53 



ten inches of rotten tan or saw-dust, spread re- 

 gularly over the bed, within the frame, in 

 which the pots are to be plunged. 



It is necessary to observe, that, when the 

 bed has been got ready, a few days should 

 elapse before the plants are set in it ; that the 

 steam, and violent heat, may have sufficient 

 time to evaporate. At the expiration of five, or 

 six days however, the plants in their pots may 

 be set on the surface ; where they should remain 

 a little time longer without being plunged ; 

 but particular care is necessary, that the 

 frame at this time may not be kept too close, 

 w r hich would occasion the heat to ascend more 

 rapidly than the plants could well bear ; to 

 avoid this, give plenty of air in the day time, 

 and also a little at night, with a matt hung 

 before it to prevent the sharp air entering into 

 the frame. When the heat of the bed has at- 

 tained a proper temperature, so that there may 

 be no danger of the roots being burned, or 

 otherwise injured, let the plants be plunged ; 

 and afterwards treated in the same manner as 

 if they were still in the hot-house : only ob- 

 serving to keep those, that are in a weak state, 

 rather dry ; as nothing can be more injurious to 



