On introducing heated Air into Cucumber Frames. 435 



Art. XX. On introducing heated Air into Cucumber Frames 

 and Pits. By Mr. F. Mould. 



Sir, 



Observing in the Gardener's Magazine (Vol. IV. p. 368.) an 

 account of Mr. Knight's method of introducing heated air into 

 cucumber fx'ames, I send you a description of the manner in 

 which I force early cucumbers, with the greatest success, both 

 on beds and in pits. 



Being provided with two M'Phail pits, built above ground 

 without cross flues, I simply place a pipe {Jig. 93.) through 

 the hollow wall 

 under the mid- 

 die light in 

 front, which 

 runs through 

 the top of the 

 flue. The ho- 

 rizontal part, 

 which is heated 

 by the lining, 

 is 6 in. in dia- 

 meter and extends 3 ft. from the front; the end rests on 

 a stake driven into the ground for that purpose, and the 

 upright or inner part, tapering to 2 in., is carefully fixed 

 with mortar to prevent the ingress of rank steam which cir- 

 culates in the flue. The ventilation speedily decreases the 

 heat, and prevents the necessity of giving air by the lights in 

 cold weather. ^ 



It is also necessary to add that the pits are prepared in the 

 following manner : just within the front flue a wattle is placed, 

 to form a cavity for the heat to ascend both from the leaves 

 or dung contained in the pit and from the brickwork in front. 

 I find a strong lining sufficient to keep the thermometer at 

 75° and 80°, without disturbing the back and ends after they 

 are once made. My plants, the seeds of which were sown on 

 the 20th of October, are now (Dec. 18.) remarkably strong 

 and in full bloom, with quantities of fruit showing in succes- 

 sion. The plants on beds do equally well; the frames being 

 well backed with leaves, there is no need of a powerful lining, 

 except in front for lieating the pipe. 



Yours, &c. 



Avington, Dec. 18. 1828. 



F. Mould. 



F F 2 



