FORCING DEPARTMENT. 411 



formed into round hills ; the top of which should be 

 kept, at the first formation, pretty near the glass, as 

 they will be sure to subside. The mould in which 

 the Cucumber will grow freely and produce fruit, is 

 one-half of maiden loam, one-fourth leaf mould, 

 and one-fourth of decomposed good stable dung, 

 which ingredients should be well incorporated 

 together previous to using, and spread over the surface 

 of the bed for a few days, before gathered into hills 

 for the reception of the plants. As soon as the 

 mould is in a warm and congenial state, the plants 

 may be removed from the seed bed and committed 

 to their final situation, placing three plants in each 

 hill ; they should likewise have a little water to settle 

 the soil about their tender fibres, which should be 

 given of the same temperature with the atmosphere 

 of the frame, as water, at this season, without the 

 cold air being taken off, would chill and injure the 

 plants. During the Winter months, the Cucum- 

 ber requires a higher temperature for its preservation 

 than even the Pine Apple; consequently the atmo- 

 sphere in the Cucumber frames should not be allowed 

 to fall under 70 degrees, and should be permitted 

 to get as high as 80 or 85 degrees by sun heat. The 

 external dung linings will require to be frequently 

 turned, and fresh dung added to renew the heat. 

 Air should likewise be admitted at all favourable 

 opportunities ; in short, even in the most severe 

 weather, a little ought to be given daily, which will 

 increase the vigour and health of the plants, as 

 nothing is more pernicious to their growth than being 

 shut up for any continued time without it. When 

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