438 FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



be given, which will settle it more compactly 

 amongst the fibres. The surface may then be left in 

 this state, until the buds are beginning to vege- 

 tate, when it will require to be covered with light 

 dry loam, to the depth of four inches. The lights 

 should be slid down every fine day ; and if the 

 heat appears too violent for the roots, they may be 

 removed entirely in the day time, and left partly 

 open at night, which will allow the heat to escape. 

 A very moderate temperature will be quite sufficient 

 for accelerating this vegetable ; and if the atmosphere 

 of the pit or frame is kept from 50 to 54 degrees 

 during the night, and from 60 to 65 in the day by 

 sunshine, it will be quite as high as is necessary. 



As soon as the buds begin to make their appear- 

 ance through the soil, a large admission of fresh air 

 must be daily given, in order to prevent the shoots 

 from being drawn up weakly, and to give a colour 

 and flavour to the grass. The lights should likewise 

 be covered at night with bass mats, and carefully 

 preserved from frost, lest it might injure the tender 

 shoots. When the grass appears to have advanced 

 in growth four or five inches above the surface of 

 the bed, it will be in a fit state for cutting, 

 which should be carefully performed, so as not to 

 injure any of the buds that are still concealed under 

 the surface. The soil should be cleared away close 

 to the shoots, and then cut as low as the roots will 

 admit. 



