so well; but in this they are much mistaken, the Author
knowing, from experience, that new seed, or at least not more than two
years old, is the best calculated for bringing to perfection both the
cucumber and melon; possessing the advantage of a greater freedom in
growth, and much finer fruit than can be derived from old seed.

THE FRUITING FRAME,

_For Plants sown in October, November, December, and January._

Four loads of dung will be sufficient for a three-light box, and the
same in proportion to the number you intend to make use of. Let it be
put together a fortnight before the seed is sown; be very particular in
giving it plenty of water, and pack it close together. After it has laid
a week turn it, and if dry, moisten it with water. Let it continue in
this state another week, when the same directions as before given must
be observed; and, in a week more, the bed will be in a fit condition to
make up.

The bottom must be prepared in the same manner as directed for the
seed-bed; then form the bed of dung four feet three inches at the back,
by four feet in the front, allowing for a cavity of about ten inches
between each box; then place the boxes on, and put the shovellings
inside, in the proportion of two or three barrows-full to a light. In
forming the bed, it is the best plan to make it in layers of about a
foot each, which will cause the dung to be much better mixed, than if
all finished at first, of an equal height. Be very particular in
separating the dung, and breaking it to pieces, afterwards beating it
well down with a fork.

After the bed has been thus prepared, put the lights on, and shut them
down close until the heat begins to rise. When such is the case, give
them about an inch of air; and in three or four days wrap the bed all
round with dry litter or useless hay, eighteen inches wide from the
bottom, sloping it in to about a foot as high as the bed, which will
greatly tend to promote a regular heat. As the careful wrapping up of
the bed is an essential requisite, means must be taken to keep it close,
and protect it from any injury that may arise in consequence of
tempestuous weather, this may be accomplished by means of sharp-pointed
sticks, with hooks in the form of a peg, and about the size and length
of a broom-stick. Thrust these through the litter into the bed, about
half way up, one to each light, at the back and front, and two at each
end.

After the bed has been made about a