mats or hay does not hang over the lights for at
least a fortnight, as such will draw the rank steam into the bed, and
kill the plants.

The linings should be continued until the weather is fine and settled,
which may be expected in the middle of May; but should the weather be
cold and unfavourable, it may be necessary to retain them until the
middle of June.

In about the third week of the month of January, the plants will
require stronger food; and half bog and half leaf mould may be applied.
Should there be a difficulty in obtaining bog earth, procure the top
spit of light meadow earth, and lay it up for twelve, or, at the least,
six months before it is wanted for use. When you mould towards the
outside, it may be still stronger, mixing rotten dung or leaf mould, in
the proportion of one-fourth, with bog or light meadow earth; observing,
however, not to mould up the plants level until some time after fruit
has been cut. The beginning of March is the proper time to mould up
full.

Let a cavity be left at the back and front of the box of about two
inches, to prevent the roots from being injured on the outside of the
box by the linings; and to cause the heat to rise freely from the bed.

It is very necessary that the plants should be kept thin of vine, as
being material in the growth of fine fruit; and as they extend towards
the outside of the bed, do not suffer them to run more than one joint
at a time.

Keep the leaves thinned, by taking out the oldest first, in order that
they may stand single, and not one over the other; to accomplish which
it will be necessary to peg them out. When taking off the leaves, cut
them close to the vine, not leaving a long stalk, as that will rot and
injure the plants. When they are laid, be particular in having the
plants down close to the mould, as early as possible, in order that they
may strike root; at the same time being careful not to bury the vine. In
doing this, place a little mould round the side of the vine first,
leaving the top uncovered until it is a little hardened, and the roots
begin to strike. When such is the case, cover the vine all over, and
then you may continue laying within one joint of the extremity.

It is here necessary to observe, that very few are acquainted with the
advantages that may be derived from laying the plants in a proper
manner. Many even, who are in the habit of observing this method,
practice it so slightly, that little if any benefit resu