12b 



On Forcing Cucumbers. 



height will be requisite. The hot horse dung of which the 

 bed is composed must have been turned and watered five or 

 six times before it is used. In making up the bed the dung 

 should be well beaten with the back of the fork, about twelve 

 inches round the outsides, but only slightly in the middle of 

 the bed. When the bed is made up, put on the frame and 

 lights, and cover up with litter and mats, applying a slight 

 lining round. As soon as the heat is perceived, raise the 

 lights to let off the rank steam. In about three days after, 

 uncover the whole, take off the lights, and fork up the dung 

 twelve inches deep, breaking the lumps, and picking out any 

 stones that may appear in it ; then sprinkle the bed with 

 water, and cover up, raising the lights as before directed. The 

 forking and watering should be repeated three times a week, 

 until the dung becomes sweet, which may be ascertained by 

 closing the lights for an hour, and observing if the globules of 

 water that hang under the glass are white and transparent, 

 and the steam without any unpleasant smell. If this be the 

 case, the bed may be considered in a fit state to ridge, previous 

 to which, take off the frame and lights, fork up the bed twelve 

 inches deep, change the dung from the middle to the out- 

 sides, beat the latter solid, and make them about four 

 inches higher than the middle, which should be left concave; 

 then slightly sprinkle the surface of the bed with water, and 

 replace the frames. 



The next operation is to prepare a band of straw one inch 

 in diameter, and ten feet long. Rye straw is the best for the 

 purpose, as it will not encourage mice. When the band is 

 twisted to the length required, roll it up in a coil, and it will 

 form a round flat mat, about fifteen inches in diameter, which 



