450 Different Uses of Moss 



formed, which, as is well known, tend to produce flower, while 

 the turnip roots produce wood. 



2. These delicate roots could be easier got into the pots 

 than the stronger ones, which are difficult to be got in, and yet 

 cannot be dispensed with. They also greatly accelerated the 

 growth. 



3. The loose moss round the stem entirely prevented the 

 rotting of the stem, which so often occurs. 



I shall, therefore, make use of this method in future. 



III. In raising early Beans. 



In the same manner (as II.) I planted a frame, 3^ ft. square, 

 with early beans, in moss, which were afterwards planted out, in 

 mild weather, in the open ground, and filled two beds, each 

 about 24- ft. long and 3^ ft. broad. The foundation of moss 

 seemed to suit them particularly, for they grew and bore more 

 luxuriantly than all that were planted in the ground. 



To bring them to fruit very early, I have planted now, 

 January, beans in moss, in a box in a moderately warm house; 

 and I shall transplant the young plants afterwards, when it is 

 somewhat milder, into a cold-bed, protected by glass and cover- 

 ings, as a warm-bed, which I should prefer for them, is not 

 at my command. 



IV. Melons 



raised in the same manner, and afterwards planted out in the 

 open ground, grew very luxuriantly, and put out shoots in a 

 few weeks, when the cold wet summer of last year unfortunately 

 killed them. 



V. Cauliflowers 



raised in this way, produced very fine heads ; but the year 

 was, on the whole, very favourable, and the holes they were 

 planted in were filled with dung. The facility of transplantation 

 enabled me to plant the young plants, with the moss balls, for 

 some weeks in the shade ; and, by being placed in this situation, 

 to preserve them from the devastations of the earth-flea-beetle 

 (Haltica Fab.), which dislikes the shade, till the leaves had 

 become hard, and, consequently, unfit for their food. 



I suppose that, as the young plants, by being transplanted in 

 this way, do not become sickly, they are less exposed to the 

 ravages of insects, which, as is well known, attack sickly plants 

 in preference. Even in more unfavourable seasons, the undis- 

 turbed vegetation, and the exuberant formation of hair roots, al- 

 ready noticed, might produce a greater tendency to fructification. 



