XI CAPSICUMS 373 
account of cultivation of capsicums in California, 
thus : — 
1. How Plants are Grown . — A hot-bed is made by 
excavating about 16 in. deep, fill in to within 4 in. of 
the top with stable manure, tramping down very solidly. 
Spread about 4 in. of sandy loam over the manure. 
The seed is sown quite thickly over the loam, and then 
about ^ in. of loose sandy soil placed evenly over it, 
and all kept damp. When the plants have two or three 
leaves, thin to 1|- in. each way. The plants must be 
watered while in the hot-bed by sprinkling. 
Soil and Preparation . — Eich sandy soil is the 
best for the chili pepper. It should be ploughed deeply, 
and be put in a state of thorough cultivation. Eidges 
should be made 3 ft. apart, and the plants set 2^ ft. 
apart on the ridges. All plants should be on a water- 
line, and to get this the ridges should be made high 
enough to let the water run down the furrows and the 
plants placed about 2 in. above the water-mark. This 
ensures every plant receiving water when irrigated. 
Plant as soon as danger from frost is past. 
Cultivation . — Frequent cultivation is necessary 
until the plants get too large to allow of a cultivator 
and horse passing between the furrows. All weeds should 
be pulled out. When the plants are set as above noted 
all the ridge will be on one side. This must be worked 
down with a cultivator, and then a plough used to throw 
earth on either side of the furrow, so that the plants 
will be midway on the ridge. 
Irrigation . — While the plants are small, water will 
be needed about once in twenty days, but as they get 
larger it will be required as often as once a week, though 
always in small quantities. The plants seem to have no 
deep roots, consequently the surface soil must be kept 
damp. 
Piching . — The field should be gone over about once 
a week after the peppers begin to ripen, all that are 
fully ripe being taken off. Great care must be taken to 
pick all the stalks with the pepper. They should be 
