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critical moment at which to introduce the spawn. When 
spawned, a little litter may be strewed over the bed, inside the 
protector, to prevent a too sudden decline of the heat, and in 
about a fortnight the spawn, if good, will begin to spread. The 
bed may then be soiled over, about two inches thick, any ordi- 
nary garden soil will suffice for the purpose; and the soil must 
be pressed down firmly with the back of the spade. 
The spawning temperature should range from seventy to 
eighty degrees; the subsequent heat of the bed, from sixty to 
sixty-five; and the atmospheric temperature from fifty to sixty. 
In winter some covering on the outside of the protector will be 
needed. 
309 Lily of the Valley. This delightful gem of spring is an 
especial favourite with the flower-loving world ; and the more 
particularly so when forced; for forcing, if rightly conducted, 
seems to add to its grace and delicacy. A bouquet, composed of 
white Camellias, Orange blossoms, and the forced Lily of the 
Valley, is a present worthy the acceptance of a queen, and almost 
indispensable at nuptial ceremonies, in early spring. 
Our opaque protectors are perfectly adapted to their culture, 
until the blossom bud appears, when they must be gradually 
inured to the light; avoiding all sun-shine until they are in full 
blossom. They must, therefore, conformably to our system, be 
forced in pots or boxes. 
We will first point to a few principles, which require atten- 
tion in the process, and next allude to preparatory culture. 
A small bottom heat is requisite ; we use from sixty-five to 
seventy degrees ; of course it is immaterial whether it be pro- 
duced from tanks, or from fermenting materials : if the latter 
be used, shrub or tree leaves will suit the purpose, with which, 
a little sweetened, that is, partially fermented, manure, should 
be mixed. The pots, when introduced, should be plunged 
completely over head; but as the buds, in rising, would be 
crushed and deformed by the unequal pressure of the flakes of 
leaves, little mounds of finely-riddled old tan, leaf mould, or 
light soil, should be piled over the roots. In about three weeks 
the buds will begin to emerge through the soil, and then it be- 
comes necessary to expose them to a slight amount of light and 
ventilation, in order to cause them to rise in compact heads. 
The pots had better now be placed on the surface of the bed, or 
