18 THE KITCHEN GARDEN- [Jan. 
port the heat of this bed, as already explained, and in which the 
plants may be nursed and forwarded, till they acquire a proper 
size for transplanting finally into the fruiting hot-beds — See next 
month. 
When the plants have advanced in growth with their two first 
rough leaves, about ivvo or three inches broad, and have pushed 
their two first running buds in the centre, or are a little advanced 
in the formation of one or two short runners, they are then of a 
proper size for ridging out into the large hot-beds, where they are 
finally to remain, whicii perform in proper time, according to the 
directions given in February, under the article Cucumbers. 
But in order to strengthen the plants in a more firm stocky 
growth, and to promote a production of fruitful runners, each plant 
must be stopt (as the gardeners term it), or topped at the first or 
second joint: i. e. the top of the first advancing runner, when form- 
ed in the centre like a small bud, should be pinched or cut ofi' close 
to the joint, as directed in February (which see), where the method 
of performing it is more fully explained. 
Care of the various sorts of Lettuces. 
H you have lettuce plants in frames, or under hoop-arches de- 
fended with mats, let them enjoy the open air at all opportunities, 
by taking the glasses, or other shelters, entirely off, when the 
weather is niiid and dry; but if the plants are frozen, let them, while 
in that state, be carefully protected from the hot sun, which would 
materially injure them 
In v^ry wet weather, and when sharp cutting winds prevail, keep 
the glasses over them, observing however, to raise the lights or 
glasses behind, two or three inciies, in mild days, to admit air to the 
plants: for, if they are kept too close, they will be drawn up weak, 
and attain to but little perfection; but let the glasses be close shut 
every night. In severe frosty weather keep them close night and 
day, and cover the glasses with mats, or straw. Sec. both of nights, 
and occasionally in the day-thne, if the frost is rigorous; also let 
the same care be observed to those under hoop-arches; but let them 
have the full air in tiiild open weather. 
Or where any lettuces are planted in a south border, close under 
a wall or board fence. Sec. it would be advisable, in hard frost, to 
cover them as above. 
In the above lettuces, in general, pick off all decayed leaves 
when any appear, keep them always cleared from weeds, and de- 
stroy slugs, which often greatly annoy thein; and in mild weather 
stir the surface of the earth between, which will much enliven the 
plants. 
Sowing Lettuces. 
When lettuces have not been sown in autumn for early spring 
use, you may now sow any of the cos or cabbage kinds, on a slight 
hot-bed under glasses, to be planted out in spring; the young plants 
may be greatly forwarded, if pricked into another fresh hot-bed 
