Btj Mr. Thomas Allen. 



131 



requiring any shade. For ascertaining the proper period 

 to make additions to the earth, the best criterion is the 

 appearance of the roots through the sides of the hillock ; 

 this should be earthed over about three inches, each time, 

 forking out the dung two inches below the mat, to give a 

 greater depth of earth, each time of performing the operation. 

 The last time this is done, the depth of mould at the back of 

 the frame should be twenty inches. It will be necessary 

 to raise the frame and lights as the plants advance in growth. 



When the bed is earthed entirely over, the covering must 

 be augmented, and the mat laid on crossways of the lights ; 

 air should not be then admitted at night, and in the day, only 

 when the sun shines ; water should also be given plentifully 

 about three times a week, according to the weather and heat 

 of the bed, care being taken not to wet the leaves, or fruit ; 

 apply the water from the spout of the pot, without the rose, 

 pouring it against the back of the frame, for the mould will 

 dry faster against the back than the front, in consequence of 

 the heat being there greater and the air being admitted there. 



The operation of pruning the Cucumbers is best effected 

 by the thumb and finger, applying the knife only to cut 

 away decayed leaves, the runners should not be cut or 

 thinned out, the tops only should be pinched off, and at 

 every joint, beginning when the plant has two rough leaves, 

 and the second rough leaf is about an inch in diameter. 

 That will cause the plant to produce a fruit and fresh 

 runner in succession at every joint, it will likewise add to the 

 strength of the plants. The tendrils as they appear should 

 be taken off, likewise the male blossoms, which are not 

 wanted for impregnation, which operation in an early season 



