t to mould too freely, until the beginning of February, as the
plants from the middle of December to the middle of January, lie in a
dormant state; consequently, too large a quantity of mould at this
season, will be attended with ill effects, in stagnating the roots, and
preventing the heat of the bed rising in a free and proper manner.

This being the season when plants are most exposed to injury, and are
frequently lost, great care and attention is necessary for their
preservation from the effects of the cold, in wrapping the linings well
up, and giving a good top covering. If the weather is intense, they will
require eight or nine inches covering of hay, and water only once a
week.

As soon as the plants are first ridged out, have dung in for a lining,
which should always be put in the front and sides first. When the dung
has been put together a week, turn it, and at the end of another it
will be fit for use; one load being sufficient for a three-light box.
After the plants have been ridged out a fortnight, or three weeks at the
farthest, it will be necessary to line the bed to the width of about two
feet, and three parts as high as the bed, inclining with a slope of
about six inches towards the top. When the dung has been put about half
way up, tread it, and then add the remainder, beating it well down with
a fork. Cover the lining with litter about three or four inches thick at
the outside, and within one or two inches of the top of the box; then
place a board at the top about nine inches wide, which will keep it
close, and assist in drawing up the heat. Be particularly careful in
stopping the inside next to the box, when you make a fresh lining, and
beat it close down with the hand about two or three inches above the
bottom.

When a fresh lining has been added, have the dung in readiness for the
back, which will be required about a fortnight afterwards. It should be
formed about two feet six inches wide, well trod down, and wrapped up in
the same manner as the front, within three inches of the top of the
box. Be careful that the litter is not rank; old useless hay, or litter
that has been some time laying by, will be preferable. The same
directions must be attended to in stopping up the inside of the box, as
with the front.

As soon as the heat of the lining in any degree affects the bed, and you
discover that the inside, where it has been stopped, begins to get dry,
give it some water in the evening, just bef