PREFACE. Xlii 



directions will prove a contradiction ; for if they 

 are strictly attended to, no fear need be enter- 

 tained of their vigorous growth, either from the 

 premature season, or the inclemeney of the 

 weather. 



In December and January, although their 

 health is certain, I must allow that they do not 

 grow so fast is in other months ; and this is the 

 particular time when difficulty is experienced by 

 those who are unacquainted with the proper 

 means to be adopted, although, perhaps, their 

 efforts may have been attended with far more 

 trouble than the rules here prescribed. 



The dung bed is certainly of the greatest 

 importance both in the culture of the cucumber 

 and melon; and want of knowledge in the 

 management is generally the cause of the loss 

 of the plants in the winter season, by the 



