in the oj)en Ground, in permanent Beds. 361 



blish themselves, before they are forced. In the month of 

 October, before it is intended to begin forcing, the stems 

 should be carefully cut off, and the surface cleared, and covered 

 with littery straw, 12 in. thick ; the trenches may also be filled 

 with the same, in order to keep the whole dry. 



If forcing is to begin on the 1st of December, clear away 

 the covering of litter to about 1 8 in. farther than the length of 

 the first frame ; fill the trenches with good, hot, stable-yard 

 dung, well beaten down, and carry up to about 18 in. higher 

 than the surface ; next fork up and rake the surface of the 

 bed, and immediately cover it, from lining to lining, with pre- 

 pared dung, a few inches higher than the linings. In about 

 twelve days after applying the dung examine the bed. If the 

 buds have begun to appear, or as soon as they do, get the 

 frame and lights ready to be put on ; remove the dung from 

 off the bed, laying it on each side, the greater portion to the 

 back ; when the bed is cleared, sift over the surface a little 

 previously prepared fine mould ; set on the frame and lights 

 immediately, and work up the linings with the dung taken off 

 the bed, laying a part at the ends ; and then double mat the 

 frame for two days. When the linings have taken their fresh 

 heat, the covering may be removed every morning as early as 

 the weather will permit, again matting up early enough in the 

 afternoon, and keeping up the heat of the linings, should they 

 decline. When the shoots have risen about 2 in., particular 

 attention should be given in admitting air, in order that the 

 crop may have a good colour ; and, with such management, 

 cutting may commence on Christmas day. In ten days after 

 the crop in the first frame comes into use, preparations must 

 be made for the second, and so for the third, in the way above 

 described. The frames are placed close to each other, and all 

 managed in the same way. The remaining portion of the bed 

 receives the first frame, and will only require a back and front 

 lining, which will give, assisted by the second and third fi-ames, 

 a fair supply till the natural crop comes in. When the forcing 

 is over, the bed should be covered 3 in. thick with rotten dung ; 

 and if occasionally watered in the ensuing summer with ma- 

 nured water, it much assists plants which are intended to be 

 forced every season. If the dung in the trenches is wanted 

 for other purposes, they should be filled with litter, to pre- 

 serve the sides of the bed from drought. Forcing should not 

 be begun always at the same end of the bed, but alternately. 

 I have found wood covers, 1 5 ft. 6 in. in length, by 4 ft. wide, 

 very useful for sheltering the bed by night, or in severe 

 weather, especially in keeping the whole dry. 



