S5O THE FORCING GARDEN. [FEB. 



pot ; place three in each, against the side of the 

 pot, and so as that their leaves may be just above 

 its margin ; then cover the roots with the mould, 

 rubbing it fine between the fingers, and filling the 

 pots nearly to the brim. Work over the sand in 

 the frame to its full depth ; plunge the pots to 

 within an inch of their rims ; and cover the whole 

 surface with a little dry earth as at first, making it 

 level with the tops of the pots. Then give a little 

 aired water, in order to settle the earth to the roots 

 of the plants. 



As these tender seedlings, at this early period, are 

 liable to many accidents, it will be proper to sow a 

 little more seed of the same kinds at this time, in 

 order to provide a supply of plants. If they should 

 not be wanted, the trouble is not much ; and they 

 may be given to a neighbour, or be thrown away. 



The plants will now require due attention. Let 

 air be admitted to them as freely as the state of the 

 weather will allow ; and supply them moderately 

 with water once in two or three days. Examine 

 the pots frequently, if the heat be violent, lest the 

 roots be scorched ; setting them loosely, or pulling 

 them up a little, in that case ; or, if thought neces- 

 sary, placing them entirely on the surface. If much 

 steam abound in the bed at this time, it may be pro- 

 per to leave the light tilted half an inch in the 

 night ; observing to hang the lap of a single mat 

 two or three inches over the tilt. But if the bed 

 was carefully turfed over, as directed at making up, 

 this will seldom be necessary ; never but in thick, 

 hazy weather. 



