162 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



manently stands. This type of forcing may be applied to per- 

 ennial plants, as rhubarb and asparagus, or to annuals, as melons 

 and cucumbers. 



In Fig. 190 is illustrated a common method of hastening the 

 growth of rhubarb in the spring. A box with four removable 

 sides, two of which are shown in end section 

 in the figure, is placed around the plant in 

 the fall. The inside of the box is filled 

 with straw or litter, and the outside is 

 banked thoroughly with any refuse, to pre- 

 vent the ground from freezing. When it is 

 desired to start the plants, the covering is 

 removed from both the inside and outside 

 of the box and hot manure is piled around 

 If the weather is yet cold, dry light leaves 

 or straw may be placed inside the box; or a pane or sash of 

 glass may be placed on top of the box, when it will become 

 a coldframe. Rhubarb, asparagus, sea-kale, and similar plants 

 may be advanced two or four weeks by means of this method 



190. 



Forcing-hill for 

 rhubarb. 



the box to its top. 



191. Forcing-hill, and the mold or frame for making it. 



of forcing. Some gardeners use old barrels or half-barrels in 

 place of the box. The box, however, is better and handier, 

 and the sides can be stored for future use. 



Plants that require a long season in which to mature, and 

 which do not transplant readily, as melons and cucumbers, may 

 be planted in forcing-hills in the field. One of these hills is 

 shown in Fig. 191. The frame or mold is shown at the left. 

 This mold is a box with flaring sides and no top or bottom, and 



