OF THE VINE. 
6i 
pots, and this management of them, is only intended to keep 
. them as frelh as poffible till the planting feafon. 
As the cuttings require a hot-bed, and the beginning of 
March being the proper feafon for planting them, dung Ihould 
be previoufly provided for the purpofe. I will not take up the 
reader’s time in going through the common procefs in the 
preparation of the dung, and the making of the hot-bed, thefe 
operations being generally underftood by almoft every Gardener; 
let it therefore fuffice to fay, that the bed fliould be, in all re- 
fpe<fls, adjufted qs if intended for melons, and proportioned in 
its dimenfions to the quantity of plants defigned to be raifed. 
In about three weeks after the bed has been made, and its 
furious fermentation has fubfided, take off the frame, and let 
the bed be well trodden and made fmooth ; and in fuch man- 
ner that the furface may have an eafy declivity to the South. 
Then replace the frame, and cover the bed about fix inches 
deep with very fine light fandy earth, in which the pots are to 
be plunged. Tan would anfwer this purpofe, but I prefer a 
a light fandy foil, becaufe (a conftant fleam naturally rifing 
from the hot- bed) the fleam that proceeds from foil is more 
agreeable and wholefome to the cuttings, than the ftench that 
evaporates from tan. 
Watch-fticks fhould be thrufi: down into 'different parts of 
the bed to afcertain its heat ; and then, as foon as the heat be- 
comes 
