size, till the seed-leaves have expand- 

 ed, and the husks have dropped : for until then, the 

 plants are liable to be destroyed. The cover, how- 

 ever, should always be removed by sun-rise, and be 

 replaced in the evening. It is at night these ver- 

 mine generally commit their depredations. 



No air need be admitted till the heat begin to 

 rise, and steam begin to appear ; but after that, 

 the light should be tilted a little every day, in what- 

 ever state the weather may be, until the plants 

 break ground. Air must then be admitted with more 

 care ; and if frosty or very chill, the end of a mat 

 should be hung over the opening, that the air may 

 sift through it, and not immediately strike the 

 plants. A little aired water may be given once a- 

 day, from the time the seeds begin to chip ; and if 

 a very strong heat rise, the pots should be raised a 

 little, to prevent the roots from being injured. 

 They should be frequently examined on this ac- 



* The kinds are noticed at page 293. 

 Y 



