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the pit and trench for the linings being sunk to the 

 above depths, and shutters to cover the lining trench. 

 Of course, this was intended for no other purpose 

 than applying a still stronger bottom heat ; this, to 

 Mr. Barnes, appeared a reversal of the natural 

 system. For the sun rays not only heat the atmos- 

 phere from above, but also the soil the plants grow 

 in, in their native country. To alter the reversing 

 custom, Mr. Barnes cleared out this large body of 

 fermenting materials inside of the pit, filled it with 

 wood and faggots to the height of the pigeon-holes, 

 packed firmly together ; on this he placed some old 

 thatch and rubbishy straw, to prevent the little 

 plunging material from running amongst the wood, 

 which plunging material is about a foot of well- 

 wrought sweet tan, which is forked up amongst each 

 row of pots to about two-thirds their height, as 

 lightly or loosely as possible ; the arranging of each 

 row of plants is carried on, the largest-sized pots are 

 put on three bricks, placed triangular ; and the others 

 on two, each a distance apart, thus securing a healthy 

 unobstructed circulation of heat, air, and water ; for 

 the tan is often hoed, or stirred over lightly with a 

 long slender iron crook, fixed to a handle, which 

 lightens and moves it nearly to the depth of the pots ; 

 the roots are always in the most vigorous, healthy 

 condition ; those, the fruiting plants, at this time 

 (May) are all over the tan, from the side and bottom 



