54 OX THE GROWTH OF THE CUCUMBER 



destruction. Upon the litter should be laid 

 some good turf, one to two inches thick, cut from 

 an old pasture or common, in the same way as 

 for grass plats ; this should be laid, grass 

 downwards, as close as possible all over the 

 litter. 



Next must be filled in the earth for the plants 

 to grow in: and this must differ from that given 

 as best for common beds — this system is indeed 

 very dissimilar, there being wood, and no dung 

 under the earth in the pit. A good rich soil to 

 commence with, immediately over the turf, is 

 therefore necessary ; and for this, cow-dung col- 

 lected dry, in summer, mixed with that of sheep, 

 if obtainable, and well prepared, is excellent. 

 Let this compost lie exposed to the sun, chopped 

 moderately small, and occasionally turned, 

 When thus prepared, mix it with an equal 

 quantity of oak, or any other leaves, that have 

 been well fermented and rendered sweet, and 

 if not too much decomposed the better ; but 

 after fermentation they should be spread out 



