Jan.] the KITCHEN GARDEN. 17 
to the heat of the bed, and temperature of the external air: gene- 
rally observing, in this case, that when there happens a sharp cold 
air, or cutting wind, it would still be advisable to nail a garden-mat 
to the upper end of the glasses, to hang down over the place where 
the air is admitted, supported a little hollow or detached under- 
neath, two or three inches from the frame; and it will thus break, 
oflfand prevent the cutting external air from entering immediately 
into the frame upon the plants, and at the same time admit a proper 
degree of mild fresh air to greater advantage: however, in calm, 
moderate weather, this precaution is not materially necessary. 
About a fortnight, or a little more or less time after the bed ia 
made, you will carefully examine the heat thereof, to see if it wants 
augmentation; and when the heat begins to decline considerably,, 
remove the temporary protection of straw, hay, fern, or leaves from 
the front and back of the bed, if any was laid round it as before add- 
ed; then apply a lining of fresh hot horse-dung, close to one or both 
sides, as it shall seem necessary, by the heat being less or more 
decreased; for a constant regular degree of internal heat must be 
supported, to resist the external cold, and continue the plants in a 
proper state of advancing growth; but if the heat is not greatly 
declined, it would be advisable to line only one side first, applying 
it to the back of the bed; and in a week or fortnight after, line the 
front, &c., forming the lining about fifteen or eighteen inches wide; 
but raise it very little higher than the dung of the bed, lest it throw 
in too much heat immediately to the earth and roots of the plants; 
covering the top with earth two inches thick, to preserve the heat, 
and prevent the rank steam of the new dung from coming up, and 
entering into the frame, where it would prove destructive to the 
plants; the lining will soon greatly revive the declining heat of the 
bed, and continue it in good condition a fortnight longer. 
Ten or twelve days after lining one side, proceed as before, re- 
moving the protection of straw-litter, &c., if any, from the other 
side, and applying a lining of hot dung as above, afterwards to 
both ends; — ^and these will again revive and augment the heat for 
another fortnight, or more. 
After performing the lining, if very cold, wet, or snowy weather 
prevail, it may be proper to lay a quantity of dry long litter all 
around the general lining, which will protect the whole from driv- 
ing cold rains and snow, and preserve the heat of the bed in a fine 
growing temperature. 
By applying these linings of hot dung in due time, and renewing 
them as there shall be occasion, you may preserve the bed in a pro- 
per temperature of heat, of sufficieut duration to continue the plants 
in a free growing state in the same bed, until of due size for ridging 
out into the larger hot-beds, finally to remain to produce their fruit. 
Observe, however, that where there is plenty of hot dung, and 
every proper convenience, you may, in order to forward the plants 
as much as possible, prepare a second hot-bed, by way of nursery, 
about a fortnight after making the seed-bed, in order to receive the 
plants therefrom in their pots, when the heat begins to decline, 
plunging the pots in the earth, as above directed; continuing to sup- 
C 
