426 Description of a Pit for Forcing. 



as can be conveniently done, and at the same time a few of 

 the outer leaves are trimmed off ; they are then put into the 

 pit, which must be prepared with a layer of earth at the 

 bottom sufficiently deep for the roots of the plants. I 

 generally proceed by planting in rows across the pit, placing 

 the tallest plants at the back, and keeping the rows suffici- 

 ently distant to allow a free circulation of air; twelve or 

 fifteen inches between the rows, and about five or six inches 

 in the row, are sufficient distances for Brocolis and Cauli- 

 flowers ; they must be kept as upright as possible and as high 

 in the pit as the covers will allow ; when planted, they receive 

 a little water to settle the mould about their roots. The 

 Lettuces, Endives, and other dwarf vegetables that are put 

 in require the pit to be more filled ; either rotten tan, or 

 decayed leaves will do, with a little earth on the top, to raise 

 the level of the surface within the pit sufficiently high that 

 plants may receive the benefit of the sun and air. The whole 

 of the plants in the pit are occasionally attended to ; and 

 all decayed yellow leaves removed. As much air is given 

 every day as possible. 



In the autumn, when the weather is mild and dry, the 

 covers are frequently taken off altogether during the day. 

 I endeavour at all times to prevent the pit being saturated 

 with moisture. When the weather is rainy, the covers are 

 lowered on the tilts, and they are shut down every night. 



During winter, if the frost sets in severe, I frequently put 

 on a covering of litter above the covers, to exclude the frost 

 more effectually. I have known the pit covered up in this 

 way night and day for a fortnight and three weeks together, 



