24 OX THE CULTURE OF THE CUCUMBER 



wood or the loppings of trees, four feet six inches 

 wide, and twelve feet six inches long : on the 

 wood lay a little long litter to keep the dung 

 from falling into it. as this would stop the 

 drainage and prevent the bottom heat from work- 

 ing under the bed. Upon the litter place your 

 manure, carefully shaking it as you proceed, and 

 keeping the surface regular, by beating it down 

 with a fork as you advance, but do not tread it. 

 The manure should be four or five feet high at 

 the back, independently of the wood, and six 

 inches lower in front. When the bed is finished, 

 put on the frame, and keep the lights care- 

 fully closed till the heat rises; then give air. 

 in order that the rank steam may pass off : fork 

 over the surface every other day, as directed for 

 the seed-bed, and as the heat decreases give less 

 air. If the dung with which the bed has been 

 made has undergone the preparation directed, 

 it will be fit to receive the plants in about four- 

 teen days, Before transplanting, however, prove 

 the sweetness of the manure with a candle and 



