58 



often surprised with unexpected showers of 

 rain, or hail ; to admit either of which, might 

 be very injurious to the plants ; however, by 

 shutting up the house before the sun has with- 

 drawn its influence entirely from it, and thereby 

 warming the enclosed air, they may safely stand 

 here some days longer. 



As soon as the month of September com- 

 mences, it is time to think of getting the stoves 

 ready for their reception ; and that this busi- 

 ness may be regularly proceeded with, I shall 

 mention a few particulars, which may be occa- 

 sionally varied as time or circumstances re- 

 quire : first a quantity of fresh tan should be 

 provided, sufficient to raise the bed at least six 

 inches, above the kirb, or wall of the pit, in 

 conjunction with the best of the old, already 

 there ; which is to be extracted by sifting. Let 

 the new tan be spread out to dry in ridges, 

 upon some clean, airy spot, or convenient yard, 

 for two or three days ; where it should be re- 

 gularly turned twice or thrice a day, and heaped 

 up, and covered with matts at night; while 

 this is preparing, let the flues of the house be 

 well cleaned, and the walls white-washed ; an 

 operation necessary to be done every year in 



