Melons, fyc. By the Rev. William Phelps. 357 



Reference to the Plate. 



A. A. Outside frame of brick- work, laid flat. 



B. B. B. B. Walls built chequer-wise, to support the floor of 



the bed, which is composed of thick slate or stones. 



C. C. Steam Holes. 



D. Boiler. 



E. E. Fire place, and flue which passes under all round the 



boiler, and returns to a chimney over the fire place. 



F. Cover to the boiler, with a hole a foot in diameter to pour 



in the water in the centre, which is closed by a cover. 



G. G. Sliders to shut off the steam from either pit, when it is 



not wanted. 



H. A pipe of pottery (resting on the ledge I,) through which 



the smoke can be turned, which then escapes by the 

 chimney K, at the end of the pit. 

 L. Dampers, to open the communication with the pipe H, 

 when required. 



M. A Damper in the chimnies, to be pushed in whenever the 



damper L, is opened. 

 N. Situation of the earthen pipe shewn in the back view. 

 O. Earth in the bed. 

 P. Steam chamber. 



Q. Steam valve for admitting steam into the bed above. 



POSTSCRIPT. 



July 1, 1823. The experience I have had, fully confirms 

 my opinion of the great utility of these pits, as applicable to 

 various purposes of Horticulture. 



I think the form of the boiler may be improved, and would 



