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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Theory and Practice, Applied to the
+Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season, by Thomas Moore
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Theory and Practice, Applied to the Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season
+       To Which Is Added a Chapter on Melons
+
+Author: Thomas Moore
+
+Release Date: June 14, 2010 [EBook #32818]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CULTIVATION OF THE CUCUMBER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive.)
+
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+
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+
+
+
+
+  THEORY AND PRACTICE,
+  APPLIED TO THE
+  CULTIVATION
+  OF
+  THE CUCUMBER,
+  IN THE
+  WINTER SEASON:
+
+  TO WHICH IS ADDED,
+  A CHAPTER ON MELONS:
+
+  BY THOMAS MOORE,
+  MEMBER OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
+
+  SECOND EDITION,
+
+  WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING REMARKS ON HEATING
+  AERATING, AND COVERING FORCING HOUSES; ON
+  TRANSPLANTING, AND THE USE OF TURF POTS; ON
+  WATERING; ON ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY, &c., &c.
+
+  LONDON:
+  RICHARD GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS,
+  5 PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+  MDCCCXLVII.
+
+
+
+  LONDON:
+  PRINTED BY DAVID M. AIED
+  JAMES ST., COVENT GARDEN.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
+
+
+This little treatise is intended as an inducement to young Gardeners
+especially, to seek for the reasons on which the operations of their daily
+practice are founded, and by which they are regulated. This announcement
+is here made, in order to prevent any reader from supposing that the
+author has unduly estimated the opinions of those who have benefited by a
+long course of application and experience. As, however, there can be no
+doubt that there is much to be learned, so is there but little question
+that there is also much to be unlearned, in the present state of the
+Science of Horticulture; and these pages are offered without hesitation,
+as a mite among the accumulating mass of available information on
+gardening subjects; and in the hope that some amongst those who are
+seeking to extend their knowledge, may at least be stimulated by their
+perusal, if they are not otherwise directly benefited.
+
+The great truths which it is the object of this treatise to impress, are
+these: that the ultimate success of gardening operations does not depend
+on the performance of any part of them, at a particular time, or in a
+particular or even superior manner, but rather upon the supplying, in a
+natural manner, as far as possible, _all the conditions_ which are
+necessary to the nutrition and perpetuation of plants; and, that it is
+within the open pathway of Science, and not the bye-ways of empiricism,
+that the finger-post of direction should be sought.
+
+Royal Botanic Garden, Regent's Park,
+
+March 2nd, 1844.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE SECOND EDITION.
+
+
+In the present edition, it has been thought best to preserve the original
+text exactly as it appeared in the first edition. The new matter will be
+found in the Appendix.
+
+The author may take this opportunity of returning his thanks to those who
+have noticed and commended the former edition, and of expressing a hope
+that the present will receive an equal share of favour.
+
+Camden Town, Aug. 1, 1847.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.                                                          PAGE
+
+  Botanical name, and affinities of the Cucumber--properties--
+  foreign names--improvements in cultivation                           9
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Structures--dung beds--brick pits--forcing houses--gutter
+  system of heating--the tank system--bottom heat--description
+  of Cucumber house--aspect--position--angle--covering                11
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Propagation by cuttings--early fruitfulness--preservation of
+  varieties--layers--objections to cuttings and layers--seeds--
+  disadvantages--progressive growth--seed sowing                      23
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  General principles of culture--importance of light--pruning
+  and training                                                        31
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Composition of the soil--heath soil--leaf mould--preparation
+  of soil--charcoal--manures--liquid manures                          36
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Application of water to the soil--special conditions--
+  atmospheric moisture--insects--mildew--canker--mode of watering     42
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Regulation of temperature--principles to be kept in view--day
+  and night temperature--deductions                                   46
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Admission of air--effect of cold air on tender plants--
+  deterioration--evils resulting from unguarded atmospheric
+  changes--mode of admitting air--atmospheric influence on
+  vegetation--nitrogen--carbon                                        50
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  Growth of Persian Melons in summer--peculiarities of
+  treatment--soil--watering--solar heat--light                        56
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Conclusion                                                          59
+
+
+
+
+TREATISE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
+
+
+The Cucumber, _Cucumis sativa_, is supposed to be a native of the East
+Indies; but like many other of our culinary plants, the real stations
+which it naturally has occupied, are involved in obscurity: in habit it is
+a trailing herb, with thick fleshy stems, broadly palmate leaves, and
+yellow axillary monæcious flowers. In the natural arrangement of the
+vegetable kingdom, the genus of which it forms part, ranks in the first
+grand class, _Vasculares_, or those plants which are furnished with
+vessels, and woody fibre; in the sub-class _Calycifloræ_, or those in
+which the stamens are perigynous; and in the order _Cucurbitaceæ_, or that
+group, of which the genus _Cucurbita_, or Gourd family is the type.
+
+The affinities of this order, are chiefly with _Loasaceæ_, and
+_Onagraceæ_; with the former it agrees in its inferior unilocular fruit,
+having a parietal placentæ, and with the latter, in its definite
+perigynous stamens, single style, and exalbuminous seeds. It has also some
+affinity with _Passifloraceæ_, and _Papayaceæ_, in the nature of the
+fruit, and with _Aristolochiaceæ_, in its twining habit, and inferior
+ovarium. M. Auguste St. Hiliare, also regards it as being related to
+_Campanulaceæ_, in the perigynous insertion of the stamens, the single
+style with several stigmas, the inferior ovarium, and in the quinary
+division of the floral envelope, in connection with the ternary division
+of the fruit.
+
+The properties of the plants comprised in this natural family, are not
+numerous; a bitter laxative quality pervades many of them, a familiar
+example of which is the resinous substance called Colycinthine, the
+production of the Colocynth gourd, in which the active purgative principle
+is concentrated, rendering it drastic, and irritating. Among our native
+plants the roots of _Bryonia dioica_, in common with the perennial roots
+of all the plants in the order, possess these purgative properties. On the
+other hand, the seeds are sweet, yielding an abundant supply of oil; and
+it may be worthy of remark, that they never partake of the properties of
+the pulp with which they are surrounded in the fruit.
+
+The Cucumber does not possess the properties common to the order, in very
+powerful degree; its fruit is however too cold for many persons, causing
+flatulency, diarrhoea, and even cholera; by others, it may be eaten with
+avidity, without producing any injurious effects.
+
+The names by which the Cucumber is recognised by the Hindoos, are
+_Ketimon_, and _Timou_. In the French, it is called _Concombre_; in the
+German, _Gurke_; and in the Italian, _Citriuolo_. As a cultivated plant,
+it is of nearly equal antiquity with the Vine; being mentioned by the
+writer of the Pentateuch, as being cultivated extensively in Egypt, above
+3000 years since.
+
+The cultivation of this plant, and the production of fine fruit at an
+early season, is an object of emulation among gardeners of the present
+day; and from this cause, many important improvements in the mode of its
+cultivation have been effected. The vast increase of means, arising from
+an acquaintance with powerful agents, formerly unknown, which are
+available by the present and rising races of gardeners, enable them to
+secure the same important results which cost their predecessors much both
+of labour and anxiety, with a comparatively small amount of the former,
+and a degree of certainty at which they could never arrive. The agents
+which an enlightened age has brought under controul, are indeed powerful
+engines, which require much skill in their adaptation and management; but
+the knowledge necessary to effect this, is so firmly and inseparably
+connected with the first principles of cultivation, that an acquaintance
+with these, will at all times supply a safe and unerring guide to their
+application.
+
+It is to assist the young gardener in this application of principles, to
+the growth of the Cucumber in the winter season, that these pages are
+designed; and of those who may differ from the opinions which are here
+expressed, it is only required that they should receive a calm and
+deliberate consideration--a consideration unbiassed by prejudice, and
+unmixed with any of that feverish excitement after novelties, which with
+gardeners, as well as with all other classes of society, is becoming far
+too prevalent, and intense.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+ON THE STRUCTURES ADAPTED FOR THE GROWTH OF CUCUMBERS.
+
+
+I will preface the following remarks on the structures adapted for the
+growth of Cucumbers, by stating, that a forcing house, a pit, and a common
+frame, present the means of bringing this fruit to its perfection,
+equally, one with the other, provided that a course of cultivation
+suitable to the structure, is followed out; the comparative merits of
+each, depend not so much on the nature of the results which may be
+obtained by adopting them, as on the facilities they afford for the
+attainment of those results.
+
+The use of the common frame, and the ordinary hotbed of fermenting manure,
+nevertheless involves these difficulties:--the fermentation is liable to
+become excessive, and that in a very rapid manner, and also to decline as
+rapidly; the heat, when declining, cannot be speedily restored in
+unpropitious weather; it is materially checked in its action, by that
+particular state of the weather, which renders its efficient action most
+essential; it involves almost an infinitude of labour; and after all, it
+is uncertain in its action: when such difficulties as these, are overcome,
+Cucumbers can be grown to perfection, on dung beds, assisted by the common
+garden frame and sash.
+
+The brick pit, when heated by fermenting manure, presents difficulties of
+the same nature with the preceeding, though in a less powerful degree: but
+when these structures are heated by means of hot water, in any of its
+various modes of application, there need be no irregularity, nor
+uncertainty in its action; because the supply of the elements of vegetable
+developement, and of the agents by whose aid they are applied, may, to a
+very great extent, go on uninterruptedly.
+
+A forcing house, whilst it secures all the advantages which are presented
+by a pit, combines with these, some important points which are peculiarly
+its own: by adopting a pit, we provide a structure of which Cucumbers
+manifest their approval, by thriving equally as well as in their more
+ancient location on a dung bed; but further than this, a pit enables us to
+dispense with much of the labour, and all the filth, and the uncertainty
+which are consequent on the use of fermenting manure as a means of keeping
+up the temperature in which they are grown. In a small forcing house,
+besides these advantages being secured, all the operations of care and
+culture, can be performed just when they become necessary, without
+exposing the tender foliage of plants which have been submitted to an
+artificially elevated temperature, to the chilling influence of cold air,
+which is admitted whenever the sashes of an ordinary frame or of a pit,
+are opened, in order to bestow these necessary attentions. It may be urged
+that a dung bed has still the advantage, on the ground of economy; but
+when a fair calculation is made of labour and loss or anxiety on the one
+hand, and of duration on the other, such an assumption, will be quite
+untenable. Neatness, convenience, certainty, and economy, are the
+principal points of advantage which are gained by the adoption of pits
+heated by means of hot water, over those of a structure, depending for its
+supply of heat, on the aid of fermenting masses; whilst the attainment of
+a still greater degree both of convenience, and of certainty, which may be
+secured by cultivation in forcing houses, point out at once the advantages
+which render such houses, preferable to pits.
+
+The application of the gutter system of heating, was not long since
+thought to be an improvement of great importance, and there can be no
+question but that it affords a means of regulating the moisture of the
+atmosphere of hothouses, in conjunction with the temperature, which prior
+to its introduction had not been attained; and as such, it is worthy of
+extensive adoption: it requires however some judgement in its adaptation
+to particular structures, and to render, it suitable, to effect any
+particular object for which it may be employed.
+
+The tank system as a means of applying bottom heat, employed either in
+conjunction with the gutters, or with ordinary piping, to supply heat to
+the atmosphere, is the most important advance which has hitherto been made
+towards supplying the wants of those plants, which require such peculiar
+aid; and with reference to the Cucumber, it may be regarded as furnishing
+a new era in its cultivation.
+
+The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, has always
+been well known by its practical effects. The mean temperature of the
+soil, at a slight distance below the surface, is universally above that of
+the superincumbent air; and consequently some degree of bottom heat is
+always supplied to plants, in a state of nature. Naturally, by means of
+subterraneous heat, and also by the absorption of the sun's rays during
+the time they are forcibly directed towards the earth, it possesses the
+means whereby any material degree of cold at the roots of plants is
+prevented; and when the soil is acted on by the unveiled sun of an eastern
+sky, we cannot but feel certain, that even a considerable amount of heat
+must be experienced: hence arises the importance of taking advantage of
+every ray of sun which our climate affords, when the culture of the
+Cucumber, or of any native of warmer latitudes, is attempted out of doors
+in this country; and also of using every possibly available means of
+increasing rather than diminishing the temperature of the soil: and hence
+too, in forcing not only the Cucumber, but also every other plant which
+requires to be submitted to a confined atmosphere, and an elevated
+temperature, arises the necessity of providing such a degree of warmth at
+the root, as may tend to keep its vital powers in a vigorous state of
+action; it will effect this, by acting in conjunction with moisture, as a
+solvent of the food which is primarily contained in the soil in a solid
+form, but can only be taken up by the capillary action of the spongioles
+of the roots, when converted into a fluid state. The science of Chemistry
+has taught us that the ingredients composing the soil, act on, and
+dissolve, and combine with each other in various ways, sometimes being
+simply dissolved and held in solution, and at other times, entering into
+new combinations, and forming new compounds; but in all cases, the natural
+agents, heat and moisture, are necessary to produce these results, and to
+present to the tender roots of plants, food so duly prepared, as to be
+fit for their assimilation. Warmth in the soil, acts beneficially also, by
+preventing the sudden or undue interruption of the excitability of plants
+growing in it, which would be likely to result from the lowering of the
+temperature of the plants by evaporation, were it not for the action of
+the antagonist force, existing in and exercised by the heated soil, which
+heat, is communicated to, and absorbed by the plants.
+
+It may be regarded as an established and universal rule, that all plants
+require the soil, and the atmosphere in which they are cultivated, to
+correspond with the natural circumstances under which they flourish; and
+as it has been repeatedly ascertained that the soil is naturally a degree
+or two above the temperature of the atmosphere, we have certain and
+unerring data for the application of bottom heat, and no more powerful
+evidence than this can be desired, to condemn at once the application of a
+_very powerful degree of heat_, at the roots of plants.
+
+The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, being a
+practical fact established beyond question, another consideration arises
+as to the best means of producing it, and of regulating its application.
+Various substances and materials have been submitted to a process of
+fermentation, and so employed to effect it: stable manure, tanner's bark,
+and the leaves of trees, are among the principal of these materials, and
+either of them will supply just what the plants require, as truly as these
+wants can be supplied by any other means; but from their very nature, they
+are violent, and fluctuating, and ephemeral in their action, and setting
+aside the labour which the employment of them necessarily involves, we
+have in these particulars, the special points in which the tank system of
+applying bottom heat far excels them: it is uniform, and constant, in its
+action; there need be no apprehension of the soil becoming overheated, for
+the source whence it derives its warmth ought never to boil; neither need
+there be any fear of its decline, or of a want of power, for when once
+thoroughly heated, a body of water will part with it in such a manner,
+that a very little attention to the fire, and a very little expenditure of
+fuel, will maintain its temperature for an almost incredible length of
+time; and as to power, it never should for a moment form a question,
+because a powerful degree of bottom heat ought never to be applied: a
+close attention for one or two hours during the twenty four which form a
+day, will maintain any apparatus in an effective state of action, if it is
+properly erected. How different is this, to what has been in days now
+past! when in rigorous weather, with the heat of his dung bed declining,
+the cultivator knew that at the peril of his crop, he scarcely dared to
+attempt to revive it, without involving a more serious because an
+accelerated evil; at any rate, if at an immense sacrifice of labour, his
+dung casings were replenished piece by piece, he knew too well, that often
+many days would elapse, before their action would be efficient and
+satisfactory, unless indeed an unlimited supply of materials, were in a
+constant state of preparation. By means of the tank, a fire could be
+lighted up, and the required effect produced in as many hours, as days
+would have been formerly required.
+
+What has been already advanced, tends to the conclusion, that small
+forcing houses are preferable, and in the end more economical than pits
+and dung beds; and that the tank as a means of supplying bottom heat, is
+preferable to the use of fermenting materials; _because the results in
+each case, are more perfectly under controul_. Whilst on this part of the
+subject, I may be allowed to mention an error which is somewhat prevalent:
+We frequently hear of the humid nature of the heat given off by hot water
+pipes, in comparison with that derived from such appliances, as a flue; it
+is not unfrequently asserted, that the heat thus derived is so moist, so
+genial, so peculiarly adapted to plants: there can be no doubt but that
+the heat thus obtained is infinitely preferable to that obtained through
+the medium of flues, generally speaking; but its superiority consists
+rather in its purity, its freeness from noxious gasses, than in its
+possessing a greater degree of moisture. Heat--that is--caloric, is the
+same, whatever may be the medium by which it may be conducted; and in the
+case of hot water pipes, they give off that which has been conducted to
+them by the water, directly from the fire, the water acting as a mere
+conductor; it is difficult to conceive any thing more thoroughly devoid of
+moisture than the heat thus communicated: let any one who doubts this,
+place a damp cloth on a series of hot water pipes when in action, and the
+result will soon work conviction. With these general remarks, I will
+proceed to describe the kind of structure which I regard as being
+peculiarly adapted to the growth of Cucumbers; and notice some of the
+conditions which it is necessary to keep in view: the engraving on the
+next page, represents such a structure.
+
+The aspect of the Cucumber house, should be nearly S.S.E; or in other
+words--it should be so regulated between the points south and east, that
+whilst the rays of the sun will be admitted as fully and as early as
+possible in the morning, there may be no obstruction offered to their more
+powerful action as that body approaches the meridian. In the growth of all
+tender plants, light and sun heat are required during the winter months as
+well as in summer, and there can be no greater error as regards the
+erection of structures devoted to such purposes, than to provide for their
+admitting the direct rays of the sun in the earlier part of the day, at
+the expense of refracting and thereby weakening, to a greater degree than
+is really unavoidable, the power of the noon-tide rays of that
+invigorating and life-sustaining agent: during the summer months, though
+plants then require both light and sun heat, yet the case is different;
+the sun's rays have then much greater power, and it is found that their
+influence is sufficient, without at all times admitting them directly on
+the plants growing in these artificial atmospheres.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+The position of the Cucumber house, with reference to the ground line,
+must be determined by local circumstances; if the situation and sub-soil
+be dry, it may be carried below the surface in the manner represented in
+the annexed engraving, of which (_a_) is the ground line, (_b_) the
+pathway, and (_c_) the lowest point excavated: the same course may be
+adopted if the soil, though not naturally so dry as this, can be rendered
+so by thorough drainage; but when the ground does not admit of perfect
+drainage, the structure must be sufficiently elevated to avoid the risk of
+injury from the dampness of the locality.
+
+The angle of elevation is not, as it is sometimes asserted to be, a point
+of indifference, though mathematical accuracy is certainly by no means
+required: in the annexed engraving, the angle of the roof is about 55°,
+this provides for the admission of the sun's rays in the winter months,
+when his position is comparatively low in the horizon, to a much greater
+extent than could take place if a more ordinary slope were adopted. A
+still more elevated pitch would doubtless effect this object in a still
+more perfect manner; but would not be equally applicable to the
+requirements from a permanent structure, which would be wanted for summer
+as well as winter use.
+
+A reference to the sketch, will at once shew the general nature of the
+internal arrangements. There should be a tank (_d_) supported by brick
+piers (_p_) in which a circulation of heated water would supply a genial
+warmth to the soil above, and to the roots of the plants growing in the
+soil; this tank should be heated by a small boiler, conveniently placed
+with reference to adjacent arrangements; a series of iron pipes (_e_)
+attached to the same boiler, would supply the requisite heat to the
+atmosphere. It may perhaps be thought that the application of the gutter
+system of heating would in this case be preferable; but as there would be
+a perfect command of moisture, as will be explained further on, it is
+desirable to have dry heat also, under controul, and this can be better
+effected by means of the pipes than by adopting the gutter plan of
+heating. I cannot in this place forbear protesting against the limited
+surface of piping generally employed in heating plant structures; what is
+thought to be just enough to maintain a given temperature, is usually
+after minute calculation, the quantity which is made use of, and the
+consequence is, that under adverse circumstances, the apparatus is
+necessarily worked at its highest pitch; and I believe that the
+application of heat in this form, whether it be by means of an hot water
+apparatus, or by a common flue, is most inimical to the plants submitted
+thereto. The admission of air, is a point which as far as I am aware, has
+never been effected in the manner represented in the sketch: it would be
+thus effected;--a series of apertures (_f_) should be provided at
+intervals along the front wall, which would externally be closed by small
+sliding shutters, and would communicate internally with a chamber (_g_)
+formed between the front wall and the side of the tank; this chamber would
+also communicate, by a series of openings, (_h_) with the interior space
+above the water in the tank, and from this space, through the covering of
+the tank, tubes (_m_), also placed at intervals, would be carried up
+through the soil, close to the side of the wall; these tubes should be
+furnished with caps or valves, so as so admit of the communication being
+stopped at any time. In applying this to the admission of air, we must not
+loose sight of a series of ventilators, (_i_), placed in the back wall of
+the house, which are of precisely the same nature and construction as the
+apertures (_f_), already spoken of. I shall have occasion hereafter, to
+notice the admission of air, but it will be well in this place, to explain
+the action of the plan proposed for that purpose: when it is judged that a
+change of the internal volume of air is requisite, the ventilators (_i_)
+are to be opened, which admits of a portion of the rarified air to pass
+off; the ventilators (_f_) are also to be opened, and by means of the
+action of these ventilators on each other, a portion of external air is
+taken in; this enters the chamber (_g_), which is warmed by its contiguity
+to the tank, and here becomes partially rarified, and rises to the top of
+the chamber; the apertures (_h_) admit it to the interior of the tank,
+where it becomes not only thoroughly warmed, but also imbibes a degree of
+moisture proportionate to the degree in which it becomes heated, and
+thence it enters the house by the tubes or shafts already spoken of. The
+advantages of warming and moistening the air thus admitted, are very
+important ones; for when either a cold or dry state, of the atmosphere
+prevails, its influence is very injurious to plants in these confined
+situations: cold raw air, when it comes in contact with the tender foliage
+of the plants, has the effect of chilling the sap in its progress through
+their tissue, and thus lessening their excitability, when it should be
+increased; whilst dry air acts as an incessant drain upon the vegetable
+juices, which it abstracts through the stomates and pores of the leaves
+and stems. When cold air is admitted to any position where it can unite
+with caloric, and not in an equal ratio with moisture, it necessarily
+becomes arid, and in that state it eagerly combines with moisture in any
+form with which it can come in contact therewith; and consequently if cold
+air is admitted to a plant structure, where it can have the means of
+combining with heat, faster than with moisture, it would be brought into
+this arid state, and would supply its voracious appetite, by abstracting
+the juices of the plant. It is a very important question how far this
+state of things is connected with many of the diseases as they are called,
+to which plants are subject; for my own part, I believe it to have a very
+considerable influence in the production of many of them. A shallow bed of
+soil (_k_), is all that would be required; for in the winter season, there
+is nothing gained by encouraging a very luxuriant and gross state of
+growth: the composition of this soil will be noticed hereafter: beneath
+it, and resting on the top of the tank, should be placed a layer of coarse
+open rubble, not less than six inches in thickness; and among this rubble
+by means of tubes (_n_), placed at intervals along the bed, I would
+occasionally pour considerable quantities of water, in order to maintain a
+due regulation of moisture in, and throughout the soil, among which the
+vapour arising from the water would ultimately rise. Beneath the tank a
+space (_o_), might be provided, which would serve admirably either for the
+cultivation of Mushrooms, or the forcing of Rhubarb, or Sea Kale.
+Transverse partitions should be introduced into the bed of soil, so as to
+divide the roots of each plant from those of its neighbours: this
+arrangement will admit of a complete succession of plants being
+maintained, by the removal of those which have become old and debilitated,
+and the substitution of young and vigorous ones; and this obstruction of
+the roots, will not be injurious, for the Cucumber does not by any means
+require to be permitted to extend its roots at random, but will readily
+submit itself to any rational regimen, with regard to the area from whence
+it is permitted to extract its food. A portion of soil sufficient to
+support one or two plants, could by this arrangement be renewed as
+occasion might require, and the roots of the contiguous plants would
+suffer no injury from the operation. The pathway of the house, should be
+paved so as to admit of its being occasionally washed and cleansed.
+
+It will be found to be highly economical in reference to the consumption
+of fuel, to provide the structure with the means of being covered at
+night. Shutters of light frame-work, covered with any waterproof material,
+would be found to answer the purpose admirably; they should be elevated a
+few inches from the surface of the glass, and they should be arranged so
+as to confine a body of air, which acting as a very slow conductor of
+heat, would serve to prevent that incessant drain upon the temperature of
+the internal atmosphere, which takes place when the material employed is
+in contact with the glass, as well as when coverings are altogether
+absent. This would not be the only advantage, for as the covering would
+to a great extent prevent the radiation of heat from the internal
+atmosphere, so would it also prevent the necessity of the application of
+so powerful a degree of fire heat at night; and thus the plants would be
+permitted to enjoy that natural season of repose so essential to their
+well being, instead of being forced into growth by reason of a high
+temperature kept up, solely for the purpose of obviating the external
+cold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+ON THE PROPAGATION OF THE CUCUMBER.
+
+
+Cucumbers are propagated by cuttings, by layers, and by seeds; the two
+former of these methods being frequently practised by those who have
+conveniences to keep their plants growing throughout the year; the latter
+being adopted either through choice or necessity, by the majority of
+cultivators, or those whose means will not enable them, even if they
+desired it, to keep up continually a successional growth.
+
+Propagation by cuttings has many advantages to recommend it, especially
+when viewed in connection with the production of winter fruit. The plants
+raised by this mode of treatment, in comparison with those raised from
+seeds, are less gross and succulent in their nature, and more subdued in
+their manner of growth; whether it may be that having mature and perfectly
+formed parts, they are enabled to assimilate their food more rapidly, than
+young and imperfectly formed plants can do; or whether it is owing to any
+difference in the balance between the roots and leaves, which latter
+organs, in cuttings, and the former, in seedling plants, may be regarded
+as predominant, does not appear quite evident, probably the effect depends
+partly on each of these supposed causes. They are moreover, sooner in
+arriving at a fruit-bearing state, by reason of a universal natural law,
+by which the inflorescence and fructification of a plant becomes more
+general and perfect, in proportion as the plant attains proximity to its
+perfect developement; which effect, is owing to the more perfect
+elaboration and preparation of the materials, which when so prepared,
+furnish the means of perfecting the organs of reproduction. For the same
+reason, the operation of budding a portion of a seedling fruit tree, on a
+matured stem, is practised, in order to accelerate its fruitfulness; which
+result generally follows, in consequence of the difference existing in the
+nature of the food elaborated by the mature plant, and that deposited by
+one in an infant state. Thus it is also, that cuttings of flowering plants
+generally, are far sooner in arriving at a blooming state, than seedling
+plants of the same species: flowers and fruit being formed only by the aid
+of the perfectly elaborated sap; which is taken up into the system, and
+assimilated in the plant, in proportion to the number of healthy and
+mature leaves, in a full state of action: during the younger stages of
+growth, the crude material imbibed from the soil, is only partially
+elaborated, and in this state, is only converted into food suitable and
+destined to increase the foliaceous organs; but when these latter are in
+full and vigorous action, a supply of matter, not increased in quantity,
+but enriched in quality, becomes laid up in the store-house and structure
+of the plants; and it is by means of this matter, aided by the natural
+agents, that the nature of the developement is changed from being simply
+that of the organs of nutrition, to that of the more perfect and important
+organs of reproduction. Besides the precocity of plants propagated by
+cuttings, there is also another advantage resulting from the practice,
+and that is the preservation of particularly desirable varieties; the
+Cucumber is a plant which readily admits of hybridization, and although
+the result of this is sometimes to give rise to superior varieties, yet if
+impregnation is permitted to take place promiscuously, the bad qualities
+of particular varieties, are as likely to be combined in the succeeding
+race, as the good and desirable ones: this renders it important that the
+fruit which are preserved for seed, should have been carefully watched and
+protected when in blossom, from the reach of insects; which often effect
+the requisite union, in consequence of the pollen adhering to their
+bodies, and thus being brought into contact with the stigma. I need
+scarcely to say, that where only one variety is grown in any particular
+structure, the chances of admixture are less numerous.
+
+The manner in which the operation of propagation by cutting is performed,
+is very simple: the tops of healthy growing shoots are taken off, at about
+two or three joints in length; they are then planted in deep pots, which
+are about half filled with light earth, such as decayed vegetable matter,
+and then covered by laying a piece of glass on the top of the pot; a
+simple and effective protection is thus formed, the sides of the pot
+acting as a partial shade, the glass admitting light sufficiently abundant
+to secure the action of the leaves, and maintaining a calm and moist
+atmosphere: the pots are to be plunged in a gentle bottom heat, and the
+cuttings will soon become rooted; after which they may be treated as
+established plants.
+
+Propagation by layers, is another method similar to the last, of which it
+is a mere modification; and those points which mark the superiority of the
+one, are equally applicable in the case of the other. The operation may be
+performed in various ways: thus the branches may be layered at once into
+the soil, when these are trained close to its surface, and they will thus
+grow on with renewed vigour: when required for removal to other positions,
+they may be layered into pots of light soil, in doing which, a convenient
+branch may be brought down, secured firmly at a joint to the soil, and
+slightly covered therewith, when it will soon become rooted: another plan,
+is, to suspend in convenient places, pots having large holes beneath;
+through these holes, the points of growing shoots are introduced, and the
+pots having a little moss in the bottom, are then lightly filled with
+vegetable mould: they may also be propagated, by enveloping a joint of a
+growing shoot lightly with moss; the moss should be kept continually
+moist, and roots will soon be emitted into it, and when enough are
+produced, the plant may be detached.
+
+Either of these methods of propagation will secure not only healthy, but
+fruitful plants, in a short space of time; and this latter point will be
+found to be one of no small advantage. The principal objection which may
+be urged against their adoption, is that they necessarily involve a
+process of transplantation, which under any circumstances, and however
+carefully performed, must be regarded as an evil rather than otherwise. It
+may be thought that the _check_ arising from transplantation may do good,
+by preventing too great luxuriance of growth, and thereby tending to
+accelerate fruitfulness; but even if this result may be apparently
+produced by such means, it is surely far more natural to check the plants,
+by withholding a portion of food, rather than by mutilating the organs by
+which their food is conveyed to them, and then actually placing them in a
+position where food is still more abundantly supplied than before. It is
+very questionable however, how far what is called a "check" is justifiable
+as a means of inducing fructification; for if fructification be the most
+perfect state at which a plant can arrive, there does not seem to be much
+rationality in adopting any such means as a "check" in bringing about
+this perfection of developement. A _check_ applied as a means of
+accelerating maturity, can only be regarded as an expedient, rendered
+necessary by previous defective treatment.
+
+The most commonly practised as well as the most natural method of
+propagation, is by seeds, and this will generally be found to be also the
+best method, if the conditions required by its adoption can be properly
+carried out. There is however, one decided disadvantage attendant on the
+raising of Cucumber plants intended for winter forcing from seeds; and
+hence in a great measure arises the apparent superiority of propagating by
+extension: the disadvantage consists in the exceedingly succulent and lax
+nature of the tissue of the young plants; owing to that natural principle,
+by which their increase and extension is most especially provided for
+during the infant stages of their existence: the result is, that in
+consequence of the deficiency of light and solar heat, which are the grand
+agents of vegetable fructification, their sap does not become sufficiently
+elaborated, nor their tissue rendered sufficiently solid by assimilation
+and deposition of matter, to bring about the developement of floral parts;
+the food and moisture imbibed, instead of being sublimated and fully
+elaborated, is only partially acted on by the vital and natural agents,
+and the result is an increase of growth, but not a developement of
+fruit-bearing parts. There is nevertheless, an advantage in raising plants
+from seeds, not only as regards the obtaining of improved races, but also
+in a cultural point of view. The science of Horticulture, does acknowledge
+such a thing as progression, in the developement of plants; the functions
+of nutrition necessarily go on prior to those of reproduction or
+fructification, the latter being continually dependant on, as well as
+being the result of the former: hence we arrive at a conclusion, that _to
+supply uninterruptedly_, ALL _the elements which administer to the
+nutrition of a plant, is the most rational means of inducing a state of
+fruitfulness_. This may at first sight be questioned; cases may readily
+enough be quoted, in which food has been bountifully supplied, and the
+plants have grown amazingly, but not fruited; if however, food had been
+thus supplied, in connexion with a due share of _light_, and an _excess of
+heat_ had been avoided, we have natural evidence to prove unquestionably
+that fructification would have followed. An abundance of food, a high
+temperature, and a deficiency of light, are just the conditions which are
+opposed to the developement of the floral organs in plants, and are
+inductive of mere barren extension: not that plants grow thus, because
+they delight in such a state of things, but because they are thereby
+unnaturally excited and compelled to do so, although that growth cannot
+under such circumstances, become properly matured; and hence arises the
+impossibility of their producing blossoms.
+
+The advantage of raising plants of Cucumbers from seeds, consists in the
+facility thus afforded of altogether avoiding transplantation: the roots
+of Cucumbers are of a very tender nature, and however carefully they may
+be transplanted, they are liable to sustain injury in the removal: by
+having recourse to depositing the seeds at once in the soil where they are
+intended to grow, this is entirely obviated, and there can be no possible
+reason why the conditions necessary to germination should not be as fully
+supplied in a hillock of soil, as when a portion of the soil is placed
+within a garden pot; this vessel can certainly have no influence in
+producing more perfect or healthy germination, whilst the mutilation of
+even the most careful act of transplantation, may tend to check the future
+developement of the plant.
+
+It may be, however, that circumstances prevent the sowing of the seeds at
+once in their ultimate position, and in such cases, they may be sown
+singly in pots partly filled with decayed vegetable mould, plunged in a
+milk-warm bottom heat. The temperature both of the soil and atmosphere
+during this period, should not be high, but such as to permit the plants
+to push gradually forth from their dormitory, and assume by a natural
+process, the functions of active vitality. In order to maintain them in
+vigour of constitution, they should be exposed as much as possible to
+light; and that, by being placed near the glass, so as to receive the rays
+as little broken and refracted as possible. Water should not be applied at
+all, until vegetation has manifested itself, and afterwards, but
+sparingly, whilst the plants are young, especially in prolonged periods of
+dull sunless weather. Plants which are thus raised, should be planted out
+as soon as possible, when their fibres are least numerous, as a means of
+avoiding in part, the injuries to which they are exposed in
+transplantation.
+
+When the plan of depositing the seeds in the hillock of soil is adopted,
+it is necessary to arrange the soil so that any subsequent additions made
+to it, may not have the effect of covering too deeply the roots of the
+plants, neither of burying the neck of the stem beneath the surface; it
+should be arranged so that this latter may remain elevated above the
+surrounding soil on the top of a slight mound, after the whole of the soil
+is adjusted for the roots. I have already mentioned that the depth of soil
+ought not to be at all considerable, but rather shallow than otherwise, so
+as to expose the roots as far as possible to the influence of the sun.
+
+It will have been seen that the plan of raising young plants from seeds,
+has both its advantages and its disadvantages; and in order to avoid the
+latter, and secure some of the former, the seeds should be sown early in
+the autumn, whilst there is a sufficiency of heat and light, to mature the
+growth they make previous to the dull cheerless days which mark the near
+approach, and at length the arrival of winter. They will thus be endued
+with the "stamina" necessary to sustain them, through that trying period,
+and though not without difficulty, yet with comparative certainty, to
+reward the well-directed zeal of the cultivator. It is impossible to give
+any very minute directions as to the time of performing these operations
+of propagation, for like all other gardening operations, it is not at all
+requisite that they should be done on any particular day, nor ought they
+to be done except when natural conditions are favourable to success: from
+ten to twelve weeks generally elapse between the time of sowing the seeds
+and the production of fruit, according as the season may be favourable or
+otherwise.
+
+The numerous hybrid varieties which are in cultivation, render it a matter
+of some importance to make choice of those most suitable to the purpose;
+these are however so continually changing, that it is useless to attempt a
+record of them. The Sion house Cucumber is perhaps the best of all suited
+for cultivation in the winter season. The principal features which are
+required in Cucumbers for winter forcing, are, precocity; compactness of
+growth, rather than luxuriance; prolificacy, rather than extreme length of
+fruit; and hardiness of constitution: these, are to the gardener far more
+important points, than those which entitle them to rank as "prize"
+varieties.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+ON THE TREATMENT OF THE MATURE PLANTS.
+
+
+From the time that the plants become established, which is the period of
+their existence now about to be considered, they require to have the
+elements of vegetable growth duly supplied to them, in order to secure
+their successful developement. It is not enough to plant them in proper
+soil, and duly to water them, unless attention is also paid to the
+temperature, as well as the constituents of the atmosphere to which they
+are submitted; neither will attention to these latter points be sufficient
+to ensure success, if at the same time, the former are neglected. A _soil_
+of suitable chemical, as well as mechanical composition, a pure and
+wholesome _atmosphere_, _water_ promptly and properly applied, and _heat_
+duly regulated, are conditions which equally require minute care and
+attention in their adaptation; and these being applied upon the
+comprehensive, and perfectly harmonious principles of nature, will leave
+but little to be done in the shape of expedients, which are too frequently
+resorted to, as the means of counterbalancing either defective or
+unsuitable management. The application of these agents to the cultivation
+of the plant under consideration, in the winter season, will form the
+subjects of succeeding chapters. I will here briefly direct attention to
+the importance of light in the growth of plants, and then devote some
+space to the consideration of the subject of pruning and training.
+
+Light is most essential to the perfect and healthy developement of
+vegetable organization, the performance of the functions essential to the
+health of plants being dependent on its agency. It cannot indeed be
+assumed that plants will not continue to grow, unless they are supplied
+with an intense degree of light; but it is certain that the successful
+nature of their growth, their maturation, and their fructification, are
+dependent in no ordinary degree upon the nature and force of its action;
+for without it, the vital energies of animated beings are unable to
+maintain and perform the processes of elaboration, and assimilation, upon
+which their nutrition depends. The mere extension of vegetable tissue, may
+indeed go on, though less satisfactorily, under the almost total privation
+of light, but with the exception of cryptogamic vegetation, the organs of
+fructification are not under those circumstances, produced at all: the
+stem may be formed, but does not become solid: the leaves may expand, but
+their condition is imperfect; and it is only by means of the full and
+complete action of these organs in the nutrition of plants, that the
+developement of the floral parts is brought about: the roots may take up
+fluids, and these may be conveyed in the natural upward channels, and then
+dispersed among the stems and the leaves; but it is the action of solar
+light, aided indeed by the natural condition of the elements supplying
+heat and moisture, which alone, by a process of elaboration, can convert
+this fluid, once crude and undigested, into the compound organic
+substances, such as lignin, gum, starch, gluten, &c. which in their turn,
+are destined to minister to the support of the organs of reproduction.
+Growth, that is mere extension, may go on in proportion as heat and
+moisture are supplied to plants, but light is the agent to whose especial
+influence we owe the production of their active properties and secretions,
+and the perfection of their fruit.
+
+If then light is so indispensable to the vegetable frame, how important it
+is that the structures which we devote to the cultivation of such plants
+as the Cucumber, which are naturally habituated to an eastern clime,
+should be so designed, as to offer the least possible obstruction to its
+entrance: how important, too, that the glass we employ, which in its
+purest state, offers considerable obstruction, by refracting the rays of
+light, should be as transparent and untarnished as possible, so as to
+admit them as perfectly as can be practicable; instead of which, it is too
+often disfigured by an accumulation and deposit of filth, which, to say
+the least, must materially diminish their force: how important, moreover,
+that whatever coverings it may be necessary to employ during the night to
+prevent the outward radiation of heat, should be speedily removed in the
+morning, and kept off as long as they safely may be, in order to permit
+the inward radiation of light. When these matters are all duly attended
+to, our climate, at least during the winter, still offers obstruction
+enough to our success, in its mists, and fogs, its long dark nights, and
+dismal cloudy days, and therefore wisdom would teach us, to avail
+ourselves of all which we can grasp, by a course of untiring assiduity,
+and attention to such apparently trifling matters as these.
+
+The pruning and training of the plants, are operations, to which it will
+be necessary to direct attention; and in the performance of which, the
+circumstances which may have any influence upon them, as well as the
+object in view, must be taken into consideration. The plants being
+intended to occupy a surface of trellis-work in a line nearly parallel
+with the glass, it will be requisite to train their primary shoots to a
+sufficient length to reach from the soil to the trellis, before they are
+what is technically called "stopped;" this operation, by removing the
+central bud, or axis of developement, induces the buds which are latently
+formed at the nodes of the branches, to push forth and become the axes of
+further extension: two or three of the strongest of these lateral shoots
+situated towards the top of the stem, should be retained, and trained on
+the trellis in a direction towards the top of the house; these shoots
+should be placed about 18 inches from each other, and when they have
+reached about one-third of the length of the trellis, they also should be
+stopped, and thus several more lateral shoots will be produced. The
+uppermost strong shoot should in each case, be still trained in the same
+upward direction, and the others must be disposed in the most convenient
+form in the space between the main branches: these, that is the young
+lateral shoots, if they do not shew a fruit blossom at the second joint or
+leaf from the main branch, must be stopped, and the young shoot thus
+induced to push forth, will in all probability have fruit at the first
+leaf; if not, it must be stopped at _every leaf_ as it extends, until
+fruit is observed. The upper portion of the branch after having extended
+about one-third further up the roof, should be submitted to the same
+process, and this must be again repeated until the whole of the trellis is
+covered.
+
+No reference has yet been made to the treatment of those lateral branches
+where the young fruit are perceived: these should be permitted to grow
+until the blossoms have expanded; and then, after this, they should be
+stopped at the leaf next beyond the fruit blossoms. By permitting them to
+grow until the flowers have expanded, the attraction of the growing branch
+will continue to draw up a regular supply of nutriment, part of which will
+be devoted in its course, to assist the developement of the blossoms; and
+besides the advantage of the growing point acting thus as a sucker to draw
+onwards the vital juices towards the young fruit, it will act also as an
+outlet, to drain off what would otherwise be superabundant and dangerous
+to these tender organs of reproduction. After the flowers have expanded,
+this danger does not exist to so great an extent, the infant fruit have
+new and important functions to perform, which are peculiarly their own;
+and these call for a greater supply from the nutritive organs of the
+plant: the stopping of the branch therefore, is the means of throwing in
+this increased supply of food; but those who can most fully appreciate the
+delicacy of the functions performed by the plant at this stage of its
+developement, will most fully value the suggestion not to stop back the
+growing branch _all at once_, but to do it by successional, though not
+distant operations. The leaf which is directed to be left above, or beyond
+each fruit, will serve, both as a reservoir, to receive all the
+superabundant food, which may either be induced or impelled upwards; and
+also, as a labaratory where this food will become purified and changed by
+its exposure to atmospheric influence, amongst the lax tissue; and whence,
+an appointed portion will be returned, and devoted by a process of
+assimilation, to aid in the extension of the plants.
+
+This system of pruning, with reference both to the barren and the fruitful
+branches, must be continued, whilst these continue in a vigorous and
+healthy condition; but when any symptoms of decay or of expended powers,
+are perceived, they should be pruned quite away, and young ones encouraged
+in their stead. All the pruning which has been spoken of, except the
+occasional removal of a main shoot, should be done at a sufficiently early
+period of growth, to admit of being effected by means of the thumb-nail;
+for like all other plants, Cucumbers are much best treated, when whatever
+pruning they may require, is done at that stage of growth, when the least
+amount of trouble and labour is required to perform it. Pruning is not
+under any circumstances a natural process, and when we have recourse to it
+in artificial cultivation, it is only an expedient, which is rendered
+necessary by the limited space, within which it becomes necessary to
+confine the extension of the plants; and since this is the case, it is far
+better to remove a portion of any plant, at an early period of its
+growth, and thus to economize its vital energies, rather than to suffer
+them to be expended, and the supply to become exhausted through a
+superfluous developement, and then to deprive it of those very organs, by
+the action of which, the expenditure would be again recompensed to the
+vital energies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+ON THE NATURE, AND COMPOSITION OF THE SOIL.
+
+
+Plants absorb fluids through the extremities or spongioles of the roots,
+and it is thus that those portions of the substances which serve them as
+their food, and are derived from the soil, are carried into their system,
+in a state of solution: these spongioles are not strictly to be regarded
+as analogous to the mouths of animals, for they are not provided with
+openings, and cannot imbibe even the most impalpable powders; their action
+seems to be more analogous to that of the lacteals in animals, for these,
+as well as spongioles, serve to convey fluids only. These considerations
+render it necessary, that in the composition of soil for the growth of
+plants, the following important points should be held in
+consideration;--it should contain a sufficient ratio of organizable
+matter, that is of substances which can be rendered available as food to
+the plants; it should readily absorb fluids, since it is only when in a
+state of solution, that food can enter into the structure of the plants;
+it should be sufficiently retentive to avoid the risk of injury by reason
+of the evaporation, which takes place to a very great extent, when too
+great an abundance of silica is present, or when more than a due degree of
+porosity exists in its mechanical texture; and it should be sufficiently
+permeable, to prevent any thing like excess of moisture, by stagnation.
+
+Soils composed either principally, or almost entirely of heath soil, or of
+vegetable mould, although very highly recommended for the growth of the
+Cucumber in winter, are nevertheless objectionable when applied alone, as
+will be evident if the foregoing principles are taken into view: it cannot
+however be assumed that the plants will not grow in these soils, for they
+grow vigorously for a period; neither can it be asserted that such soils
+do not contain the qualities which are necessary to administer to the
+nutrition of plants, for it is scarcely possible to conceive any
+substances which are more nutritious, or whose application in this respect
+is more effectual; but they are objectionable, in consequence of their
+becoming soon expended, and failing to maintain for any length of time, an
+equable degree of moisture. The cause which tends to produce this effect,
+is the porosity, or the want of mechanical combination in the texture of
+the soil; which being highly favourable to evaporation, is liable to
+render it speedily, and very materially dry, when exposed to the influence
+of powerful solar heat: the frequent application of water, does not
+entirely obviate the objection, for even when so applied, it soon becomes
+again evaporated, and thus tends to deteriorate the soil, and decrease its
+fertility; this it does, by taking up much of the soluble matter contained
+in it, and conveying it by evaporation into the atmosphere, instead of its
+being taken up by the roots whilst in a fluid state, and applied to the
+plant as a means of nutrition: when it is thus conveyed to the atmosphere,
+the leaves though they are enabled to take up a portion of their food from
+thence, are still incapacitated to do so fully, and hence, much of the
+fertilizing properties of the soil, is carried off by the first current
+of air which passes through the structure; and the plants decline by
+reason of starvation, though they had been seated in the midst of plenty.
+
+The soil which I should recommend for the growth of the Cucumber, would be
+composed of ingredients, capable of supplying a sufficient portion of
+vegetable food; of retaining a due portion of moisture, when placed under
+powerful evaporation; and of securing the free passage of water through
+its mass: the former of these conditions would be secured, by the use of
+mould from the decaying leaves of trees, in the proportion of about
+three-eighths; the latter would be ensured, by employing about one-fourth
+part of turfy heath mould, and one-eighth part of clean coarse sand; and
+the remaining quality, would result by combining these ingredients with
+one-fourth part of good turfy loam. The preparation of this soil should
+take place in the dry weather of the summer months, just previous to its
+being used, so that it can be frequently turned and mixed, without
+incurring the danger of reducing it to an adhesive consistency, which
+would at once render it ungenial for the roots of plants: the turfy
+portions both of the loam and heath soil should be piled up reversely,
+until the herbage and roots of the grass, become partially decayed; when
+required for use, it should be chopped into pieces of from two to four
+inches square, by the spade, and then adding the other ingredients _in a
+rough state_, the whole should be well mixed, without sifting, or any
+other mechanical operation which would have the effect of destroying its
+open texture. It should always be prevented from becoming saturated with
+water; and moreover, should never be applied to the roots of plants which
+are growing in a warm medium, without having been previously submitted to
+a high temperature, for a sufficient length of time, to have absorbed at
+least an equal degree of heat, with that in which the plants might be
+already growing.
+
+The admixture of charcoal with the soil, is said to be a means of adding
+to its nutritive qualities. Charcoal, which is nearly pure carbon, may be
+supposed continually to give off a portion of this gaseous substance
+during its decomposition, and this uniting with a portion of the oxygen
+contained in the air, would furnish a supply of carbonic acid gas, to the
+atmosphere immediately about the plants. It should however be borne in
+mind, that charcoal, is a substance whose decomposition except under the
+influence of heat, proceeds very slowly indeed, and therefore its chemical
+influence must not be overrated: doubtless however, the small portion
+which does combine with the oxygen of the air, is directly beneficial to
+the plants; for it is a function of the vegetable kingdom by the action of
+their leaves, when under the influence of light, to decompose carbonic
+acid, the oxygen of which is liberated, and the carbon fixed in the living
+tissue. It is therefore probable that a supply of carbonic acid,
+artificially maintained about the leaves and stems of plants, may be
+beneficial to them, by furnishing them directly with a portion of carbon,
+which they cannot absorb in a seperate state. When the charcoal is made
+from twigs, and the small branches of trees, its decomposition is often
+more rapid, than when it is obtained by the usual course of manufactering
+it: if the latter kind of charcoal is employed, it should be broken into
+pieces of a small size; and in ordinary cases, it should not be used in
+larger proportion than with about twice its bulk of soil, with which it
+should be intimately blended.
+
+Besides its chemical action, which is probably beneficial, charcoal has a
+decidedly advantageous mechanical action in the composition of soils, and
+this is of a twofold nature:--first, in common with any similar
+materials, it renders the soil "open," and thus effectually favours the
+free passage of water through its mass: secondly, it serves as a perpetual
+reservoir of moisture in the soil, for in consequence of its being
+extremely porous, it imbibes a great quantity of water, by its force of
+attraction, and this it parts with slowly to the soil; in this way, there
+is no doubt that its action is most salutary. Probably a few pieces of
+charcoal placed perpendicularly in the soil, and kept continually _wet_,
+by the action of some little capillary contrivance, would serve as the
+best possible means of conducting moisture, and distributing it to the
+roots of plants.
+
+It will be observed that the application of dung, in any way whatever, has
+not been recommended; neither do I consider it to be at all requisite, or
+desirable, in the culture of winter Cucumbers: luxuriance is not a
+consummation which it is at all desirable to attain to, a moderate, well
+matured growth, being far preferable; and as some care is supposed to be
+used to provide suitable soil, it should be of such a nature as to possess
+the properties, which are requisite to effect the desired end. Dung
+containing as it does fertilizing properties, may do well to renew the
+fertility of exhausted soils, which may have been under a long course of
+cultivation; but it is questionable, whether it ought to be admissable to
+any extent in pot culture, or in the growth of forced plants, in
+preference to a supply of wholesome unexhausted natural soil.
+
+A very great objection to the use of dung when applied in a solid state in
+the composition of soils, consists, in its being presented to the roots of
+plants, not only in the advanced periods of their existence, but equally
+so, during the early stages of their growth; here must be an error, for
+infants, whether they belong to the animal or vegetable kingdom, are
+certainly not capacitated to appropriate the same kind of food, in the
+same proportion, as adults. If only a small portion of soil is at first
+employed, and portions more and more enriched, are from time to time
+added, as the roots may extend, we are still liable to stumble on an
+objection, almost as important, though of a somewhat different nature; for
+we can in that case scarcely fail to injure the spongioles of the roots in
+a greater or less degree, and the injury thus sustained, will consequently
+act as a check in the progress of their developement. These considerations
+seem at once to mark the propriety of applying liquid manures in highly
+artificial cultivation; they can be supplied in this state, when the
+plants are in such a mature and advanced state of growth, as from time to
+time to require their aid; and their fertilizing properties being held in
+solution by the fluid medium in which they are conveyed, they are just in
+the condition to be taken up at once by the rootlets. It must still
+however be recollected, that whilst even impalpable powders cannot as such
+be made to minister to the nutrition of plants, so neither can gross
+liquids effect this purpose: it is clear limpid fluids, only, which can be
+received by the delicate spongioles, and therefore the so-called manure
+water, when applied of the consistency of mud, is not only in an unfit
+state to effect its purpose, except by the addition of a more bountiful
+supply of pure liquid, but it is also liable to act injuriously by reason
+of the concentration of the strength or powerful qualities of the manure,
+and by counteracting the open texture of the soil. Manure water,
+therefore, from whatever source it may be derived, though not necessarily
+a colourless, should without question, be a limpid fluid; if otherwise
+applied, it will at once destroy one of the best qualities a soil can
+possess, viz. porosity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+ON THE APPLICATION OF MOISTURE.
+
+
+From what has been stated in the preceeding chapter, it will be
+sufficiently evident, that a supply of water is required as a component of
+the soil, in which all plants are grown, in order to enable them to draw
+from it, other components, which form their food; and that, as it is
+necessary for them continually to take up a portion of this food, so is it
+necessary, that moisture should be continually present, in order to render
+it available by them.
+
+Among other conditions to which the operation of applying water to the
+soil should be subjected, there are some which are specially important: it
+should never be either applied in _excess_, or unduly withheld; nor should
+it ever be applied when of a temperature below that of the atmosphere in
+which the plants to whose roots it is applied, are growing at the time of
+its application.
+
+There is a liability of applying water in excess, when the particular
+stage of growth, the peculiar state of the weather, or the season of the
+year, are not duly regarded: thus, an adult plant will consume more water
+than an infant plant; and any plant, will decompose a larger quantity of
+water, in sunny weather, when evaporation is going on briskly, than in
+cloudy weather, when it is scarcely perceptible; again, in the summer
+season, a much larger quantity will be appropriated, than in the winter.
+Water has been applied in excess, whenever the soil becomes soddened or
+saturated therewith; but great as this evil is, it is equalled in its
+injurious effects, by falling into the opposite extreme, and withholding a
+quantity sufficient to render the constituents of the soil, available as
+food to the roots of plants placed in it.
+
+The necessity of applying water, of a temperature equal to that of the
+soil, is rendered evident by a reference to the natural conditions by
+which the soil is watered. In a small and nearly globular form, the water
+gathered up by the action of the sun, and forming the clouds above us, is
+precipitated through the atmosphere, and there its temperature becomes
+equalized or assimilated with that of the medium through which it has been
+passing; and although in our own latitude, we perhaps fail to discover any
+material degree of warmth in the drops of rain as they fall, yet in
+eastern climes, we cannot but imagine, that after having been submitted in
+the thin strata of the clouds to the action of the sun, they must
+previously to entering the soil, have imbibed some portion of heat.
+Moreover, the importance of maintaining a gentle bottom heat, at the roots
+of forced plants, renders it necessary to avoid any application, which may
+tend to lesson its effect, and submit the roots to any chilling influence.
+The temperature of the soil is naturally above that of the atmosphere, and
+as the application of moisture by exciting evaporation, has an abstract
+tendency to lower the temperature, it should therefore, when applied, be
+in a slight degree warmed, so as thus to increase rather than diminish the
+heat contained in the soil.
+
+As some moisture in the soil is necessary to render the food contained
+therein, soluble, and available to the spongioles of the roots, so
+moisture in the atmosphere is essentially necessary to assist in applying
+the gaseous elements of that elastic compound fluid, to the nutrition of
+plants by the action of the leaves: without moisture in the atmosphere,
+the leaves and outer covering of plants would become dessicated, and the
+stomatas shrivelled up and closed, so that neither the exhaling nor the
+imbibing functions of the plants could then be carried on.
+
+The moisture of the atmosphere, then must not be neglected; not only
+because the healthy action of the vital organs of the plants depends on a
+proper hygrometrical state of the atmosphere, but, inasmuch as it is the
+readiest means both of avoiding, and when unhappily, they are present, of
+destroying, many of the most destructive and troublesome insect enemies,
+to whose depredations, plants are subject.
+
+When a moist atmosphere is duly and regularly maintained, there is but
+little fear need be entertained of the establishment of a colony of
+insects--such as the thrip, and the red spider, which are perhaps the
+greatest pests which have to be overcome in the forcing house; nor is
+there a more effectual method of destroying them, than by applying a high
+temperature in conjunction with an intense degree of moisture. To the want
+of a balance of moisture in the composition of the atmosphere, and in the
+soil, too, rather than as is commonly supposed, to an excess of it in the
+former, is the appearance called mildew to be attributed; this it
+occasions by checking the regular action of the perspiratory organs, and
+thereby inducing an eruption of the cells of the tissue: the extravasated
+sap lodging on the cuticle, affords a nidus for the germination of the
+sporules of that particular fungus, which when grown, is the mildew: the
+remedy consists in avoiding an irregular composition of the atmosphere, as
+regards heat and moisture; and also an excess or deficiency of moisture in
+the soil, so that each may be in a condition to exert its proper influence
+on the constitution and developement of the plants. Canker, another
+disease, to which Cucumbers are sometimes subject, appears to be produced
+by too low a degree of temperature, accompanied by an excess of moisture,
+both in the soil and the atmosphere, and it generally attacks those
+particular parts, where any check or obstruction is offered to the flow of
+the sap, such as that occasioned by a wound, or even the ramifications of
+the stem: this suggests that its remedy, would consist in a due regulation
+and balance of the constituents of the atmosphere, and the soil.
+
+Moisture is generally applied to the soil by being poured directly on it,
+and to the atmosphere, by means of the syringe, and the use of evaporation
+troughs. When applied to the soil only from the upper surface, there is a
+liability of its failing thoroughly to moisten it, and by reason of this,
+together with the constant action of the heat from below, by whatever
+means heat may be applied, the soil is frequently found to be dry beneath,
+when the appearance of the surface might lead to the supposition that it
+was sufficiently moistened.
+
+By a reference to the sketch and description already given, it will be
+seen, that a provision is there made, whereby water can be poured in
+quantity _beneath the soil_, immediately on the top of the tank, whence in
+the form of vapour it will rise among the soil, and thus render it
+thoroughly moist; at the same time, it can be applied to the surface,
+whenever it may become necessary to do so. The moistening of the
+atmosphere will also be fully secured by the mode of ventilation which is
+there proposed, for the air, at the same time that it is warmed, will
+become charged with moisture in a ratio equal to its temperature, before
+it enters the house. If it becomes requisite to admit moisture without
+changing the volume of air, it can readily be effected by opening the
+tubes or shafts inside the house, without opening the exterior
+ventilators; and when dry heat may be required, it can be secured by
+closing entirely the communication with this reservoir of moisture, and
+the hot-water pipes will then radiate any quantity of dry heat that may be
+required.
+
+By means of a due application of these provisions, an equable degree of
+moisture beneath and among the soil, as well as in the composition of the
+atmosphere, can be secured with perfect ease, and a trifling amount of
+labour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+ON THE REGULATION OF THE TEMPERATURE.
+
+
+If we figure to our minds, a plant which in its native habitat enjoys a
+climate far more genial, and a temperature far more elevated, than our own
+country affords, it must be obvious that some regulation, and increase of
+temperature, either positively, by the artificial application of heat, or
+negatively, by affording shelter and protection, will be required in order
+to ensure any degree of success in its cultivation. The Cucumber is a
+reputed native of the East, and we have therefore in this supposed fact,
+an indication of the nature of the climate, which it should be our object
+to provide for it; but still it must be borne in mind, that in conducting
+any system of artificial cultivation, it is not at all times desirable, or
+even safe, to supply a resemblance to any part of the natural
+circumstances affecting the growth of a particular plant, unless we have
+the means of supplying the _greater part_, or _all_ the conditions which
+exist in a state of nature: this I shall again have occasion to refer to.
+
+By another step we arrive at the conclusion that the standard of
+temperature, to which the Cucumber is submitted in its cultivation in this
+country, is a point, varying with the individual opinion of cultivators;
+as some may take a part of the natural conditions of growth as their rule;
+others, all these circumstances; and others, again, various combinations
+of them.
+
+Referring back again to the provisions of nature, we can scarcely hesitate
+to conclude, that in clear sunny weather, the temperature to which the
+Cucumber is submitted, _cannot within reasonable limits_, be permitted to
+rise too high; whilst at other times, when the weather is dull, or cloudy,
+and always at night, a much lower degree of heat ought to be applied. In
+sunny weather, the natural agents which cause excitement and activity of
+the vital functions, are in full action; and consequently at such periods
+we may rationally indulge in the application of those exciting agents
+which are under our controul--always however bearing in mind, that we must
+not unduly apply one agent, when we either cannot, or neglect to apply the
+others also. On the other hand, in dull weather, and at night, the source
+of light being in the one case absent, in the other obscured, a
+comparative state of lethargy or repose is prevalent, and the natural
+functions of vitality are but feeble in their action, if not in some
+cases, absolutely in a quiescent state; with such a state of things
+existing, it is barely rational to apply stimulants, and to induce
+unnatural excitement. The application of exciting and stimulating agents
+at such periods, may be compared in its effects to the excitement of a
+frightful dream acting on the human frame; the vital functions--not the
+vitality itself--cease during sleep, and both the animal and the vegetable
+should be at rest; excitement acts on both by deranging the system, at
+least for a time, and since a succession of these derangements are known
+to produce injurious results, we may be certain, that each seperate
+instance must have an evil tendency.
+
+In applying this practically, to the case before us, it may be
+recommended, that the temperature in which Cucumbers are grown during
+winter, should not fall much below 60° Fahrenheit, at night; and in the
+day time it should not rise above 70° in dull weather, by the aid of heat
+artificially applied; in clear weather, by the influence of that glorious
+source of light and heat, the sun, it may be safely allowed to rise to
+80°, or a little higher, before air is admitted. A somewhat higher range
+may be permitted, as the days lengthen, and the influence of the sun
+becomes more powerful; thus at night, it should not rise over 65°, by day
+75° to 80°, and by sun heat to 90°. Thus it will be seen, that I have
+recommended the regulation of the temperature of the internal atmosphere,
+by that which is external; and it is my firm conviction that inattention
+to this simple rule, is the source of much of the failure, which is
+experienced by some of those who attempt the growth of plants, at any
+other than that, which may be regarded as their natural season of growth.
+It appears to me, most unreasonable, to aim at attaining any particular
+point of the thermometer, merely because any particular season of the year
+may be present, or any particular stage of growth attained. Even if in the
+sunny climes, from whence the Cucumber has been transmitted to us, there
+exists such an equality of temperature and atmospheric serenity, as some
+cultivators attempt in the growth of these plants; it surely cannot be
+consistent in us to equalize and elevate the temperature of our artificial
+atmospheres, when we cannot supply them at the same time with the same
+intensity of light, or provide for them the same serene and unclouded sky.
+It should rather be our object to adapt the plant to the climate of our
+country, since we cannot change the climate to supply the natural
+circumstances, with which the plant is favoured; and acting on this
+principle, we should never aim at supplying the agents which would induce
+a premature and therefore debilitated developement, when the whistling
+wind, and the drifting snow, tell us that Nature, would have, at least the
+members of her vegetable kingdom, be at rest.
+
+Since however, it is apparent that during the depth of the winter season,
+at least when wintry weather is present, the progress of plants in an
+artificially heated atmosphere, ought not to be rapid, or unduly forced;
+it by no means follows that no progression at all should be made: the
+elements of growth maybe supplied; but the application of them should be
+guided by moderation, being lessened at those particular periods when the
+weather is least propitious, and increased during those periods when it is
+most favourable. In the works of Nature we may ever learn a lesson of
+consistency, for they are perfect: they teach us that food is requisite to
+maintain the life of all those objects which are endowed with it; that
+that food must undergo a process both of digestion and assimilation, ere
+its purpose is fulfilled; and that each of these processes depend on the
+action of natural agents. In the vegetable kingdom, heat and fight as
+derived from a united source, are the agents appointed to bring about
+these results, and in order to ensure their proper action, they must both
+be present in a powerful degree: in artificial schemes of culture, we can
+command a supply of the one, but the other is not within our power; our
+consistency therefore depends on our applying so much of the one under our
+controul, as will secure the united action of it, with the existing degree
+of the other--consequently, _when light is absent, or deficient, heat
+should also be diminished; and when light is present and abundant, heat
+may safely be increased_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+ON THE ADMISSION OF AIR.
+
+
+The question of the admission of air, is one of some importance. It is an
+opinion, which was I believe first publicly brought forward by the late
+Mr. Knight, that an influx of a large volume of the external atmosphere,
+to the interior of forcing houses, is by no means requisite, and is often
+the source of very serious evils. Were it for no other reason, than that
+of avoiding the chilling influence of cold air on the tender tissue of
+plants growing in a high temperature, I should feel inclined to support
+such a view; but when there are facts sufficiently abundant, to prove,
+that plants do not themselves vitiate the air of such structures to an
+extent sufficient to render it unfit for their continued growth, or at
+least, that a sufficient interchange is constantly going on, without
+opening the sashes of a forcing house, the evidence appears to be
+overwhelming; and the necessity of continuing a practice so fraught with
+danger, and so frequently attended with disappointment, appears to be done
+away.
+
+The injury done to the tender foliage of plants in forcing houses, by
+contact with cold air, results from the increased capacity of air for
+moisture, as it become heated. When cold air is admitted to these
+structures, it cannot contain so great a quantity of aqueous matter, as it
+is capable of taking up when it becomes warmed: this increase of
+temperature, is soon in great measure, supplied to it, but rarely is a
+sufficient quantity of moisture, at the same time within its reach, to
+enable it to supply its increased capacity for aqueous matter: the
+consequence is, that on coming in contact with the foilage of the plants,
+which is of a succulent nature, and contains a great proportion of water,
+the warmed air continues to abstract a portion of moisture from the
+plants, until its capacity is satisfied; and hence the plants are robbed
+of their "life's blood." Besides this action, which is the cause of
+serious evil, the tissue itself is contracted and thereby injured, by
+reason of the degree of cold, which is at the first gush, liable to come
+in contact with the warm foliage. These remarks apply to cold air, when
+admitted in a large bulk, by opening the sashes; and when a draught is
+produced, by opening them, both at the back and front, and the top and
+bottom of the house.
+
+Deterioration of the air, by the action of the functions of the plants,
+could not take place, except in hermetically sealed structures: for by
+reason of the expansibility and elasticity of air, when it becomes at all
+heated, it not only gains egress, but also admission through the most
+minute crevices: that this interchange is sufficient to counteract any
+deteriorating influence which the plants might have on the internal air,
+with respect to their continued existence in it, is abundantly proved by
+the growth of plants in Ward's cases, from the interior of which the
+external air is excluded as fully as it possibly can be, without their
+being actually sealed: if therefore, any injurious effects result to
+plants, from their being cultivated in a close atmosphere, we must seek
+for the cause, in some other source, than the plants themselves. If any
+noxious qualities exist in the atmosphere of structures, to which the
+external air has not free ingress, they must result from some neglect or
+ignorance on our part, in suffering extraneous and unwholesome matters to
+accumulate in such situations, and there to decompose, and enter into
+combination with those gaseous bodies, which form the volume of the
+internal atmosphere of our plant structures. The existence of such
+extraneous matters, may indeed be traced to various sources; and they may
+be present, even when much vigilance is employed to prevent their
+accumulation; and therefore, as an inconceivably minute quantity,
+inappreciable to the senses, would frequently be sufficient to effect
+deterioration, it is possible that these impurities may often originate in
+sources which are least of all suspected. The decomposition of organic
+matter, whether animal or vegetable, may frequently be the source of
+injurious results in this respect; for although this is principally
+resolved into those elementary gases, which appear to form the basis of
+all created objects, yet there are other matters liberated, which may then
+enter into fresh combinations; and either this, or a disproportionate
+accumulation, even of these elementary bodies, may reasonably give rise to
+serious apprehension, and demand the exercise of discretion, in order to
+prevent them from becoming injurious. Besides this, these decomposing
+bodies, afford just the very state of things, which appears to be
+requisite to call into existence, and developement, a numerous phalanx of
+cryptogamic vegetables: not that such matters, can for a moment be
+rationally considered to generate, these _cellulares_; but that they
+afford a suitable pabulum, and medium of developement for those millions
+upon millions of sporules, which we may readily conceive to be dispersed
+in the atmosphere; and with which it may be teeming, though from their
+buoyancy and minuteness, they may float to us invisibly therein.
+
+The admission of the external air, by the ordinary process of opening the
+sashes of forcing houses, has been said to be unnecessary, or at least by
+no means important, in so far as the function of vegetable respiration is
+concerned, because the buoyancy of the air within all such structures,
+would enable it to escape in sufficient quantity through their openings
+and crevices, to counterbalance any thing like deterioration, which might
+by any means result from the vital action of the plant. The admission of
+external air, is also directly injurious to forced plants, during the
+winter and spring months, when a very material difference of temperature
+exists between it, and the internal volume, by contracting the vessels,
+impeding the circulation of the juices, and thereby checking the regular
+course of the growth of the plant. If these reasons fail to stamp it as a
+practice which ought not largely to be indulged in, it is further
+objectionable, as being productive of a prodigal expenditure of fuel:
+there can be little doubt but that generally speaking, a far greater
+quantity of fuel than is requisite, is expended in maintaining the
+temperature of forcing houses, solely from this cause; for the cold air
+when admitted, continues to abstract a portion of heat from the warmed
+air, until the temperature of both becomes equal, and consequently an
+increased application of fuel is requisite, in order to raise the newly
+admitted air to the same temperature as that which has been suffered to
+escape; and as the buoyancy of heated air is so great, an immense volume
+must necessarily rush out through a very small aperture, and thus there
+must also of necessity be an immense waste both of heat, and of fuel. A
+given portion of fuel, in its combustion, can give off but a certain
+proportionate ratio of heat, and if this is allowed unnecessarily to
+escape, the prodigality is self-evident. It is but a weak argument, which
+would seek to give to the admission of cold air, the office of regulating
+the temperature of plant houses; this ought to be effected by limiting the
+degree of heat _applied_, and not by attending to the _abstraction_ of
+that which had been previously administered with two lavish an hand.
+Besides the extravagance of such a course, the constitutional vigour and
+energy of the plants is at the same time sacrificed by undue excitement.
+The admission of cold air in large quantities, therefore, brings
+condemnation in its train, since it is unnecessary, and extravagant, as
+well as directly injurious.
+
+There are nevertheless some considerations which render the admission of
+air, when regulated and applied with discretion, an operation of
+importance to the health of plants: it is productive of beneficial
+effects in carrying off the noxious vapours, which may although unseen,
+and guarded against, still float in the atmosphere; and there can be
+little doubt that another beneficial influence which it exercises, results
+from the motion which is produced by a body of air changing its position,
+which probably promotes circulation, and increases the excitability of the
+plants.
+
+Since therefore a change of the volume of the atmosphere in plant houses,
+is productive of benefit, and the admission of a large body of cold air,
+is at the same time so decidedly objectionable, it is important, that in
+endeavouring to secure the benefits of the practice, the injuries which
+are liable to result, should if possible be avoided. The regulation for
+the admistion of air, which is described in the second chapter of this
+treatise, may be regarded as being of some importance in this respect, as
+well as in the provision which it includes, of supplying the heated air,
+with a due proportion of moisture.
+
+Physiologists tell us, that plants derive a considerable proportion of
+their food, directly from the atmosphere, by a process similar to the
+inhaling of animals; and that the substances thus derived, are carbonic
+acid, ammonia, and water, which contain the elements of organic matter in
+considerable proportions. The influence of the atmosphere is exerted
+beneficially, by its constituents entering into combinations with other
+matters, which are taken into the system by the roots, and spread out and
+exposed in the leaves: this exposure has so far the effect of altering the
+character of the substance carried up from the roots, that it is no longer
+a body of crude juice, but is undergoing a process of elaboration, and is
+being assimilated with the superincumbent tissue of the plant. There seems
+to be no reason why those particular gaseous bodies which plants
+appropriate to themselves from the atmosphere, should not to a great
+extent be supplied to them artificially, at such periods as it may be
+necessary, or desirable, to accelerate their growth, and induce a more
+perfect and mature developement. It has been already stated, that the most
+important of these aeriform bodies, are nitrogen, which plants derive from
+ammonia; and carbon, which they derive from carbonic acid gas, on the
+liberation of the oxygen, which is one of its constituents; neither of
+these, can however be appropriated, when in a free state, but only when in
+a state of combination, and forming either a gaseous or a fluid body. It
+is probable that nitrogen might be supplied to plants, through the medium
+of the atmosphere in an artificial manner, by placing within any
+structure, a portion of some of the volatile salts of ammonia, which
+latter being given off, would at once supply the demands of vegetation.
+Carbon might be applied, by the use of charcoal; and it is worthy of
+experiment how far the _combustion of charcoal_, in plant structures, by
+accelerating the formation of carbonic acid gas, may have a beneficial
+influence on vegetation. The use of charcoal as an ingredient in the soil,
+though doubtless partly, and perhaps principally mechanical, is
+nevertheless in all probability rendered advantageous in this very way;
+the slowness of its decomposition must however render the quantity
+applied, very homoeopathic in its nature.
+
+A series of experiments with the view of ascertaining the practicability
+of continually supplying to the atmosphere, those qualities which plants
+abstract from it, and of determining the manner, and the degree in which
+they should be applied, would be one of the most interesting and important
+matters, to which the minds of Horticultural reformers could possibly be
+directed; but it is most essential, to remember, at the same time, "that
+these are powerful agents, requiring much skill in their adaptation," and
+capable of effecting serious injury and disappointment, if
+indiscriminately applied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+ON THE GROWTH OF MELONS.
+
+
+It is barely possible to suppose any use to which a structure which during
+the winter season had been devoted to the growth of Cucumbers, could be so
+legitimately appropriated in the summer, as that of the growth of the
+finer Melons of Persia, Cashmere, and the East. The superiority of such as
+these, in every point of view, over those kinds, which have been long in
+cultivation, would be an ample recompense for the appropriation of such
+valuable space to their use; whilst in no other structure could the
+peculiarities of the treatment they require, be so fully complied with,
+and be rendered so completely under control, as in that under
+consideration.
+
+There are some peculiarities in the treatment of these Melons, to the
+consideration of which, it may be desirable to devote a brief space; the
+most important of these, are the composition of the soil, the application
+of moisture at the root, the regulation of atmospheric warmth, and also,
+of atmospheric moisture; in these particulars, they offer some differences
+to what has been previously stated, with reference to the Cucumber.
+
+The soil in which the Melon delights to grow, is one of a more compact
+texture than is usually regarded as applicable for the Cucumber: a
+suitable compost consists of the "top spit" from a loamy pasture, of a
+texture _rather adhesive_, and retaining the herbage and roots of the
+grass; this should be collected a few months before it is used, so that
+these vegetable substances may be in a _decaying_ state, and it should be
+broken roughly to pieces, but by no means sifted; to it, should be added,
+about one-fourth part of vegetable mould: the whole should be well
+incorporated, and, before using, should be placed in a situation where it
+may not be liable to become saturated by heavy rain; which would serve to
+destroy the free and open texture, which it is so desirable to retain.
+
+In the application of moisture to the soil, the structure which is
+described in a previous chapter, will be found to present facilities,
+which peculiarly adapt it for the growth of these plants. In Persia, and
+the neighbouring countries, where the Melon is so successfully grown, the
+ground is irrigated by means of numerous channels, which, from the
+limitation of their exposed surface, are not peculiarly adapted to supply
+atmospheric moisture; but are yet sufficiently numerous to secure the
+perfect irrigation of the soil, within the reach of the roots. The tubes
+or shafts, represented at (_n_) in the sketch referred to above, are
+intended to communicate directly with a layer of coarse open material,
+extending entirely over the top of the tank, and beneath the soil; by
+means of these a supply of water should be poured beneath the soil, which
+will thus keep that portion immediately about the young roots, in a
+constant and complete state of saturation, by means of the steam which
+will arise, in consequence of the heat from the tank. A uniformly warm,
+and a thoroughly moist soil, will be thus easily secured, which are two
+important points in the growth of Persian Melons. It must be recollected
+that these conditions for supplying moisture, are recommended only during
+the time of growing the plants, and swelling the fruit; but as these
+latter approach their maturity, the degree of moisture must of course be
+gradually diminished.
+
+In connection with this moistened and genial soil, the Melon has
+naturally the advantage also, of powerful sun heat, and intense light; and
+these are two conditions which it is indispensable should be supplied in
+artificial cultivation, as fully as they can possibly be obtained. It is
+by means of the moisture of the soil, that the plants are enabled to grow
+on rapidly and vigorously, because that moisture renders the food
+contained in the soil, soluble, and therefore available to the roots; but
+the elaboration and assimilation of this food depends on the degree of
+_light_ and _heat_ with which they are supplied: without these conditions,
+to convert the crude sap, by their united agency, into organic compounds,
+such as lignin, gum, starch, and sugar, and to induce their deposition,
+the fruit will indeed be formed--it will grow, and perhaps may even tempt
+the eye; but unless these chemical and vital changes have taken place in
+its constituent parts, the eye, as it frequently happens, will have been
+deceived; and instead of the palate being gratified by a mature and
+luscious fruit, it will find nothing but a tasteless mass of pulp. The
+plants, therefore, cannot, in our latitude, receive too intense a degree
+of solar heat, or of light.
+
+The same cause which renders the natural atmosphere of the Melon countries
+elevated in temperature, renders it also comparatively dry; the sun drinks
+up the moisture which is deposited near the surface, or which may rise to
+that position; and by an exceedingly powerful influence effectually
+prevents the accumulation of moisture about the exposed parts of the
+plants. The atmosphere is nevertheless not in an arid state; the
+evaporation from a well-moistened soil effectually prevents this from
+being the case, but the excessive heat also as effectually and continually
+prevents an undue accumulation of moisture in the atmosphere. The
+application of this fact, to artificial practice, is plain; a less amount
+of moisture artificially applied, in comparison with the temperature, must
+be permitted, than when the cultivation of those plants is attempted whose
+natural habitats are less strongly featured in this respect.
+
+Such considerations as these naturally force on us the conclusion, that it
+is vain to attempt the cultivation of this noble fruit, except during that
+portion of the year when the sun exerts his greatest power in our
+latitude. It is not because they cannot be induced to grow at any other
+period of the year, for the mere extension of vegetable tissue will go on,
+though the influence of the natural agents is but limited and feeble; but
+it is because maturity, perfect development, and, above all, the full
+assimilation of the sap, cannot take place sufficiently to ensure a good
+flavour in the fruit, except light and heat are not only unimpeded and
+constant, but powerful and united in their action.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+CONCLUDING REMARKS.
+
+
+I will here briefly recall attention to a most important point which the
+cultivator should continually keep in view: it is most important that he
+should _study Nature_; for if we may believe our senses, or place any
+confidence in overwhelming evidence, we may be certain that all the
+conditions we observe in a natural state of things, have been planned by
+an All-wise hand; and further, that a finite mind can never attempt with
+success, either to surpass or to dispense with any portion of that which
+an infinite being has ordained. "Order is Heaven's first law," and in
+whatever we may attempt to do, we shall not be wise, if we endeavour to
+effect our purpose by any means which may distort the fair proportions
+which unaided nature presents to our view. In cultivating plants,
+therefore, we should administer the conditions which are favourable to
+their growth and development, in somewhat the same proportions each to the
+other, in which they are naturally blended--not supplying one essential,
+in an undue manner, and, at the same time, neglecting others; for
+successful cultivation must ever depend upon the connection and influence
+of numerous circumstances upon each other, and can never be attained,
+unless these conditions are complied with, either designedly, or, as it
+often happens, by mere accident.
+
+Another point which it is important to keep in view, is that instructions
+should be studied, rather than copied, in their application to practice.
+No instructions can be given that should be blindly and implicitly
+followed. The circumstances under which plants are placed are varying
+every day, and even every hour, and, to be successful, horticultural
+practice must be varied also. It must, however, be varied according to
+principle. But even what are regarded as established laws and principles
+should not be heedlessly followed; to be truly successful, a man must not
+only be a practical enthusiast and a keen theorist; he must also be a
+skilful experimentalist: his experiments and their results, if carefully
+watched, deduced, recorded, and studied, will serve to guide him for the
+future.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+_On Heating, Ventilating or Aerating, and Covering._
+
+Since the publication of the first edition of this work in 1844, the views
+expressed in the second chapter, with reference to structures best adapted
+for Cucumber culture in the winter season, have met with much
+corroborative support. Respecting the questions of heating, ventilation,
+and covering, a few more words may be added.
+
+I have before recommended hot water tanks for supplying bottom heat, with
+attached pipes for the circulation of hot water to warm the atmosphere. I
+can see no reason for recommending any other arrangement now; for the
+experience of successive years goes to show that hot water, applied on
+sound principles, is, above all other means of heating, effective in its
+operation; and as to the question of expense, raised as an objection to it
+by some, it is sufficient to say, that, although one hot water apparatus
+may be fitted up in an expensive manner, another may be rendered perfectly
+successful in its operation, at the same time that it is extremely simple
+in its arrangements, and correspondingly inexpensive in its cost.
+
+A seeming error in the engraving, at p. 18, has been pointed out to me. In
+the description of the sketch it is stated that, "a series of pipes
+attached to the same boiler [which heats the tank] would supply the
+requisite heat to the atmosphere." The sketch itself shows these pipes to
+be considerably above the level of the water in the tank, and where they
+could not, consistently with the other arrangements, be thus employed.
+This may be explained thus:--the sketch was introduced rather for the
+purpose of illustrating certain proposed arrangements, as regards bottom
+heat and ventilation, than as furnishing an exact and detailed design for
+a model structure; and thus it happened that the pipes were merely shown
+to be placed at the front part of the house, to indicate that this was
+their proper relative position. There would be no practical difficulty in
+placing the pipes lower down, and nearly close to the front wall, so as to
+admit of the proposed connection; all that would be required to effect
+this, being to fix the slab, on which they rest--and which prevents the
+air from rushing upwards into the atmosphere of the house at this
+point--in a sloping position, instead of a horizontal one.
+
+The principle involved in the plan proposed for aëration or ventilation,
+is no doubt a sound one; and though the plan which is more particularly
+described may be modified and varied, yet it is believed to be efficient
+for its intended purpose.
+
+There can be no doubt that the admission of cold air to a structure in
+which tender plants are being forced, either during winter or early
+spring, is materially hurtful to the plants, in proportion to the
+tenderness of their constitution; and the Cucumber being, under those
+circumstances, a plant of a very tender and delicate nature, is especially
+susceptible of harm from this source. As a consequence resulting from this
+fact, there can be little hesitation in affirming that whatever fresh or
+external air it may be necessary to admit, during the period referred to,
+should be warmed before it reaches the plants, and in being warmed not
+burned, but supplied with the additional moisture its increased heat
+capacitates it to take up, and which, to be congenial to vegetation, it
+requires. This is provided for by the plan already recommended, where the
+cold air is made to pass through the tank containing the heated water
+which warms the soil. By a perfectly practicable modification of this
+arrangement, not only may this result be secured, but also the continual
+circulation of the internal atmosphere may at pleasure be assisted and
+accelerated, during the time when it might not be necessary to admit fresh
+air. This would be an additional advantage. The arrangement proposed to
+effect this, is to conduct the cold external air through a heated chamber
+containing the tanks--these latter being covered, but also admitting of
+being opened to any extent to supply moisture or steam in the proportion
+required. The cold air, after passing upwards through the chamber, escapes
+at the front of the house, and ascends to the upper part of the house,
+from whence it finds its way downwards near the back wall, and there again
+enters the chamber, through openings provided for the purpose. The
+circulation of the internal atmosphere would be thus facilitated and
+accelerated, even without the admission of any current of external air,
+for, of course, there is more or less of this kind of movement going on in
+the atmosphere, wherever and in whatever form a source of artificial heat
+is present. Another mode of combining internal atmospheric motion, with
+ventilation, and by which the cold air is warmed before it reaches the
+plants, has been practised with very marked success, in a vinery at
+Park-hill, Streatham, Surrey; and I have described it in the _Journal of
+the Horticultural Society_[1] as follows:--"This plan consists in passing
+a zinc pipe, thickly perforated with small holes, from end to end of the
+vinery, and exactly beneath the range of hot water pipes, which heat the
+structure. In the outer [end] wall, communicating with this perforated
+pipe by means of a kind of broad funnel, a register valve is fixed, by
+which the admission of air can be regulated with the utmost nicety, or the
+supply be shut off altogether: this valve is fixed a little below the
+level of the perforated pipe. The action of this contrivance was evident
+enough from the motion communicated to the foliage of the vines; and its
+effects were apparent in the unusually healthy and vigorous appearance
+they bore, until their period of ripening. In this case, sufficient
+moisture was kept up by syringing the walls and pipes, wetting the
+pathway, and by the use of evaporating troughs, placed on the metal pipes,
+and kept constantly filled with water."
+
+In another communication published in the work already quoted,[2] after
+alluding to the now well-known garden truism, that a comparatively low
+night temperature is indispensable to the maintenance of vigorous growth
+in plants of all kinds, I have advocated a more extended adoption of the
+practice of night covering hot houses, as a means of permitting the low
+night temperature required, and at the same time securing the plants
+against the extreme cold to which they would thus be sometimes liable.
+From the changeable nature of our climate, there is some difficulty in
+apportioning the degree of applied heat, so as to suit exactly the
+requirements of the plants in these respects; and it is especially
+difficult to maintain with certainty the low degree of night temperature
+which would be desirable, and at the same time avoid risking the safety of
+the plants, through a sudden declension of the temperature of the exterior
+air. At present this difficulty has to be met by extraordinary care on the
+part of the gardener, and often by serious encroachments on his proper
+time for study and for rest: even then sometimes without success. This end
+would be much more effectually and certainly secured by a _complete
+system_ of covering hot-houses and forcing-houses; and this plan would
+secure the further advantage of avoiding the undue stimulation of the
+plants by a then unnecessary amount of heat, applied solely to prevent the
+very evil which covering also prevents, namely, the risk of excessive cold
+during the night.
+
+The principle upon which a covering acts most efficiently, is that of
+enclosing a complete body or stratum of air exterior to the glass, this
+body of air being entirely shut away from the surrounding outer
+atmosphere. Air being a bad conductor of heat, the warmth of the interior
+is by this means prevented from passing to the exterior atmosphere; or, in
+other words, the exterior atmosphere, being prevented from coming in
+contact with the glass, cannot absorb from the interior any material
+proportion of its heat. To secure this advantage, however, the coverings
+_must_ be kept from contact with the glass, and they should extend on
+every side where the structure is formed of materials which readily
+conduct heat--such as glass or iron. The coverings should in fact form
+neither more nor less than _a close outer case_.
+
+One point connected with the application of these coverings, which I
+consider would constitute an improvement, and which, as far as I am aware,
+has never been acted on, is that of having them to fit so accurately as to
+exclude the external air (a matter of no difficulty in the degree
+required), and then to have a series of ventilators provided, to stand
+open during the night, whereby an interchange of the atmospheric volume
+would take place throughout the night, without exposing the plants to
+contact with cold air. The stagnation of the internal atmosphere would
+thus be prevented, in consequence of the interior air and the air between
+the glass and the covering being of different degrees of density, owing to
+their being differently charged with heat. By this plan, therefore, I
+conceive that direct benefit would accrue to the plants; and it would also
+materially assist in preserving that cooler--but not cold--night
+temperature, which the fear of injury from frost prevents from being more
+fully realised in ordinary cases.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+The annexed diagram represents one of the many ways in which this idea
+might be carried into practice. It will be understood that, as here shown,
+the side shutters and end shutters (the latter not indicated), fit into
+grooves, the upper groove being attached to iron pins, and thus fixed at a
+proper distance from the building, without obstructing the passage of air
+along the enclosed space; and that on the lower side being so fixed as to
+exclude the external air in that direction. The top or roof shutters also
+run into a groove along the ridge of the roof, and at the lower end fix
+close down to the top of the side shutters, fastening with a button. Each
+of the shutters should have a projecting fillet fixed on one side, so as
+to shut close over the adjoining one. The shutters themselves should of
+course be made of light frame-work, strengthened where necessary, with
+small iron rods. The material used for covering them may be the asphalte
+felt, now manufactured extensively for roofing purposes, or strong brown
+paper, coated with tar; the latter is used extensively in Germany for this
+purpose, and is found to be very durable and cheap; it is there even
+preferred to every other material.
+
+Though the covering of hot-houses has been already practised in some
+cases, I am not aware of any one having adopted a close covering with the
+view to facilitate ventilation or aëration during the night. It appears to
+me that the circulation of air, secured by the means here proposed, would
+have much influence in excluding cold, whilst at the same time it would
+prevent the interior from becoming too warm and close.
+
+
+_On Transplanting and the use of Turf Pots._
+
+I have, at p. 26, given what appear to me to be some of the principal
+reasons against the practice of transplanting, or planting out, Cucumber
+and other plants. When this is done after any quantity of roots are
+produced, some injury or check must be sustained during the process; and
+checks of this kind are opposed to the realisation of the greatest results
+within the shortest period, which of course is the great object in view.
+Where it is inconvenient to plant the seeds in the places the plants are
+intended to occupy, or to put out the young plants during the earliest
+period of their development, or where propagation by cuttings or layers,
+is adopted, and the plants of course have to be potted separately, so as
+to be in a removable state, the following simple plan may be adopted, and
+will be found to combine all the advantages and conveniences attending the
+use of pots, with the avoidance of the evils of transplantation, &c. The
+plan referred to, consists in the employment of turf or peat, so contrived
+as to supply the place of pots, and which of course at the time of
+planting is simply placed, along with the plant it contains, at once into
+the soil, without in the least disturbing the roots, which, growing
+through the substance of the turf, extend beyond it in all directions into
+the free soil provided for them. These turf pots are made of spongy,
+fibrous turf--whether loamy or peaty is not material, provided it is full
+of fibre, so as to admit of being readily traversed by the roots. The
+grassy surface is evenly removed, and the under-turves are cut three or
+four inches in thickness, and are then divided into squares of about three
+inches across. The centre of each of these little squares is taken out by
+means of an iron scoop, such as that represented in the annexed sketch;
+and this is then filled up with soil, and the plant, or seed, or cutting,
+or layer, inserted as if it were into an ordinary flower pot. It will be
+obvious that by this plan, every plant is independent and perfectly
+removable--thus securing the convenience of sowing or planting and rearing
+the plants in pots during their earliest stages: on the other hand, at the
+time of planting out permanently, the plant, turf, and all being set
+carefully into the soil, no check is sustained, because the roots remain
+undisturbed, and may, as they advance, penetrate through the turf into the
+prepared soil which surrounds them; in this way the advantages of sowing
+or planting at the very first in the position the plants are intended to
+occupy permanently, are secured.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+This plan of sowing seeds, or of planting young plants intended for
+transplantation, into pots made of turf, is not only applicable to
+cucumbers, but might be very extensively adopted in the case of annuals
+and half hardy plants raised in frames, during the spring, in large
+quantities for the flower garden. In these cases, however, as the quantity
+that could be reared within a given space would be an object, the turves
+should be as small as possible in their lateral dimensions--a bore of two
+inches and a half, with half an inch on each side, thus making the
+diameter three inches and a half, would be found convenient in this
+respect. For cucumbers, however, or when the plan was applied to any
+special object, a larger size might be employed, which would allow of the
+plants attaining a larger size before it would be necessary to place them
+in their permanent positions.
+
+
+_On Watering the Soil._
+
+In the diagram at p. 18, and the description of it at p. 20, I have
+indicated and recommended a plan of moistening the soil by pouring water
+down beneath the soil: this was to be done by the help of tubes provided
+for the purpose. The soil was supposed to rest on the top of the hot
+water-tank, which was to supply bottom heat; and immediately beneath the
+soil, a layer of open rubble was proposed to be placed, among which the
+water applied might find its way, and gradually moisten the superincumbent
+soil. Mr. Hunter, gardener at Mawley Hall, in detailing[3] his sixteen
+years' experience in tank-heating, has in great measure corroborated
+these views; and as his corroboration of the plan I have recommended,
+embodies some useful hints, I will quote the substance of his remarks:--"I
+had a pit erected, thirty-eight feet long, seven and a half wide, divided
+into four compartments, for growing melons and cucumbers, with a tank
+extending the whole length of the pit, six feet wide and six inches deep.
+Across this I put larch spars, and upon them turves, with the grassy side
+downwards, and on them the soil for the melons and cucumbers. The plants
+grew and did well for a time, but they were of short duration in
+comparison with the dung-bed. Instead of the moisture ascending through
+the soil as I expected, I found that the heat from the tank dried the
+turves and soil next to them as dry as dust, and that there was no such
+thing as obtaining a moist heat from hot water without the soil was in
+contact with it. Next year I put broken stones upon the spars, and turves
+upon them, and made my arrangements so that I could occasionally run water
+in the tank to wet the turves and the soil next them. This was an
+improvement; and I went on prosperously for some years, till the spars
+began to decay. I then had iron bars put across, and two of the
+compartments covered with squares, a foot in diameter, and one inch thick;
+the other two with slates; both slates and squares jointed with Roman
+cement, to prevent the soil from getting into the tank, as I had found the
+inconvenience of it when using the spars. I put some broken stones upon
+the covers, and turves upon them, and then the soil. Here my original
+difficulty occurred; the soil next the covers got too dry, and to moisten
+it from above was impracticable, without making the soil a complete
+puddle, which would have stopped the healthy growth of the plants. To
+remedy this, I put six small earthen pipes into each division, the one end
+resting upon the tank covers, the other standing up above the soil. When I
+found by the watch sticks that the soil was getting dry, I poured water
+down the pipes through a tin funnel which I had made on purpose; this
+spread itself over the surface of the tank covers, and diffused a gentle
+moisture to the soil, so congenial to the growth of plants. This was a
+move in the right direction. I then thought that it would be better to
+pour the manure water down upon the tank covers, which I have done since.
+I found the broken stones over the tank covers troublesome; they were also
+a harbour for wood-lice. I now use only a layer of leaves next the covers,
+and they are cleared out with the soil."
+
+
+_On Atmospheric Humidity._
+
+Cucumbers cannot at any time be successfully grown in an arid atmosphere,
+although, during the winter season, they require a much less proportion of
+atmospheric humidity, than under the influence of longer days and brighter
+light; and conversely, the degree which would be necessary to secure their
+welfare in summer, would be fatal to them in winter. An experienced
+gardener would tell almost instinctively, at either season, whether a
+sufficient supply was present or not; but less experienced cultivators
+would need some index, or register, to guide them. Such an index is
+afforded by the hygrometer; but most of the kinds of hygrometers are
+delicate instruments, and hardly suited for garden use. What is needed in
+this case is, not an instrument which requires minute observations and
+calculations, but something that will at once indicate the atmospheric
+humidity as plainly as the thermometer does the temperature, and which
+may be as easily read off and understood. Simmons' hygrometer, recently
+introduced to the notice of horticulturists, professes to supply this
+desideratum; and though, perhaps, not a sufficiently accurate instrument
+for purely scientific purposes, yet, as simply and clearly indicating what
+is at least an approximation to the existing degree of atmospheric
+humidity, it is to be regarded as a useful garden hygrometer. By it, the
+degree of dryness or humidity is indicated on a dial-plate, by means of a
+moveable arm resembling the hand of a clock. The dial-plate is marked off
+into degrees, expressing the amount of moisture in the air, between what
+is observed when the instrument is plunged in water on the one hand, and
+exposed to excessive dryness on the other. As my own experience of this
+instrument, though favourable to its use, is still but limited, I cannot
+do better than introduce here the following remarks of Mr. Beck, of
+Isleworth, a very successful cultivator of plants, and one who has had
+considerable experience in the use of these instruments. It will be
+observed that Mr. Beck's standard for the orchid-house will be about
+suitable for cucumbers.[4] Mr. Beck observes,--"The skilful gardener,
+observing the pointer to advance with dryness and return with moisture,
+will soon form a standard for himself, by which to regulate his stove,
+greenhouse, &c.; still some general scale is desirable. Two conditions
+must be carefully observed:--1. The instrument must neither be hung in the
+sun, nor where it will be liable to get wetted or saturated. 2. It must
+not be subjected to greater heat than is suited to vegetable life. For the
+six months commencing with August and ending with January, 40 deg. in,
+the morning, increasing to 60 deg. about noon, and declining again to 40
+deg. at night, is about the right scale for the orchid-house; whilst a
+range from 50 deg. to 80 deg. would be suitable for both the stove and
+greenhouse in those months. In the other half year, February and July
+inclusive, 30 deg. to 40 deg., morning and evening, running up to 80 deg.
+in the middle of the day for the orchid-house; 40 deg. and 50 deg., and up
+to 70 deg. for the stove; and 50 deg. to 80 deg. for the greenhouse, will
+prove very suitable. The above scale is desirable, but I do not say it is
+always attainable. Ours is an uncertain climate; sometimes a dry east wind
+will almost parch us up; at other times a southerly one, with wet, will
+cause a superabundance, which will have to be corrected, possibly by a
+gentle fire, and a free admission of air. The alteration hereby effected
+in the atmosphere of the houses will soon be evidenced by the hygrometer,
+and mildew and fogging off be kept at a distance. Opposed to an excess of
+moisture in the dull months of the year, is the dryness consequent on the
+summer and autumnal sunshine. Then, during the heat of the days, the
+instrument will seem to have run wild. Throwing water on the floors of the
+houses, and every means of increasing the amount of moisture, seems but of
+little or temporary avail; Simmons will go up, spite of all, to 90 deg. or
+100 deg., and none the worse either, for it is still a faithful indicator,
+and as sure as the day declines, and the heat of the sun is withdrawn, so
+will it come back to a suitable point, when the plants are watered and the
+floors are wetted for the night. Remembering then, the variableness of our
+climate, I candidly admit that I consider any precise directions of very
+little value. None can be given that shall be implicitly followed, or on
+which success shall certainly attend. Horticultural practice should be
+made dependant upon ever-varying circumstances."
+
+Mr. Belville, of the Royal Observatory, has constructed the following
+Table, from a series of observations made with Simmons' hygrometer in
+connexion with the dew point, as obtained by a Mason's hygrometer, or a
+dry and wet thermometer.
+
+  +------------------------------------------------------------------+
+  |  Range            Mean   |                                       |
+  |of Simmons'    Humidity of|                                       |
+  |Hygrometer.       the Air.|                                       |
+  +--------------------------|                                       |
+  | 20° to  30°        1·00  |Extreme saturation; air precipitates   |
+  |                          | moisture at a fall of temperature.    |
+  | 30  ..  40         0·96  |                                       |
+  | 40  ..  50         0·89  |                                       |
+  | 50  ..  60         0·81  |                                       |
+  | 60  ..  70         0·77  | }                                     |
+  | 70  ..  80         0·72  | }Ordinary fine dry weather.           |
+  | 80  ..  90         0·67  | }                                     |
+  | 90  .. 100         0·59  |                                       |
+  |100  .. 120         0·50  | Air contains one half of the moisture |
+  |                          |  it is capable of holding in solution;|
+  |                          |  in England very dry weather.         |
+  +--------------------------+---------------------------------------+
+
+     Example:--Suppose hygrometer read 45°, the mean humidity
+     corresponding is 93. Again, if hygrometer read 90°, the mean humidity
+     corresponding is 59°.
+
+
+_Mushrooms._ (See p. 22.)
+
+Convenience for growing mushrooms may always be planned in a cucumber
+house; and as these excellent fungi are universally approved, it may be
+useful to append an epitome of the mode in which they should be
+cultivated.
+
+The best, or, at least, most convenient situation for the bed, would be
+beneath that provided for the cucumber plants (see p. 18). The front may
+be formed of two course of brick-on-edge, and if divisions are required,
+they should be formed in the same way. The bottom should be made even, and
+rendered dry. The material for forming the bed itself consists of short
+stable litter, with horse-droppings, but chiefly the latter, brought to a
+certain state of fermentation. The droppings and litter should be obtained
+daily from the stable, until enough for a bed is collected; it should,
+from day to day, be thrown up into a flattish heap, in a dry place, where
+it will ferment very slightly. As soon as enough is got together to begin
+to ferment, the heap must be turned over; and in these turnings, the outer
+and inner parts of the heap, as well as the fresh and the fermenting, must
+be well mixed up together; the heaps should be turned every second day,
+and should never be made large, or else the dung would become both too hot
+and too dry, either of which would spoil it. To avoid this, the heaps
+should be flat and shallow, with as much outside as possible; in this way
+the air, acting on a considerable portion of it, renders it rather dry,
+and checks too rapid fermentation. This preparation must be continued
+until the whole mass is brought to an uniform mild, dryish state of
+fermentation. Then the bed may be made in the following manner:--About
+three inches of the prepared dung is laid evenly over the bottom, and is
+beaten down firmly with a flat heavy wooden mallet. Another layer is then
+put on in the same way, and this is repeated until the bed is formed to a
+thickness of about six inches. The next two inches of the dung should have
+about a sixth part of light turfy loam reduced to mould, and sifted, mixed
+with it to give it body. The bed is now prepared, and is to be spawned as
+soon as it is seen that it does not heat violently. The heat ought not to
+exceed 90 degrees: if it reaches higher than this, holes must be made, a
+few inches apart, to let the heat pass off, and in a day or two these may
+be filled up again. The spawn is to be put in when the heat ranges about
+75 degrees; lumps of spawn about as large as a small egg may be used; a
+hole should be made with the fingers about two inches deep, the spawn
+inserted, and the material of the bed closed about it. Probably by this
+time there will be no danger of overheating, and if so, the soil may be
+put on; if, however, there is any inclination to overheat, wait till it
+has passed off before putting on the soil. The soil used should be
+decomposed turfy loam, moderately dry, so as to bear compression without
+running together like paste, but damp enough to become firm, close, and
+even, when beaten closely. About two inches in thickness should be put on,
+and this is to be beaten down quite firm and close. The beds are then
+finished. It is as well to cover the surface with a thin layer of short
+hay, to prevent it becoming quite dry. Mushroom beds seldom require water;
+after they have been some time in bearing, the beds sometimes get dry, and
+in such cases, if they have a moderate soaking of _tepid_ water, and the
+surface is covered as before, a new crop will spring up. The covering is
+best removed when the beds are in bearing. It is seldom advisable to apply
+water when the beds are coming into bearing. Water should never be used in
+any other than a tepid state.
+
+Mushrooms are most prized in the summer, though the atmosphere of a
+cucumber-house would not then be suitable for them, unless the space about
+them could be closed in, so as to retain a close, somewhat humid
+atmosphere. They would succeed very well without being enclosed, during
+the season for forcing cucumbers.
+
+Under the treatment which has been detailed, the beds would usually come
+into bearing in about six weeks from the time of spawning; and, under
+favourable circumstances, would continue in bearing for two or three
+months.
+
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[1] The Journal of the Horticultural Society of London, vol. I. p. 114.
+
+[2] Ib. vol. II. p. 29.
+
+[3] Gardener's Journal, 1847, p. 339.
+
+[4] Gardener's Chronicle 1847.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.
+
+The following misprints have been corrected:
+  "influenee" corrected to "influence" (page 21)
+  "circumstauces" corrected to "circumstances" (page 32)
+  "analagous" corrected to "analogous" (page 36)
+  "shonld" corrected to "should" (page 36)
+  "distributiug" corrected to "distributing" (page 40)
+  "appropaiated" corrected to "appropriated" (page 55)
+  "conditious" corrected to "conditions" (page 72)
+
+Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies in
+spelling and hyphenation usage have been retained.
+
+Punctuation has been corrected without note.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Theory and Practice, Applied to the
+Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season, by Thomas Moore
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Theory and Practice, Applied to the
+Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season, by Thomas Moore
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Theory and Practice, Applied to the Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season
+       To Which Is Added a Chapter on Melons
+
+Author: Thomas Moore
+
+Release Date: June 14, 2010 [EBook #32818]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CULTIVATION OF THE CUCUMBER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive.)
+
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+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>THEORY AND PRACTICE,</h2>
+<h4>APPLIED TO THE</h4>
+<h3>CULTIVATION</h3>
+<h4>OF</h4>
+<h1>THE CUCUMBER,</h1>
+<h4>IN THE</h4>
+<h3>WINTER SEASON:</h3>
+<h4>TO WHICH IS ADDED,</h4>
+<h3>A CHAPTER ON MELONS:</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By</span> THOMAS MOORE,</h3>
+<h4>MEMBER OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center">SECOND EDITION,</p>
+<p class="center">WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING REMARKS ON HEATING<br />
+AERATING, AND COVERING FORCING HOUSES; ON<br />
+TRANSPLANTING, AND THE USE OF TURF<br />
+POTS; ON WATERING; ON ATMOS-<br />
+PHERIC HUMIDITY, &amp;c., &amp;c.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center">LONDON:<br />RICHARD GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS,<br />5 PATERNOSTER ROW.<br /><br />MDCCCXLVII.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center">LONDON:<br />PRINTED BY DAVID M. AIED<br />JAMES ST., COVENT GARDEN.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.</h2>
+
+<p>This little treatise is intended as an inducement to young Gardeners
+especially, to seek for the reasons on which the operations of their daily
+practice are founded, and by which they are regulated. This announcement
+is here made, in order to prevent any reader from supposing that the
+author has unduly estimated the opinions of those who have benefited by a
+long course of application and experience. As, however, there can be no
+doubt that there is much to be learned, so is there but little question
+that there is also much to be unlearned, in the present state of the
+Science of Horticulture; and these pages are offered without hesitation,
+as a mite among the accumulating mass of available information on
+gardening subjects; and in the hope that some amongst those who are
+seeking to extend their knowledge, may at least be stimulated by their
+perusal, if they are not otherwise directly benefited.</p>
+
+<p>The great truths which it is the object of this treatise to impress, are
+these: that the ultimate success of gardening operations does not depend
+on the performance of any part of them, at a particular time, or in a
+particular or even superior manner, but rather upon the supplying, in a
+natural manner, as far as possible, <i>all the conditions</i> which are
+necessary to the nutrition and perpetuation of plants; and, that it is
+within the open pathway of Science, and not the bye-ways of empiricism,
+that the finger-post of direction should be sought.</p>
+
+<p>Royal Botanic Garden, Regent&#8217;s Park,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">March 2nd, 1844.</span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>TO THE SECOND EDITION.</h2>
+
+<p>In the present edition, it has been thought best to preserve the original
+text exactly as it appeared in the first edition. The new matter will be
+found in the Appendix.</p>
+
+<p>The author may take this opportunity of returning his thanks to those who
+have noticed and commended the former edition, and of expressing a hope
+that the present will receive an equal share of favour.</p>
+
+<p>Camden Town, Aug. 1, 1847.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<table width="70%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" summary="contents">
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_I"><span class="smcap">Chap. I.</span></a></td><td align="right"><span class="smcaplc">PAGE</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Botanical name, and affinities of the Cucumber&mdash;properties&mdash;foreign names&mdash;improvements in cultivation</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_II"><span class="smcap">Chap. II.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Structures&mdash;dung beds&mdash;brick pits&mdash;forcing houses&mdash;gutter
+system of heating&mdash;the tank system&mdash;bottom heat&mdash;description
+of Cucumber house&mdash;aspect&mdash;position&mdash;angle&mdash;covering</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_III"><span class="smcap">Chap. III.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">by cuttings&mdash;early fruitfulness&mdash;preservation of varieties&mdash;layers&mdash;objections
+to cuttings and layers&mdash;seeds&mdash;disadvantages&mdash;progressive growth&mdash;seed sowing</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_IV"><span class="smcap">Chap. IV.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">General principles of culture&mdash;importance of light&mdash;pruning and training</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_V"><span class="smcap">Chap. V.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Composition of the soil&mdash;heath soil&mdash;leaf mould&mdash;preparation of soil&mdash;charcoal&mdash;manures&mdash;liquid manures</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_VI"><span class="smcap">Chap. VI.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Application of water to the soil&mdash;special conditions&mdash;atmospheric
+moisture&mdash;insects&mdash;mildew&mdash;canker&mdash;mode of watering</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_VII"><span class="smcap">Chap. VII.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Regulation of temperature&mdash;principles to be kept in view&mdash;day and night temperature&mdash;deductions</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_VIII"><span class="smcap">Chap. VIII.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Admission of air&mdash;effect of cold air on tender plants&mdash;deterioration&mdash;evils
+resulting from unguarded atmospheric changes&mdash;mode of admitting air&mdash;atmospheric influence on vegetation&mdash;nitrogen&mdash;carbon</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_IX"><span class="smcap">Chap. IX.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Growth of Persian Melons in summer&mdash;peculiarities of treatment&mdash;soil&mdash;watering&mdash;solar heat&mdash;light</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><a href="#Chap_X"><span class="smcap">Chap. X.</span></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Conclusion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr></table>
+
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+<h2>TREATISE.</h2>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2><a name="Chap_I" id="Chap_I"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. I.</span></h2>
+<h3>INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.</h3>
+
+<p>The Cucumber, <i>Cucumis sativa</i>, is supposed to be a native of the East
+Indies; but like many other of our culinary plants, the real stations
+which it naturally has occupied, are involved in obscurity: in habit it is
+a trailing herb, with thick fleshy stems, broadly palmate leaves, and
+yellow axillary mon&aelig;cious flowers. In the natural arrangement of the
+vegetable kingdom, the genus of which it forms part, ranks in the first
+grand class, <i>Vasculares</i>, or those plants which are furnished with
+vessels, and woody fibre; in the sub-class <i>Calyciflor&aelig;</i>, or those in
+which the stamens are perigynous; and in the order <i>Cucurbitace&aelig;</i>, or that
+group, of which the genus <i>Cucurbita</i>, or Gourd family is the type.</p>
+
+<p>The affinities of this order, are chiefly with <i>Loasace&aelig;</i>, and
+<i>Onagrace&aelig;</i>; with the former it agrees in its inferior unilocular fruit,
+having a parietal placent&aelig;, and with the latter, in its definite
+perigynous stamens, single style, and exalbuminous seeds. It has also some
+affinity with <i>Passiflorace&aelig;</i>, and <i>Papayace&aelig;</i>, in the nature of the
+fruit, and with <i>Aristolochiace&aelig;</i>, in its twining habit, and inferior
+ovarium. M. Auguste St. Hiliare, also regards it as being related to
+<i>Campanulace&aelig;</i>, in the perigynous insertion of the stamens, the single
+style with several stigmas, the inferior ovarium, and in the quinary
+division of the floral envelope, in connection with the ternary division
+of the fruit.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>The properties of the plants comprised in this natural family, are not
+numerous; a bitter laxative quality pervades many of them, a familiar
+example of which is the resinous substance called Colycinthine, the
+production of the Colocynth gourd, in which the active purgative principle
+is concentrated, rendering it drastic, and irritating. Among our native
+plants the roots of <i>Bryonia dioica</i>, in common with the perennial roots
+of all the plants in the order, possess these purgative properties. On the
+other hand, the seeds are sweet, yielding an abundant supply of oil; and
+it may be worthy of remark, that they never partake of the properties of
+the pulp with which they are surrounded in the fruit.</p>
+
+<p>The Cucumber does not possess the properties common to the order, in very
+powerful degree; its fruit is however too cold for many persons, causing
+flatulency, diarrh&oelig;a, and even cholera; by others, it may be eaten with
+avidity, without producing any injurious effects.</p>
+
+<p>The names by which the Cucumber is recognised by the Hindoos, are
+<i>Ketimon</i>, and <i>Timou</i>. In the French, it is called <i>Concombre</i>; in the
+German, <i>Gurke</i>; and in the Italian, <i>Citriuolo</i>. As a cultivated plant,
+it is of nearly equal antiquity with the Vine; being mentioned by the
+writer of the Pentateuch, as being cultivated extensively in Egypt, above
+3000 years since.</p>
+
+<p>The cultivation of this plant, and the production of fine fruit at an
+early season, is an object of emulation among gardeners of the present
+day; and from this cause, many important improvements in the mode of its
+cultivation have been effected. The vast increase of means, arising from
+an acquaintance with powerful agents, formerly unknown, which are
+available by the present and rising races of gardeners, enable them to
+secure the same important results which cost their predecessors much both
+of labour and anxiety, with a comparatively small amount of the former,
+and a degree of certainty at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> which they could never arrive. The agents
+which an enlightened age has brought under controul, are indeed powerful
+engines, which require much skill in their adaptation and management; but
+the knowledge necessary to effect this, is so firmly and inseparably
+connected with the first principles of cultivation, that an acquaintance
+with these, will at all times supply a safe and unerring guide to their
+application.</p>
+
+<p>It is to assist the young gardener in this application of principles, to
+the growth of the Cucumber in the winter season, that these pages are
+designed; and of those who may differ from the opinions which are here
+expressed, it is only required that they should receive a calm and
+deliberate consideration&mdash;a consideration unbiassed by prejudice, and
+unmixed with any of that feverish excitement after novelties, which with
+gardeners, as well as with all other classes of society, is becoming far
+too prevalent, and intense.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<h2><a name="Chap_II" id="Chap_II"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. II.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE STRUCTURES ADAPTED FOR THE GROWTH OF CUCUMBERS.</h3>
+
+<p>I will preface the following remarks on the structures adapted for the
+growth of Cucumbers, by stating, that a forcing house, a pit, and a common
+frame, present the means of bringing this fruit to its perfection,
+equally, one with the other, provided that a course of cultivation
+suitable to the structure, is followed out; the comparative merits of
+each, depend not so much on the nature of the results which may be
+obtained by adopting them, as on the facilities they afford for the
+attainment of those results.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>The use of the common frame, and the ordinary hotbed of fermenting manure,
+nevertheless involves these difficulties:&mdash;the fermentation is liable to
+become excessive, and that in a very rapid manner, and also to decline as
+rapidly; the heat, when declining, cannot be speedily restored in
+unpropitious weather; it is materially checked in its action, by that
+particular state of the weather, which renders its efficient action most
+essential; it involves almost an infinitude of labour; and after all, it
+is uncertain in its action: when such difficulties as these, are overcome,
+Cucumbers can be grown to perfection, on dung beds, assisted by the common
+garden frame and sash.</p>
+
+<p>The brick pit, when heated by fermenting manure, presents difficulties of
+the same nature with the preceeding, though in a less powerful degree: but
+when these structures are heated by means of hot water, in any of its
+various modes of application, there need be no irregularity, nor
+uncertainty in its action; because the supply of the elements of vegetable
+developement, and of the agents by whose aid they are applied, may, to a
+very great extent, go on uninterruptedly.</p>
+
+<p>A forcing house, whilst it secures all the advantages which are presented
+by a pit, combines with these, some important points which are peculiarly
+its own: by adopting a pit, we provide a structure of which Cucumbers
+manifest their approval, by thriving equally as well as in their more
+ancient location on a dung bed; but further than this, a pit enables us to
+dispense with much of the labour, and all the filth, and the uncertainty
+which are consequent on the use of fermenting manure as a means of keeping
+up the temperature in which they are grown. In a small forcing house,
+besides these advantages being secured, all the operations of care and
+culture, can be performed just when they become necessary, without
+exposing the tender foliage of plants which have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> submitted to an
+artificially elevated temperature, to the chilling influence of cold air,
+which is admitted whenever the sashes of an ordinary frame or of a pit,
+are opened, in order to bestow these necessary attentions. It may be urged
+that a dung bed has still the advantage, on the ground of economy; but
+when a fair calculation is made of labour and loss or anxiety on the one
+hand, and of duration on the other, such an assumption, will be quite
+untenable. Neatness, convenience, certainty, and economy, are the
+principal points of advantage which are gained by the adoption of pits
+heated by means of hot water, over those of a structure, depending for its
+supply of heat, on the aid of fermenting masses; whilst the attainment of
+a still greater degree both of convenience, and of certainty, which may be
+secured by cultivation in forcing houses, point out at once the advantages
+which render such houses, preferable to pits.</p>
+
+<p>The application of the gutter system of heating, was not long since
+thought to be an improvement of great importance, and there can be no
+question but that it affords a means of regulating the moisture of the
+atmosphere of hothouses, in conjunction with the temperature, which prior
+to its introduction had not been attained; and as such, it is worthy of
+extensive adoption: it requires however some judgement in its adaptation
+to particular structures, and to render, it suitable, to effect any
+particular object for which it may be employed.</p>
+
+<p>The tank system as a means of applying bottom heat, employed either in
+conjunction with the gutters, or with ordinary piping, to supply heat to
+the atmosphere, is the most important advance which has hitherto been made
+towards supplying the wants of those plants, which require such peculiar
+aid; and with reference to the Cucumber, it may be regarded as furnishing
+a new era in its cultivation.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, has always
+been well known by its practical effects. The mean temperature of the
+soil, at a slight distance below the surface, is universally above that of
+the superincumbent air; and consequently some degree of bottom heat is
+always supplied to plants, in a state of nature. Naturally, by means of
+subterraneous heat, and also by the absorption of the sun&#8217;s rays during
+the time they are forcibly directed towards the earth, it possesses the
+means whereby any material degree of cold at the roots of plants is
+prevented; and when the soil is acted on by the unveiled sun of an eastern
+sky, we cannot but feel certain, that even a considerable amount of heat
+must be experienced: hence arises the importance of taking advantage of
+every ray of sun which our climate affords, when the culture of the
+Cucumber, or of any native of warmer latitudes, is attempted out of doors
+in this country; and also of using every possibly available means of
+increasing rather than diminishing the temperature of the soil: and hence
+too, in forcing not only the Cucumber, but also every other plant which
+requires to be submitted to a confined atmosphere, and an elevated
+temperature, arises the necessity of providing such a degree of warmth at
+the root, as may tend to keep its vital powers in a vigorous state of
+action; it will effect this, by acting in conjunction with moisture, as a
+solvent of the food which is primarily contained in the soil in a solid
+form, but can only be taken up by the capillary action of the spongioles
+of the roots, when converted into a fluid state. The science of Chemistry
+has taught us that the ingredients composing the soil, act on, and
+dissolve, and combine with each other in various ways, sometimes being
+simply dissolved and held in solution, and at other times, entering into
+new combinations, and forming new compounds; but in all cases, the natural
+agents, heat and moisture, are necessary to produce these results, and to
+present to the tender roots of plants, food<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> so duly prepared, as to be
+fit for their assimilation. Warmth in the soil, acts beneficially also, by
+preventing the sudden or undue interruption of the excitability of plants
+growing in it, which would be likely to result from the lowering of the
+temperature of the plants by evaporation, were it not for the action of
+the antagonist force, existing in and exercised by the heated soil, which
+heat, is communicated to, and absorbed by the plants.</p>
+
+<p>It may be regarded as an established and universal rule, that all plants
+require the soil, and the atmosphere in which they are cultivated, to
+correspond with the natural circumstances under which they flourish; and
+as it has been repeatedly ascertained that the soil is naturally a degree
+or two above the temperature of the atmosphere, we have certain and
+unerring data for the application of bottom heat, and no more powerful
+evidence than this can be desired, to condemn at once the application of a
+<i>very powerful degree of heat</i>, at the roots of plants.</p>
+
+<p>The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, being a
+practical fact established beyond question, another consideration arises
+as to the best means of producing it, and of regulating its application.
+Various substances and materials have been submitted to a process of
+fermentation, and so employed to effect it: stable manure, tanner&#8217;s bark,
+and the leaves of trees, are among the principal of these materials, and
+either of them will supply just what the plants require, as truly as these
+wants can be supplied by any other means; but from their very nature, they
+are violent, and fluctuating, and ephemeral in their action, and setting
+aside the labour which the employment of them necessarily involves, we
+have in these particulars, the special points in which the tank system of
+applying bottom heat far excels them: it is uniform, and constant, in its
+action; there need be no apprehension of the soil becoming overheated, for
+the source whence it derives its warmth ought never to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> boil; neither need
+there be any fear of its decline, or of a want of power, for when once
+thoroughly heated, a body of water will part with it in such a manner,
+that a very little attention to the fire, and a very little expenditure of
+fuel, will maintain its temperature for an almost incredible length of
+time; and as to power, it never should for a moment form a question,
+because a powerful degree of bottom heat ought never to be applied: a
+close attention for one or two hours during the twenty four which form a
+day, will maintain any apparatus in an effective state of action, if it is
+properly erected. How different is this, to what has been in days now
+past! when in rigorous weather, with the heat of his dung bed declining,
+the cultivator knew that at the peril of his crop, he scarcely dared to
+attempt to revive it, without involving a more serious because an
+accelerated evil; at any rate, if at an immense sacrifice of labour, his
+dung casings were replenished piece by piece, he knew too well, that often
+many days would elapse, before their action would be efficient and
+satisfactory, unless indeed an unlimited supply of materials, were in a
+constant state of preparation. By means of the tank, a fire could be
+lighted up, and the required effect produced in as many hours, as days
+would have been formerly required.</p>
+
+<p>What has been already advanced, tends to the conclusion, that small
+forcing houses are preferable, and in the end more economical than pits
+and dung beds; and that the tank as a means of supplying bottom heat, is
+preferable to the use of fermenting materials; <i>because the results in
+each case, are more perfectly under controul</i>. Whilst on this part of the
+subject, I may be allowed to mention an error which is somewhat prevalent:
+We frequently hear of the humid nature of the heat given off by hot water
+pipes, in comparison with that derived from such appliances, as a flue; it
+is not unfrequently asserted, that the heat thus derived is so moist, so
+genial, so peculiarly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> adapted to plants: there can be no doubt but that
+the heat thus obtained is infinitely preferable to that obtained through
+the medium of flues, generally speaking; but its superiority consists
+rather in its purity, its freeness from noxious gasses, than in its
+possessing a greater degree of moisture. Heat&mdash;that is&mdash;caloric, is the
+same, whatever may be the medium by which it may be conducted; and in the
+case of hot water pipes, they give off that which has been conducted to
+them by the water, directly from the fire, the water acting as a mere
+conductor; it is difficult to conceive any thing more thoroughly devoid of
+moisture than the heat thus communicated: let any one who doubts this,
+place a damp cloth on a series of hot water pipes when in action, and the
+result will soon work conviction. With these general remarks, I will
+proceed to describe the kind of structure which I regard as being
+peculiarly adapted to the growth of Cucumbers; and notice some of the
+conditions which it is necessary to keep in view: the engraving on the
+next page, represents such a structure.</p>
+
+<p>The aspect of the Cucumber house, should be nearly S.S.E; or in other
+words&mdash;it should be so regulated between the points south and east, that
+whilst the rays of the sun will be admitted as fully and as early as
+possible in the morning, there may be no obstruction offered to their more
+powerful action as that body approaches the meridian. In the growth of all
+tender plants, light and sun heat are required during the winter months as
+well as in summer, and there can be no greater error as regards the
+erection of structures devoted to such purposes, than to provide for their
+admitting the direct rays of the sun in the earlier part of the day, at
+the expense of refracting and thereby weakening, to a greater degree than
+is really unavoidable, the power of the noon-tide rays of that
+invigorating and life-sustaining agent: during the summer months, though
+plants then require both light<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> and sun heat, yet the case is different;
+the sun&#8217;s rays have then much greater power, and it is found that their
+influence is sufficient, without at all times admitting them directly on
+the plants growing in these artificial atmospheres.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_017tmb.jpg" alt="" /><br />
+<a href="images/i_017.jpg"><small>Larger Image</small></a></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>The position of the Cucumber house, with reference to the ground line,
+must be determined by local circumstances; if the situation and sub-soil
+be dry, it may be carried below the surface in the manner represented in
+the annexed engraving, of which (<i>a</i>) is the ground line,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> (<i>b</i>) the
+pathway, and (<i>c</i>) the lowest point excavated: the same course may be
+adopted if the soil, though not naturally so dry as this, can be rendered
+so by thorough drainage; but when the ground does not admit of perfect
+drainage, the structure must be sufficiently elevated to avoid the risk of
+injury from the dampness of the locality.</p>
+
+<p>The angle of elevation is not, as it is sometimes asserted to be, a point
+of indifference, though mathematical accuracy is certainly by no means
+required: in the annexed engraving, the angle of the roof is about 55&deg;,
+this provides for the admission of the sun&#8217;s rays in the winter months,
+when his position is comparatively low in the horizon, to a much greater
+extent than could take place if a more ordinary slope were adopted. A
+still more elevated pitch would doubtless effect this object in a still
+more perfect manner; but would not be equally applicable to the
+requirements from a permanent structure, which would be wanted for summer
+as well as winter use.</p>
+
+<p>A reference to the sketch, will at once shew the general nature of the
+internal arrangements. There should be a tank (<i>d</i>) supported by brick
+piers (<i>p</i>) in which a circulation of heated water would supply a genial
+warmth to the soil above, and to the roots of the plants growing in the
+soil; this tank should be heated by a small boiler, conveniently placed
+with reference to adjacent arrangements; a series of iron pipes (<i>e</i>)
+attached to the same boiler, would supply the requisite heat to the
+atmosphere. It may perhaps be thought that the application of the gutter
+system of heating would in this case be preferable; but as there would be
+a perfect command of moisture, as will be explained further on, it is
+desirable to have dry heat also, under controul, and this can be better
+effected by means of the pipes than by adopting the gutter plan of
+heating. I cannot in this place forbear protesting against the limited
+surface of piping generally employed in heating plant structures; what is
+thought to be just<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> enough to maintain a given temperature, is usually
+after minute calculation, the quantity which is made use of, and the
+consequence is, that under adverse circumstances, the apparatus is
+necessarily worked at its highest pitch; and I believe that the
+application of heat in this form, whether it be by means of an hot water
+apparatus, or by a common flue, is most inimical to the plants submitted
+thereto. The admission of air, is a point which as far as I am aware, has
+never been effected in the manner represented in the sketch: it would be
+thus effected;&mdash;a series of apertures (<i>f</i>) should be provided at
+intervals along the front wall, which would externally be closed by small
+sliding shutters, and would communicate internally with a chamber (<i>g</i>)
+formed between the front wall and the side of the tank; this chamber would
+also communicate, by a series of openings, (<i>h</i>) with the interior space
+above the water in the tank, and from this space, through the covering of
+the tank, tubes (<i>m</i>), also placed at intervals, would be carried up
+through the soil, close to the side of the wall; these tubes should be
+furnished with caps or valves, so as so admit of the communication being
+stopped at any time. In applying this to the admission of air, we must not
+loose sight of a series of ventilators, (<i>i</i>), placed in the back wall of
+the house, which are of precisely the same nature and construction as the
+apertures (<i>f</i>), already spoken of. I shall have occasion hereafter, to
+notice the admission of air, but it will be well in this place, to explain
+the action of the plan proposed for that purpose: when it is judged that a
+change of the internal volume of air is requisite, the ventilators (<i>i</i>)
+are to be opened, which admits of a portion of the rarified air to pass
+off; the ventilators (<i>f</i>) are also to be opened, and by means of the
+action of these ventilators on each other, a portion of external air is
+taken in; this enters the chamber (<i>g</i>), which is warmed by its contiguity
+to the tank, and here becomes partially rarified, and rises to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> top of
+the chamber; the apertures (<i>h</i>) admit it to the interior of the tank,
+where it becomes not only thoroughly warmed, but also imbibes a degree of
+moisture proportionate to the degree in which it becomes heated, and
+thence it enters the house by the tubes or shafts already spoken of. The
+advantages of warming and moistening the air thus admitted, are very
+important ones; for when either a cold or dry state, of the atmosphere
+prevails, its influence is very injurious to plants in these confined
+situations: cold raw air, when it comes in contact with the tender foliage
+of the plants, has the effect of chilling the sap in its progress through
+their tissue, and thus lessening their excitability, when it should be
+increased; whilst dry air acts as an incessant drain upon the vegetable
+juices, which it abstracts through the stomates and pores of the leaves
+and stems. When cold air is admitted to any position where it can unite
+with caloric, and not in an equal ratio with moisture, it necessarily
+becomes arid, and in that state it eagerly combines with moisture in any
+form with which it can come in contact therewith; and consequently if cold
+air is admitted to a plant structure, where it can have the means of
+combining with heat, faster than with moisture, it would be brought into
+this arid state, and would supply its voracious appetite, by abstracting
+the juices of the plant. It is a very important question how far this
+state of things is connected with many of the diseases as they are called,
+to which plants are subject; for my own part, I believe it to have a very
+considerable <ins class="correction" title="original: influenee">influence</ins> in the production of many of them. A shallow bed of
+soil (<i>k</i>), is all that would be required; for in the winter season, there
+is nothing gained by encouraging a very luxuriant and gross state of
+growth: the composition of this soil will be noticed hereafter: beneath
+it, and resting on the top of the tank, should be placed a layer of coarse
+open rubble, not less than six inches in thickness; and among this rubble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+by means of tubes (<i>n</i>), placed at intervals along the bed, I would
+occasionally pour considerable quantities of water, in order to maintain a
+due regulation of moisture in, and throughout the soil, among which the
+vapour arising from the water would ultimately rise. Beneath the tank a
+space (<i>o</i>), might be provided, which would serve admirably either for the
+cultivation of Mushrooms, or the forcing of Rhubarb, or Sea Kale.
+Transverse partitions should be introduced into the bed of soil, so as to
+divide the roots of each plant from those of its neighbours: this
+arrangement will admit of a complete succession of plants being
+maintained, by the removal of those which have become old and debilitated,
+and the substitution of young and vigorous ones; and this obstruction of
+the roots, will not be injurious, for the Cucumber does not by any means
+require to be permitted to extend its roots at random, but will readily
+submit itself to any rational regimen, with regard to the area from whence
+it is permitted to extract its food. A portion of soil sufficient to
+support one or two plants, could by this arrangement be renewed as
+occasion might require, and the roots of the contiguous plants would
+suffer no injury from the operation. The pathway of the house, should be
+paved so as to admit of its being occasionally washed and cleansed.</p>
+
+<p>It will be found to be highly economical in reference to the consumption
+of fuel, to provide the structure with the means of being covered at
+night. Shutters of light frame-work, covered with any waterproof material,
+would be found to answer the purpose admirably; they should be elevated a
+few inches from the surface of the glass, and they should be arranged so
+as to confine a body of air, which acting as a very slow conductor of
+heat, would serve to prevent that incessant drain upon the temperature of
+the internal atmosphere, which takes place when the material employed is
+in contact with the glass, as well as when coverings are altogether
+absent. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> would not be the only advantage, for as the covering would
+to a great extent prevent the radiation of heat from the internal
+atmosphere, so would it also prevent the necessity of the application of
+so powerful a degree of fire heat at night; and thus the plants would be
+permitted to enjoy that natural season of repose so essential to their
+well being, instead of being forced into growth by reason of a high
+temperature kept up, solely for the purpose of obviating the external
+cold.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<h2><a name="Chap_III" id="Chap_III"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. III.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE PROPAGATION OF THE CUCUMBER.</h3>
+
+<p>Cucumbers are propagated by cuttings, by layers, and by seeds; the two
+former of these methods being frequently practised by those who have
+conveniences to keep their plants growing throughout the year; the latter
+being adopted either through choice or necessity, by the majority of
+cultivators, or those whose means will not enable them, even if they
+desired it, to keep up continually a successional growth.</p>
+
+<p>Propagation by cuttings has many advantages to recommend it, especially
+when viewed in connection with the production of winter fruit. The plants
+raised by this mode of treatment, in comparison with those raised from
+seeds, are less gross and succulent in their nature, and more subdued in
+their manner of growth; whether it may be that having mature and perfectly
+formed parts, they are enabled to assimilate their food more rapidly, than
+young and imperfectly formed plants can do; or whether it is owing to any
+difference in the balance between the roots and leaves, which latter
+organs, in cuttings, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> former, in seedling plants, may be regarded
+as predominant, does not appear quite evident, probably the effect depends
+partly on each of these supposed causes. They are moreover, sooner in
+arriving at a fruit-bearing state, by reason of a universal natural law,
+by which the inflorescence and fructification of a plant becomes more
+general and perfect, in proportion as the plant attains proximity to its
+perfect developement; which effect, is owing to the more perfect
+elaboration and preparation of the materials, which when so prepared,
+furnish the means of perfecting the organs of reproduction. For the same
+reason, the operation of budding a portion of a seedling fruit tree, on a
+matured stem, is practised, in order to accelerate its fruitfulness; which
+result generally follows, in consequence of the difference existing in the
+nature of the food elaborated by the mature plant, and that deposited by
+one in an infant state. Thus it is also, that cuttings of flowering plants
+generally, are far sooner in arriving at a blooming state, than seedling
+plants of the same species: flowers and fruit being formed only by the aid
+of the perfectly elaborated sap; which is taken up into the system, and
+assimilated in the plant, in proportion to the number of healthy and
+mature leaves, in a full state of action: during the younger stages of
+growth, the crude material imbibed from the soil, is only partially
+elaborated, and in this state, is only converted into food suitable and
+destined to increase the foliaceous organs; but when these latter are in
+full and vigorous action, a supply of matter, not increased in quantity,
+but enriched in quality, becomes laid up in the store-house and structure
+of the plants; and it is by means of this matter, aided by the natural
+agents, that the nature of the developement is changed from being simply
+that of the organs of nutrition, to that of the more perfect and important
+organs of reproduction. Besides the precocity of plants propagated by
+cuttings, there is also another advantage resulting from the practice,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>
+and that is the preservation of particularly desirable varieties; the
+Cucumber is a plant which readily admits of hybridization, and although
+the result of this is sometimes to give rise to superior varieties, yet if
+impregnation is permitted to take place promiscuously, the bad qualities
+of particular varieties, are as likely to be combined in the succeeding
+race, as the good and desirable ones: this renders it important that the
+fruit which are preserved for seed, should have been carefully watched and
+protected when in blossom, from the reach of insects; which often effect
+the requisite union, in consequence of the pollen adhering to their
+bodies, and thus being brought into contact with the stigma. I need
+scarcely to say, that where only one variety is grown in any particular
+structure, the chances of admixture are less numerous.</p>
+
+<p>The manner in which the operation of propagation by cutting is performed,
+is very simple: the tops of healthy growing shoots are taken off, at about
+two or three joints in length; they are then planted in deep pots, which
+are about half filled with light earth, such as decayed vegetable matter,
+and then covered by laying a piece of glass on the top of the pot; a
+simple and effective protection is thus formed, the sides of the pot
+acting as a partial shade, the glass admitting light sufficiently abundant
+to secure the action of the leaves, and maintaining a calm and moist
+atmosphere: the pots are to be plunged in a gentle bottom heat, and the
+cuttings will soon become rooted; after which they may be treated as
+established plants.</p>
+
+<p>Propagation by layers, is another method similar to the last, of which it
+is a mere modification; and those points which mark the superiority of the
+one, are equally applicable in the case of the other. The operation may be
+performed in various ways: thus the branches may be layered at once into
+the soil, when these are trained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> close to its surface, and they will thus
+grow on with renewed vigour: when required for removal to other positions,
+they may be layered into pots of light soil, in doing which, a convenient
+branch may be brought down, secured firmly at a joint to the soil, and
+slightly covered therewith, when it will soon become rooted: another plan,
+is, to suspend in convenient places, pots having large holes beneath;
+through these holes, the points of growing shoots are introduced, and the
+pots having a little moss in the bottom, are then lightly filled with
+vegetable mould: they may also be propagated, by enveloping a joint of a
+growing shoot lightly with moss; the moss should be kept continually
+moist, and roots will soon be emitted into it, and when enough are
+produced, the plant may be detached.</p>
+
+<p>Either of these methods of propagation will secure not only healthy, but
+fruitful plants, in a short space of time; and this latter point will be
+found to be one of no small advantage. The principal objection which may
+be urged against their adoption, is that they necessarily involve a
+process of transplantation, which under any circumstances, and however
+carefully performed, must be regarded as an evil rather than otherwise. It
+may be thought that the <i>check</i> arising from transplantation may do good,
+by preventing too great luxuriance of growth, and thereby tending to
+accelerate fruitfulness; but even if this result may be apparently
+produced by such means, it is surely far more natural to check the plants,
+by withholding a portion of food, rather than by mutilating the organs by
+which their food is conveyed to them, and then actually placing them in a
+position where food is still more abundantly supplied than before. It is
+very questionable however, how far what is called a &#8220;check&#8221; is justifiable
+as a means of inducing fructification; for if fructification be the most
+perfect state at which a plant can arrive, there does not seem to be much
+rationality in adopting any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> such means as a &#8220;check&#8221; in bringing about
+this perfection of developement. A <i>check</i> applied as a means of
+accelerating maturity, can only be regarded as an expedient, rendered
+necessary by previous defective treatment.</p>
+
+<p>The most commonly practised as well as the most natural method of
+propagation, is by seeds, and this will generally be found to be also the
+best method, if the conditions required by its adoption can be properly
+carried out. There is however, one decided disadvantage attendant on the
+raising of Cucumber plants intended for winter forcing from seeds; and
+hence in a great measure arises the apparent superiority of propagating by
+extension: the disadvantage consists in the exceedingly succulent and lax
+nature of the tissue of the young plants; owing to that natural principle,
+by which their increase and extension is most especially provided for
+during the infant stages of their existence: the result is, that in
+consequence of the deficiency of light and solar heat, which are the grand
+agents of vegetable fructification, their sap does not become sufficiently
+elaborated, nor their tissue rendered sufficiently solid by assimilation
+and deposition of matter, to bring about the developement of floral parts;
+the food and moisture imbibed, instead of being sublimated and fully
+elaborated, is only partially acted on by the vital and natural agents,
+and the result is an increase of growth, but not a developement of
+fruit-bearing parts. There is nevertheless, an advantage in raising plants
+from seeds, not only as regards the obtaining of improved races, but also
+in a cultural point of view. The science of Horticulture, does acknowledge
+such a thing as progression, in the developement of plants; the functions
+of nutrition necessarily go on prior to those of reproduction or
+fructification, the latter being continually dependant on, as well as
+being the result of the former: hence we arrive at a conclusion, that <i>to
+supply uninterruptedly</i>, <span class="smcaplc">ALL</span> <i>the elements<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> which administer to the
+nutrition of a plant, is the most rational means of inducing a state of
+fruitfulness</i>. This may at first sight be questioned; cases may readily
+enough be quoted, in which food has been bountifully supplied, and the
+plants have grown amazingly, but not fruited; if however, food had been
+thus supplied, in connexion with a due share of <i>light</i>, and an <i>excess of
+heat</i> had been avoided, we have natural evidence to prove unquestionably
+that fructification would have followed. An abundance of food, a high
+temperature, and a deficiency of light, are just the conditions which are
+opposed to the developement of the floral organs in plants, and are
+inductive of mere barren extension: not that plants grow thus, because
+they delight in such a state of things, but because they are thereby
+unnaturally excited and compelled to do so, although that growth cannot
+under such circumstances, become properly matured; and hence arises the
+impossibility of their producing blossoms.</p>
+
+<p>The advantage of raising plants of Cucumbers from seeds, consists in the
+facility thus afforded of altogether avoiding transplantation: the roots
+of Cucumbers are of a very tender nature, and however carefully they may
+be transplanted, they are liable to sustain injury in the removal: by
+having recourse to depositing the seeds at once in the soil where they are
+intended to grow, this is entirely obviated, and there can be no possible
+reason why the conditions necessary to germination should not be as fully
+supplied in a hillock of soil, as when a portion of the soil is placed
+within a garden pot; this vessel can certainly have no influence in
+producing more perfect or healthy germination, whilst the mutilation of
+even the most careful act of transplantation, may tend to check the future
+developement of the plant.</p>
+
+<p>It may be, however, that circumstances prevent the sowing of the seeds at
+once in their ultimate position, and in such cases, they may be sown
+singly in pots partly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> filled with decayed vegetable mould, plunged in a
+milk-warm bottom heat. The temperature both of the soil and atmosphere
+during this period, should not be high, but such as to permit the plants
+to push gradually forth from their dormitory, and assume by a natural
+process, the functions of active vitality. In order to maintain them in
+vigour of constitution, they should be exposed as much as possible to
+light; and that, by being placed near the glass, so as to receive the rays
+as little broken and refracted as possible. Water should not be applied at
+all, until vegetation has manifested itself, and afterwards, but
+sparingly, whilst the plants are young, especially in prolonged periods of
+dull sunless weather. Plants which are thus raised, should be planted out
+as soon as possible, when their fibres are least numerous, as a means of
+avoiding in part, the injuries to which they are exposed in
+transplantation.</p>
+
+<p>When the plan of depositing the seeds in the hillock of soil is adopted,
+it is necessary to arrange the soil so that any subsequent additions made
+to it, may not have the effect of covering too deeply the roots of the
+plants, neither of burying the neck of the stem beneath the surface; it
+should be arranged so that this latter may remain elevated above the
+surrounding soil on the top of a slight mound, after the whole of the soil
+is adjusted for the roots. I have already mentioned that the depth of soil
+ought not to be at all considerable, but rather shallow than otherwise, so
+as to expose the roots as far as possible to the influence of the sun.</p>
+
+<p>It will have been seen that the plan of raising young plants from seeds,
+has both its advantages and its disadvantages; and in order to avoid the
+latter, and secure some of the former, the seeds should be sown early in
+the autumn, whilst there is a sufficiency of heat and light, to mature the
+growth they make previous to the dull cheerless days which mark the near
+approach, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> at length the arrival of winter. They will thus be endued
+with the &#8220;stamina&#8221; necessary to sustain them, through that trying period,
+and though not without difficulty, yet with comparative certainty, to
+reward the well-directed zeal of the cultivator. It is impossible to give
+any very minute directions as to the time of performing these operations
+of propagation, for like all other gardening operations, it is not at all
+requisite that they should be done on any particular day, nor ought they
+to be done except when natural conditions are favourable to success: from
+ten to twelve weeks generally elapse between the time of sowing the seeds
+and the production of fruit, according as the season may be favourable or
+otherwise.</p>
+
+<p>The numerous hybrid varieties which are in cultivation, render it a matter
+of some importance to make choice of those most suitable to the purpose;
+these are however so continually changing, that it is useless to attempt a
+record of them. The Sion house Cucumber is perhaps the best of all suited
+for cultivation in the winter season. The principal features which are
+required in Cucumbers for winter forcing, are, precocity; compactness of
+growth, rather than luxuriance; prolificacy, rather than extreme length of
+fruit; and hardiness of constitution: these, are to the gardener far more
+important points, than those which entitle them to rank as &#8220;prize&#8221;
+varieties.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="Chap_IV" id="Chap_IV"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. IV.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE TREATMENT OF THE MATURE PLANTS.</h3>
+
+<p>From the time that the plants become established, which is the period of
+their existence now about to be considered, they require to have the
+elements of vegetable growth duly supplied to them, in order to secure
+their successful developement. It is not enough to plant them in proper
+soil, and duly to water them, unless attention is also paid to the
+temperature, as well as the constituents of the atmosphere to which they
+are submitted; neither will attention to these latter points be sufficient
+to ensure success, if at the same time, the former are neglected. A <i>soil</i>
+of suitable chemical, as well as mechanical composition, a pure and
+wholesome <i>atmosphere</i>, <i>water</i> promptly and properly applied, and <i>heat</i>
+duly regulated, are conditions which equally require minute care and
+attention in their adaptation; and these being applied upon the
+comprehensive, and perfectly harmonious principles of nature, will leave
+but little to be done in the shape of expedients, which are too frequently
+resorted to, as the means of counterbalancing either defective or
+unsuitable management. The application of these agents to the cultivation
+of the plant under consideration, in the winter season, will form the
+subjects of succeeding chapters. I will here briefly direct attention to
+the importance of light in the growth of plants, and then devote some
+space to the consideration of the subject of pruning and training.</p>
+
+<p>Light is most essential to the perfect and healthy developement of
+vegetable organization, the performance of the functions essential to the
+health of plants being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> dependent on its agency. It cannot indeed be
+assumed that plants will not continue to grow, unless they are supplied
+with an intense degree of light; but it is certain that the successful
+nature of their growth, their maturation, and their fructification, are
+dependent in no ordinary degree upon the nature and force of its action;
+for without it, the vital energies of animated beings are unable to
+maintain and perform the processes of elaboration, and assimilation, upon
+which their nutrition depends. The mere extension of vegetable tissue, may
+indeed go on, though less satisfactorily, under the almost total privation
+of light, but with the exception of cryptogamic vegetation, the organs of
+fructification are not under those <ins class="correction" title="original: circumstauces">circumstances</ins>, produced at all: the
+stem may be formed, but does not become solid: the leaves may expand, but
+their condition is imperfect; and it is only by means of the full and
+complete action of these organs in the nutrition of plants, that the
+developement of the floral parts is brought about: the roots may take up
+fluids, and these may be conveyed in the natural upward channels, and then
+dispersed among the stems and the leaves; but it is the action of solar
+light, aided indeed by the natural condition of the elements supplying
+heat and moisture, which alone, by a process of elaboration, can convert
+this fluid, once crude and undigested, into the compound organic
+substances, such as lignin, gum, starch, gluten, &amp;c. which in their turn,
+are destined to minister to the support of the organs of reproduction.
+Growth, that is mere extension, may go on in proportion as heat and
+moisture are supplied to plants, but light is the agent to whose especial
+influence we owe the production of their active properties and secretions,
+and the perfection of their fruit.</p>
+
+<p>If then light is so indispensable to the vegetable frame, how important it
+is that the structures which we devote to the cultivation of such plants
+as the Cucumber, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> are naturally habituated to an eastern clime,
+should be so designed, as to offer the least possible obstruction to its
+entrance: how important, too, that the glass we employ, which in its
+purest state, offers considerable obstruction, by refracting the rays of
+light, should be as transparent and untarnished as possible, so as to
+admit them as perfectly as can be practicable; instead of which, it is too
+often disfigured by an accumulation and deposit of filth, which, to say
+the least, must materially diminish their force: how important, moreover,
+that whatever coverings it may be necessary to employ during the night to
+prevent the outward radiation of heat, should be speedily removed in the
+morning, and kept off as long as they safely may be, in order to permit
+the inward radiation of light. When these matters are all duly attended
+to, our climate, at least during the winter, still offers obstruction
+enough to our success, in its mists, and fogs, its long dark nights, and
+dismal cloudy days, and therefore wisdom would teach us, to avail
+ourselves of all which we can grasp, by a course of untiring assiduity,
+and attention to such apparently trifling matters as these.</p>
+
+<p>The pruning and training of the plants, are operations, to which it will
+be necessary to direct attention; and in the performance of which, the
+circumstances which may have any influence upon them, as well as the
+object in view, must be taken into consideration. The plants being
+intended to occupy a surface of trellis-work in a line nearly parallel
+with the glass, it will be requisite to train their primary shoots to a
+sufficient length to reach from the soil to the trellis, before they are
+what is technically called &#8220;stopped;&#8221; this operation, by removing the
+central bud, or axis of developement, induces the buds which are latently
+formed at the nodes of the branches, to push forth and become the axes of
+further extension: two or three of the strongest of these lateral shoots
+situated towards the top of the stem, should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> be retained, and trained on
+the trellis in a direction towards the top of the house; these shoots
+should be placed about 18 inches from each other, and when they have
+reached about one-third of the length of the trellis, they also should be
+stopped, and thus several more lateral shoots will be produced. The
+uppermost strong shoot should in each case, be still trained in the same
+upward direction, and the others must be disposed in the most convenient
+form in the space between the main branches: these, that is the young
+lateral shoots, if they do not shew a fruit blossom at the second joint or
+leaf from the main branch, must be stopped, and the young shoot thus
+induced to push forth, will in all probability have fruit at the first
+leaf; if not, it must be stopped at <i>every leaf</i> as it extends, until
+fruit is observed. The upper portion of the branch after having extended
+about one-third further up the roof, should be submitted to the same
+process, and this must be again repeated until the whole of the trellis is
+covered.</p>
+
+<p>No reference has yet been made to the treatment of those lateral branches
+where the young fruit are perceived: these should be permitted to grow
+until the blossoms have expanded; and then, after this, they should be
+stopped at the leaf next beyond the fruit blossoms. By permitting them to
+grow until the flowers have expanded, the attraction of the growing branch
+will continue to draw up a regular supply of nutriment, part of which will
+be devoted in its course, to assist the developement of the blossoms; and
+besides the advantage of the growing point acting thus as a sucker to draw
+onwards the vital juices towards the young fruit, it will act also as an
+outlet, to drain off what would otherwise be superabundant and dangerous
+to these tender organs of reproduction. After the flowers have expanded,
+this danger does not exist to so great an extent, the infant fruit have
+new and important functions to perform, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> are peculiarly their own;
+and these call for a greater supply from the nutritive organs of the
+plant: the stopping of the branch therefore, is the means of throwing in
+this increased supply of food; but those who can most fully appreciate the
+delicacy of the functions performed by the plant at this stage of its
+developement, will most fully value the suggestion not to stop back the
+growing branch <i>all at once</i>, but to do it by successional, though not
+distant operations. The leaf which is directed to be left above, or beyond
+each fruit, will serve, both as a reservoir, to receive all the
+superabundant food, which may either be induced or impelled upwards; and
+also, as a labaratory where this food will become purified and changed by
+its exposure to atmospheric influence, amongst the lax tissue; and whence,
+an appointed portion will be returned, and devoted by a process of
+assimilation, to aid in the extension of the plants.</p>
+
+<p>This system of pruning, with reference both to the barren and the fruitful
+branches, must be continued, whilst these continue in a vigorous and
+healthy condition; but when any symptoms of decay or of expended powers,
+are perceived, they should be pruned quite away, and young ones encouraged
+in their stead. All the pruning which has been spoken of, except the
+occasional removal of a main shoot, should be done at a sufficiently early
+period of growth, to admit of being effected by means of the thumb-nail;
+for like all other plants, Cucumbers are much best treated, when whatever
+pruning they may require, is done at that stage of growth, when the least
+amount of trouble and labour is required to perform it. Pruning is not
+under any circumstances a natural process, and when we have recourse to it
+in artificial cultivation, it is only an expedient, which is rendered
+necessary by the limited space, within which it becomes necessary to
+confine the extension of the plants; and since this is the case, it is far
+better to remove a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> portion of any plant, at an early period of its
+growth, and thus to economize its vital energies, rather than to suffer
+them to be expended, and the supply to become exhausted through a
+superfluous developement, and then to deprive it of those very organs, by
+the action of which, the expenditure would be again recompensed to the
+vital energies.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<h2><a name="Chap_V" id="Chap_V"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. V.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE NATURE, AND COMPOSITION OF THE SOIL.</h3>
+
+<p>Plants absorb fluids through the extremities or spongioles of the roots,
+and it is thus that those portions of the substances which serve them as
+their food, and are derived from the soil, are carried into their system,
+in a state of solution: these spongioles are not strictly to be regarded
+as analogous to the mouths of animals, for they are not provided with
+openings, and cannot imbibe even the most impalpable powders; their action
+seems to be more <ins class="correction" title="original: analagous">analogous</ins> to that of the lacteals in animals, for these,
+as well as spongioles, serve to convey fluids only. These considerations
+render it necessary, that in the composition of soil for the growth of
+plants, the following important points <ins class="correction" title="original: shonld">should</ins> be held in
+consideration;&mdash;it should contain a sufficient ratio of organizable
+matter, that is of substances which can be rendered available as food to
+the plants; it should readily absorb fluids, since it is only when in a
+state of solution, that food can enter into the structure of the plants;
+it should be sufficiently retentive to avoid the risk of injury by reason
+of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> evaporation, which takes place to a very great extent, when too
+great an abundance of silica is present, or when more than a due degree of
+porosity exists in its mechanical texture; and it should be sufficiently
+permeable, to prevent any thing like excess of moisture, by stagnation.</p>
+
+<p>Soils composed either principally, or almost entirely of heath soil, or of
+vegetable mould, although very highly recommended for the growth of the
+Cucumber in winter, are nevertheless objectionable when applied alone, as
+will be evident if the foregoing principles are taken into view: it cannot
+however be assumed that the plants will not grow in these soils, for they
+grow vigorously for a period; neither can it be asserted that such soils
+do not contain the qualities which are necessary to administer to the
+nutrition of plants, for it is scarcely possible to conceive any
+substances which are more nutritious, or whose application in this respect
+is more effectual; but they are objectionable, in consequence of their
+becoming soon expended, and failing to maintain for any length of time, an
+equable degree of moisture. The cause which tends to produce this effect,
+is the porosity, or the want of mechanical combination in the texture of
+the soil; which being highly favourable to evaporation, is liable to
+render it speedily, and very materially dry, when exposed to the influence
+of powerful solar heat: the frequent application of water, does not
+entirely obviate the objection, for even when so applied, it soon becomes
+again evaporated, and thus tends to deteriorate the soil, and decrease its
+fertility; this it does, by taking up much of the soluble matter contained
+in it, and conveying it by evaporation into the atmosphere, instead of its
+being taken up by the roots whilst in a fluid state, and applied to the
+plant as a means of nutrition: when it is thus conveyed to the atmosphere,
+the leaves though they are enabled to take up a portion of their food from
+thence, are still incapacitated to do so fully, and hence, much of the
+fertilizing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> properties of the soil, is carried off by the first current
+of air which passes through the structure; and the plants decline by
+reason of starvation, though they had been seated in the midst of plenty.</p>
+
+<p>The soil which I should recommend for the growth of the Cucumber, would be
+composed of ingredients, capable of supplying a sufficient portion of
+vegetable food; of retaining a due portion of moisture, when placed under
+powerful evaporation; and of securing the free passage of water through
+its mass: the former of these conditions would be secured, by the use of
+mould from the decaying leaves of trees, in the proportion of about
+three-eighths; the latter would be ensured, by employing about one-fourth
+part of turfy heath mould, and one-eighth part of clean coarse sand; and
+the remaining quality, would result by combining these ingredients with
+one-fourth part of good turfy loam. The preparation of this soil should
+take place in the dry weather of the summer months, just previous to its
+being used, so that it can be frequently turned and mixed, without
+incurring the danger of reducing it to an adhesive consistency, which
+would at once render it ungenial for the roots of plants: the turfy
+portions both of the loam and heath soil should be piled up reversely,
+until the herbage and roots of the grass, become partially decayed; when
+required for use, it should be chopped into pieces of from two to four
+inches square, by the spade, and then adding the other ingredients <i>in a
+rough state</i>, the whole should be well mixed, without sifting, or any
+other mechanical operation which would have the effect of destroying its
+open texture. It should always be prevented from becoming saturated with
+water; and moreover, should never be applied to the roots of plants which
+are growing in a warm medium, without having been previously submitted to
+a high temperature, for a sufficient length of time, to have absorbed at
+least an equal degree of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> heat, with that in which the plants might be
+already growing.</p>
+
+<p>The admixture of charcoal with the soil, is said to be a means of adding
+to its nutritive qualities. Charcoal, which is nearly pure carbon, may be
+supposed continually to give off a portion of this gaseous substance
+during its decomposition, and this uniting with a portion of the oxygen
+contained in the air, would furnish a supply of carbonic acid gas, to the
+atmosphere immediately about the plants. It should however be borne in
+mind, that charcoal, is a substance whose decomposition except under the
+influence of heat, proceeds very slowly indeed, and therefore its chemical
+influence must not be overrated: doubtless however, the small portion
+which does combine with the oxygen of the air, is directly beneficial to
+the plants; for it is a function of the vegetable kingdom by the action of
+their leaves, when under the influence of light, to decompose carbonic
+acid, the oxygen of which is liberated, and the carbon fixed in the living
+tissue. It is therefore probable that a supply of carbonic acid,
+artificially maintained about the leaves and stems of plants, may be
+beneficial to them, by furnishing them directly with a portion of carbon,
+which they cannot absorb in a seperate state. When the charcoal is made
+from twigs, and the small branches of trees, its decomposition is often
+more rapid, than when it is obtained by the usual course of manufactering
+it: if the latter kind of charcoal is employed, it should be broken into
+pieces of a small size; and in ordinary cases, it should not be used in
+larger proportion than with about twice its bulk of soil, with which it
+should be intimately blended.</p>
+
+<p>Besides its chemical action, which is probably beneficial, charcoal has a
+decidedly advantageous mechanical action in the composition of soils, and
+this is of a twofold nature:&mdash;first, in common with any similar
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>materials, it renders the soil &#8220;open,&#8221; and thus effectually favours the
+free passage of water through its mass: secondly, it serves as a perpetual
+reservoir of moisture in the soil, for in consequence of its being
+extremely porous, it imbibes a great quantity of water, by its force of
+attraction, and this it parts with slowly to the soil; in this way, there
+is no doubt that its action is most salutary. Probably a few pieces of
+charcoal placed perpendicularly in the soil, and kept continually <i>wet</i>,
+by the action of some little capillary contrivance, would serve as the
+best possible means of conducting moisture, and <ins class="correction" title="original: distributiug">distributing</ins> it to the
+roots of plants.</p>
+
+<p>It will be observed that the application of dung, in any way whatever, has
+not been recommended; neither do I consider it to be at all requisite, or
+desirable, in the culture of winter Cucumbers: luxuriance is not a
+consummation which it is at all desirable to attain to, a moderate, well
+matured growth, being far preferable; and as some care is supposed to be
+used to provide suitable soil, it should be of such a nature as to possess
+the properties, which are requisite to effect the desired end. Dung
+containing as it does fertilizing properties, may do well to renew the
+fertility of exhausted soils, which may have been under a long course of
+cultivation; but it is questionable, whether it ought to be admissable to
+any extent in pot culture, or in the growth of forced plants, in
+preference to a supply of wholesome unexhausted natural soil.</p>
+
+<p>A very great objection to the use of dung when applied in a solid state in
+the composition of soils, consists, in its being presented to the roots of
+plants, not only in the advanced periods of their existence, but equally
+so, during the early stages of their growth; here must be an error, for
+infants, whether they belong to the animal or vegetable kingdom, are
+certainly not capacitated to appropriate the same kind of food, in the
+same proportion, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> adults. If only a small portion of soil is at first
+employed, and portions more and more enriched, are from time to time
+added, as the roots may extend, we are still liable to stumble on an
+objection, almost as important, though of a somewhat different nature; for
+we can in that case scarcely fail to injure the spongioles of the roots in
+a greater or less degree, and the injury thus sustained, will consequently
+act as a check in the progress of their developement. These considerations
+seem at once to mark the propriety of applying liquid manures in highly
+artificial cultivation; they can be supplied in this state, when the
+plants are in such a mature and advanced state of growth, as from time to
+time to require their aid; and their fertilizing properties being held in
+solution by the fluid medium in which they are conveyed, they are just in
+the condition to be taken up at once by the rootlets. It must still
+however be recollected, that whilst even impalpable powders cannot as such
+be made to minister to the nutrition of plants, so neither can gross
+liquids effect this purpose: it is clear limpid fluids, only, which can be
+received by the delicate spongioles, and therefore the so-called manure
+water, when applied of the consistency of mud, is not only in an unfit
+state to effect its purpose, except by the addition of a more bountiful
+supply of pure liquid, but it is also liable to act injuriously by reason
+of the concentration of the strength or powerful qualities of the manure,
+and by counteracting the open texture of the soil. Manure water,
+therefore, from whatever source it may be derived, though not necessarily
+a colourless, should without question, be a limpid fluid; if otherwise
+applied, it will at once destroy one of the best qualities a soil can
+possess, viz. porosity.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="Chap_VI" id="Chap_VI"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. VI.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE APPLICATION OF MOISTURE.</h3>
+
+<p>From what has been stated in the preceeding chapter, it will be
+sufficiently evident, that a supply of water is required as a component of
+the soil, in which all plants are grown, in order to enable them to draw
+from it, other components, which form their food; and that, as it is
+necessary for them continually to take up a portion of this food, so is it
+necessary, that moisture should be continually present, in order to render
+it available by them.</p>
+
+<p>Among other conditions to which the operation of applying water to the
+soil should be subjected, there are some which are specially important: it
+should never be either applied in <i>excess</i>, or unduly withheld; nor should
+it ever be applied when of a temperature below that of the atmosphere in
+which the plants to whose roots it is applied, are growing at the time of
+its application.</p>
+
+<p>There is a liability of applying water in excess, when the particular
+stage of growth, the peculiar state of the weather, or the season of the
+year, are not duly regarded: thus, an adult plant will consume more water
+than an infant plant; and any plant, will decompose a larger quantity of
+water, in sunny weather, when evaporation is going on briskly, than in
+cloudy weather, when it is scarcely perceptible; again, in the summer
+season, a much larger quantity will be appropriated, than in the winter.
+Water has been applied in excess, whenever the soil becomes soddened or
+saturated therewith; but great as this evil is, it is equalled in its
+injurious effects, by falling into the opposite extreme, and withholding a
+quantity sufficient to render the constituents of the soil, available as
+food to the roots of plants placed in it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>The necessity of applying water, of a temperature equal to that of the
+soil, is rendered evident by a reference to the natural conditions by
+which the soil is watered. In a small and nearly globular form, the water
+gathered up by the action of the sun, and forming the clouds above us, is
+precipitated through the atmosphere, and there its temperature becomes
+equalized or assimilated with that of the medium through which it has been
+passing; and although in our own latitude, we perhaps fail to discover any
+material degree of warmth in the drops of rain as they fall, yet in
+eastern climes, we cannot but imagine, that after having been submitted in
+the thin strata of the clouds to the action of the sun, they must
+previously to entering the soil, have imbibed some portion of heat.
+Moreover, the importance of maintaining a gentle bottom heat, at the roots
+of forced plants, renders it necessary to avoid any application, which may
+tend to lesson its effect, and submit the roots to any chilling influence.
+The temperature of the soil is naturally above that of the atmosphere, and
+as the application of moisture by exciting evaporation, has an abstract
+tendency to lower the temperature, it should therefore, when applied, be
+in a slight degree warmed, so as thus to increase rather than diminish the
+heat contained in the soil.</p>
+
+<p>As some moisture in the soil is necessary to render the food contained
+therein, soluble, and available to the spongioles of the roots, so
+moisture in the atmosphere is essentially necessary to assist in applying
+the gaseous elements of that elastic compound fluid, to the nutrition of
+plants by the action of the leaves: without moisture in the atmosphere,
+the leaves and outer covering of plants would become dessicated, and the
+stomatas shrivelled up and closed, so that neither the exhaling nor the
+imbibing functions of the plants could then be carried on.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>The moisture of the atmosphere, then must not be neglected; not only
+because the healthy action of the vital organs of the plants depends on a
+proper hygrometrical state of the atmosphere, but, inasmuch as it is the
+readiest means both of avoiding, and when unhappily, they are present, of
+destroying, many of the most destructive and troublesome insect enemies,
+to whose depredations, plants are subject.</p>
+
+<p>When a moist atmosphere is duly and regularly maintained, there is but
+little fear need be entertained of the establishment of a colony of
+insects&mdash;such as the thrip, and the red spider, which are perhaps the
+greatest pests which have to be overcome in the forcing house; nor is
+there a more effectual method of destroying them, than by applying a high
+temperature in conjunction with an intense degree of moisture. To the want
+of a balance of moisture in the composition of the atmosphere, and in the
+soil, too, rather than as is commonly supposed, to an excess of it in the
+former, is the appearance called mildew to be attributed; this it
+occasions by checking the regular action of the perspiratory organs, and
+thereby inducing an eruption of the cells of the tissue: the extravasated
+sap lodging on the cuticle, affords a nidus for the germination of the
+sporules of that particular fungus, which when grown, is the mildew: the
+remedy consists in avoiding an irregular composition of the atmosphere, as
+regards heat and moisture; and also an excess or deficiency of moisture in
+the soil, so that each may be in a condition to exert its proper influence
+on the constitution and developement of the plants. Canker, another
+disease, to which Cucumbers are sometimes subject, appears to be produced
+by too low a degree of temperature, accompanied by an excess of moisture,
+both in the soil and the atmosphere, and it generally attacks those
+particular parts, where any check or obstruction is offered to the flow of
+the sap, such as that occasioned by a wound, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> even the ramifications of
+the stem: this suggests that its remedy, would consist in a due regulation
+and balance of the constituents of the atmosphere, and the soil.</p>
+
+<p>Moisture is generally applied to the soil by being poured directly on it,
+and to the atmosphere, by means of the syringe, and the use of evaporation
+troughs. When applied to the soil only from the upper surface, there is a
+liability of its failing thoroughly to moisten it, and by reason of this,
+together with the constant action of the heat from below, by whatever
+means heat may be applied, the soil is frequently found to be dry beneath,
+when the appearance of the surface might lead to the supposition that it
+was sufficiently moistened.</p>
+
+<p>By a reference to the sketch and description already given, it will be
+seen, that a provision is there made, whereby water can be poured in
+quantity <i>beneath the soil</i>, immediately on the top of the tank, whence in
+the form of vapour it will rise among the soil, and thus render it
+thoroughly moist; at the same time, it can be applied to the surface,
+whenever it may become necessary to do so. The moistening of the
+atmosphere will also be fully secured by the mode of ventilation which is
+there proposed, for the air, at the same time that it is warmed, will
+become charged with moisture in a ratio equal to its temperature, before
+it enters the house. If it becomes requisite to admit moisture without
+changing the volume of air, it can readily be effected by opening the
+tubes or shafts inside the house, without opening the exterior
+ventilators; and when dry heat may be required, it can be secured by
+closing entirely the communication with this reservoir of moisture, and
+the hot-water pipes will then radiate any quantity of dry heat that may be
+required.</p>
+
+<p>By means of a due application of these provisions, an equable degree of
+moisture beneath and among the soil, as well as in the composition of the
+atmosphere, can be secured with perfect ease, and a trifling amount of
+labour.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="Chap_VII" id="Chap_VII"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. VII.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE REGULATION OF THE TEMPERATURE.</h3>
+
+<p>If we figure to our minds, a plant which in its native habitat enjoys a
+climate far more genial, and a temperature far more elevated, than our own
+country affords, it must be obvious that some regulation, and increase of
+temperature, either positively, by the artificial application of heat, or
+negatively, by affording shelter and protection, will be required in order
+to ensure any degree of success in its cultivation. The Cucumber is a
+reputed native of the East, and we have therefore in this supposed fact,
+an indication of the nature of the climate, which it should be our object
+to provide for it; but still it must be borne in mind, that in conducting
+any system of artificial cultivation, it is not at all times desirable, or
+even safe, to supply a resemblance to any part of the natural
+circumstances affecting the growth of a particular plant, unless we have
+the means of supplying the <i>greater part</i>, or <i>all</i> the conditions which
+exist in a state of nature: this I shall again have occasion to refer to.</p>
+
+<p>By another step we arrive at the conclusion that the standard of
+temperature, to which the Cucumber is submitted in its cultivation in this
+country, is a point, varying with the individual opinion of cultivators;
+as some may take a part of the natural conditions of growth as their rule;
+others, all these circumstances; and others, again, various combinations
+of them.</p>
+
+<p>Referring back again to the provisions of nature, we can scarcely hesitate
+to conclude, that in clear sunny weather, the temperature to which the
+Cucumber is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> submitted, <i>cannot within reasonable limits</i>, be permitted to
+rise too high; whilst at other times, when the weather is dull, or cloudy,
+and always at night, a much lower degree of heat ought to be applied. In
+sunny weather, the natural agents which cause excitement and activity of
+the vital functions, are in full action; and consequently at such periods
+we may rationally indulge in the application of those exciting agents
+which are under our controul&mdash;always however bearing in mind, that we must
+not unduly apply one agent, when we either cannot, or neglect to apply the
+others also. On the other hand, in dull weather, and at night, the source
+of light being in the one case absent, in the other obscured, a
+comparative state of lethargy or repose is prevalent, and the natural
+functions of vitality are but feeble in their action, if not in some
+cases, absolutely in a quiescent state; with such a state of things
+existing, it is barely rational to apply stimulants, and to induce
+unnatural excitement. The application of exciting and stimulating agents
+at such periods, may be compared in its effects to the excitement of a
+frightful dream acting on the human frame; the vital functions&mdash;not the
+vitality itself&mdash;cease during sleep, and both the animal and the vegetable
+should be at rest; excitement acts on both by deranging the system, at
+least for a time, and since a succession of these derangements are known
+to produce injurious results, we may be certain, that each seperate
+instance must have an evil tendency.</p>
+
+<p>In applying this practically, to the case before us, it may be
+recommended, that the temperature in which Cucumbers are grown during
+winter, should not fall much below 60&deg; Fahrenheit, at night; and in the
+day time it should not rise above 70&deg; in dull weather, by the aid of heat
+artificially applied; in clear weather, by the influence of that glorious
+source of light and heat, the sun, it may be safely allowed to rise to
+80&deg;, or a little higher,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> before air is admitted. A somewhat higher range
+may be permitted, as the days lengthen, and the influence of the sun
+becomes more powerful; thus at night, it should not rise over 65&deg;, by day
+75&deg; to 80&deg;, and by sun heat to 90&deg;. Thus it will be seen, that I have
+recommended the regulation of the temperature of the internal atmosphere,
+by that which is external; and it is my firm conviction that inattention
+to this simple rule, is the source of much of the failure, which is
+experienced by some of those who attempt the growth of plants, at any
+other than that, which may be regarded as their natural season of growth.
+It appears to me, most unreasonable, to aim at attaining any particular
+point of the thermometer, merely because any particular season of the year
+may be present, or any particular stage of growth attained. Even if in the
+sunny climes, from whence the Cucumber has been transmitted to us, there
+exists such an equality of temperature and atmospheric serenity, as some
+cultivators attempt in the growth of these plants; it surely cannot be
+consistent in us to equalize and elevate the temperature of our artificial
+atmospheres, when we cannot supply them at the same time with the same
+intensity of light, or provide for them the same serene and unclouded sky.
+It should rather be our object to adapt the plant to the climate of our
+country, since we cannot change the climate to supply the natural
+circumstances, with which the plant is favoured; and acting on this
+principle, we should never aim at supplying the agents which would induce
+a premature and therefore debilitated developement, when the whistling
+wind, and the drifting snow, tell us that Nature, would have, at least the
+members of her vegetable kingdom, be at rest.</p>
+
+<p>Since however, it is apparent that during the depth of the winter season,
+at least when wintry weather is present, the progress of plants in an
+artificially heated atmosphere, ought not to be rapid, or unduly forced;
+it by no means<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> follows that no progression at all should be made: the
+elements of growth maybe supplied; but the application of them should be
+guided by moderation, being lessened at those particular periods when the
+weather is least propitious, and increased during those periods when it is
+most favourable. In the works of Nature we may ever learn a lesson of
+consistency, for they are perfect: they teach us that food is requisite to
+maintain the life of all those objects which are endowed with it; that
+that food must undergo a process both of digestion and assimilation, ere
+its purpose is fulfilled; and that each of these processes depend on the
+action of natural agents. In the vegetable kingdom, heat and fight as
+derived from a united source, are the agents appointed to bring about
+these results, and in order to ensure their proper action, they must both
+be present in a powerful degree: in artificial schemes of culture, we can
+command a supply of the one, but the other is not within our power; our
+consistency therefore depends on our applying so much of the one under our
+controul, as will secure the united action of it, with the existing degree
+of the other&mdash;consequently, <i>when light is absent, or deficient, heat
+should also be diminished; and when light is present and abundant, heat
+may safely be increased</i>.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="Chap_VIII" id="Chap_VIII"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. VIII.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE ADMISSION OF AIR.</h3>
+
+<p>The question of the admission of air, is one of some importance. It is an
+opinion, which was I believe first publicly brought forward by the late
+Mr. Knight, that an influx of a large volume of the external atmosphere,
+to the interior of forcing houses, is by no means requisite, and is often
+the source of very serious evils. Were it for no other reason, than that
+of avoiding the chilling influence of cold air on the tender tissue of
+plants growing in a high temperature, I should feel inclined to support
+such a view; but when there are facts sufficiently abundant, to prove,
+that plants do not themselves vitiate the air of such structures to an
+extent sufficient to render it unfit for their continued growth, or at
+least, that a sufficient interchange is constantly going on, without
+opening the sashes of a forcing house, the evidence appears to be
+overwhelming; and the necessity of continuing a practice so fraught with
+danger, and so frequently attended with disappointment, appears to be done
+away.</p>
+
+<p>The injury done to the tender foliage of plants in forcing houses, by
+contact with cold air, results from the increased capacity of air for
+moisture, as it become heated. When cold air is admitted to these
+structures, it cannot contain so great a quantity of aqueous matter, as it
+is capable of taking up when it becomes warmed: this increase of
+temperature, is soon in great measure, supplied to it, but rarely is a
+sufficient quantity of moisture, at the same time within its reach, to
+enable it to supply its increased capacity for aqueous matter: the
+consequence is, that on coming in contact with the foilage of the plants,
+which is of a succulent nature, and contains a great proportion of water,
+the warmed air continues to abstract a portion of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> moisture from the
+plants, until its capacity is satisfied; and hence the plants are robbed
+of their &#8220;life&#8217;s blood.&#8221; Besides this action, which is the cause of
+serious evil, the tissue itself is contracted and thereby injured, by
+reason of the degree of cold, which is at the first gush, liable to come
+in contact with the warm foliage. These remarks apply to cold air, when
+admitted in a large bulk, by opening the sashes; and when a draught is
+produced, by opening them, both at the back and front, and the top and
+bottom of the house.</p>
+
+<p>Deterioration of the air, by the action of the functions of the plants,
+could not take place, except in hermetically sealed structures: for by
+reason of the expansibility and elasticity of air, when it becomes at all
+heated, it not only gains egress, but also admission through the most
+minute crevices: that this interchange is sufficient to counteract any
+deteriorating influence which the plants might have on the internal air,
+with respect to their continued existence in it, is abundantly proved by
+the growth of plants in Ward&#8217;s cases, from the interior of which the
+external air is excluded as fully as it possibly can be, without their
+being actually sealed: if therefore, any injurious effects result to
+plants, from their being cultivated in a close atmosphere, we must seek
+for the cause, in some other source, than the plants themselves. If any
+noxious qualities exist in the atmosphere of structures, to which the
+external air has not free ingress, they must result from some neglect or
+ignorance on our part, in suffering extraneous and unwholesome matters to
+accumulate in such situations, and there to decompose, and enter into
+combination with those gaseous bodies, which form the volume of the
+internal atmosphere of our plant structures. The existence of such
+extraneous matters, may indeed be traced to various sources; and they may
+be present, even when much vigilance is employed to prevent their
+accumulation; and therefore, as an inconceivably minute quantity,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+inappreciable to the senses, would frequently be sufficient to effect
+deterioration, it is possible that these impurities may often originate in
+sources which are least of all suspected. The decomposition of organic
+matter, whether animal or vegetable, may frequently be the source of
+injurious results in this respect; for although this is principally
+resolved into those elementary gases, which appear to form the basis of
+all created objects, yet there are other matters liberated, which may then
+enter into fresh combinations; and either this, or a disproportionate
+accumulation, even of these elementary bodies, may reasonably give rise to
+serious apprehension, and demand the exercise of discretion, in order to
+prevent them from becoming injurious. Besides this, these decomposing
+bodies, afford just the very state of things, which appears to be
+requisite to call into existence, and developement, a numerous phalanx of
+cryptogamic vegetables: not that such matters, can for a moment be
+rationally considered to generate, these <i>cellulares</i>; but that they
+afford a suitable pabulum, and medium of developement for those millions
+upon millions of sporules, which we may readily conceive to be dispersed
+in the atmosphere; and with which it may be teeming, though from their
+buoyancy and minuteness, they may float to us invisibly therein.</p>
+
+<p>The admission of the external air, by the ordinary process of opening the
+sashes of forcing houses, has been said to be unnecessary, or at least by
+no means important, in so far as the function of vegetable respiration is
+concerned, because the buoyancy of the air within all such structures,
+would enable it to escape in sufficient quantity through their openings
+and crevices, to counterbalance any thing like deterioration, which might
+by any means result from the vital action of the plant. The admission of
+external air, is also directly injurious to forced plants, during the
+winter and spring months, when a very material difference of temperature
+exists between it, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> the internal volume, by contracting the vessels,
+impeding the circulation of the juices, and thereby checking the regular
+course of the growth of the plant. If these reasons fail to stamp it as a
+practice which ought not largely to be indulged in, it is further
+objectionable, as being productive of a prodigal expenditure of fuel:
+there can be little doubt but that generally speaking, a far greater
+quantity of fuel than is requisite, is expended in maintaining the
+temperature of forcing houses, solely from this cause; for the cold air
+when admitted, continues to abstract a portion of heat from the warmed
+air, until the temperature of both becomes equal, and consequently an
+increased application of fuel is requisite, in order to raise the newly
+admitted air to the same temperature as that which has been suffered to
+escape; and as the buoyancy of heated air is so great, an immense volume
+must necessarily rush out through a very small aperture, and thus there
+must also of necessity be an immense waste both of heat, and of fuel. A
+given portion of fuel, in its combustion, can give off but a certain
+proportionate ratio of heat, and if this is allowed unnecessarily to
+escape, the prodigality is self-evident. It is but a weak argument, which
+would seek to give to the admission of cold air, the office of regulating
+the temperature of plant houses; this ought to be effected by limiting the
+degree of heat <i>applied</i>, and not by attending to the <i>abstraction</i> of
+that which had been previously administered with two lavish an hand.
+Besides the extravagance of such a course, the constitutional vigour and
+energy of the plants is at the same time sacrificed by undue excitement.
+The admission of cold air in large quantities, therefore, brings
+condemnation in its train, since it is unnecessary, and extravagant, as
+well as directly injurious.</p>
+
+<p>There are nevertheless some considerations which render the admission of
+air, when regulated and applied with discretion, an operation of
+importance to the health of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> plants: it is productive of beneficial
+effects in carrying off the noxious vapours, which may although unseen,
+and guarded against, still float in the atmosphere; and there can be
+little doubt that another beneficial influence which it exercises, results
+from the motion which is produced by a body of air changing its position,
+which probably promotes circulation, and increases the excitability of the
+plants.</p>
+
+<p>Since therefore a change of the volume of the atmosphere in plant houses,
+is productive of benefit, and the admission of a large body of cold air,
+is at the same time so decidedly objectionable, it is important, that in
+endeavouring to secure the benefits of the practice, the injuries which
+are liable to result, should if possible be avoided. The regulation for
+the admistion of air, which is described in the second chapter of this
+treatise, may be regarded as being of some importance in this respect, as
+well as in the provision which it includes, of supplying the heated air,
+with a due proportion of moisture.</p>
+
+<p>Physiologists tell us, that plants derive a considerable proportion of
+their food, directly from the atmosphere, by a process similar to the
+inhaling of animals; and that the substances thus derived, are carbonic
+acid, ammonia, and water, which contain the elements of organic matter in
+considerable proportions. The influence of the atmosphere is exerted
+beneficially, by its constituents entering into combinations with other
+matters, which are taken into the system by the roots, and spread out and
+exposed in the leaves: this exposure has so far the effect of altering the
+character of the substance carried up from the roots, that it is no longer
+a body of crude juice, but is undergoing a process of elaboration, and is
+being assimilated with the superincumbent tissue of the plant. There seems
+to be no reason why those particular gaseous bodies which plants
+appropriate to themselves from the atmosphere, should not to a great
+extent be supplied to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> them artificially, at such periods as it may be
+necessary, or desirable, to accelerate their growth, and induce a more
+perfect and mature developement. It has been already stated, that the most
+important of these aeriform bodies, are nitrogen, which plants derive from
+ammonia; and carbon, which they derive from carbonic acid gas, on the
+liberation of the oxygen, which is one of its constituents; neither of
+these, can however be <ins class="correction" title="original: appropaiated">appropriated</ins>, when in a free state, but only when in
+a state of combination, and forming either a gaseous or a fluid body. It
+is probable that nitrogen might be supplied to plants, through the medium
+of the atmosphere in an artificial manner, by placing within any
+structure, a portion of some of the volatile salts of ammonia, which
+latter being given off, would at once supply the demands of vegetation.
+Carbon might be applied, by the use of charcoal; and it is worthy of
+experiment how far the <i>combustion of charcoal</i>, in plant structures, by
+accelerating the formation of carbonic acid gas, may have a beneficial
+influence on vegetation. The use of charcoal as an ingredient in the soil,
+though doubtless partly, and perhaps principally mechanical, is
+nevertheless in all probability rendered advantageous in this very way;
+the slowness of its decomposition must however render the quantity
+applied, very hom&oelig;opathic in its nature.</p>
+
+<p>A series of experiments with the view of ascertaining the practicability
+of continually supplying to the atmosphere, those qualities which plants
+abstract from it, and of determining the manner, and the degree in which
+they should be applied, would be one of the most interesting and important
+matters, to which the minds of Horticultural reformers could possibly be
+directed; but it is most essential, to remember, at the same time, &#8220;that
+these are powerful agents, requiring much skill in their adaptation,&#8221; and
+capable of effecting serious injury and disappointment, if
+indiscriminately applied.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="Chap_IX" id="Chap_IX"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. IX.</span></h2>
+<h3>ON THE GROWTH OF MELONS.</h3>
+
+<p>It is barely possible to suppose any use to which a structure which during
+the winter season had been devoted to the growth of Cucumbers, could be so
+legitimately appropriated in the summer, as that of the growth of the
+finer Melons of Persia, Cashmere, and the East. The superiority of such as
+these, in every point of view, over those kinds, which have been long in
+cultivation, would be an ample recompense for the appropriation of such
+valuable space to their use; whilst in no other structure could the
+peculiarities of the treatment they require, be so fully complied with,
+and be rendered so completely under control, as in that under
+consideration.</p>
+
+<p>There are some peculiarities in the treatment of these Melons, to the
+consideration of which, it may be desirable to devote a brief space; the
+most important of these, are the composition of the soil, the application
+of moisture at the root, the regulation of atmospheric warmth, and also,
+of atmospheric moisture; in these particulars, they offer some differences
+to what has been previously stated, with reference to the Cucumber.</p>
+
+<p>The soil in which the Melon delights to grow, is one of a more compact
+texture than is usually regarded as applicable for the Cucumber: a
+suitable compost consists of the &#8220;top spit&#8221; from a loamy pasture, of a
+texture <i>rather adhesive</i>, and retaining the herbage and roots of the
+grass; this should be collected a few months before it is used, so that
+these vegetable substances may be in a <i>decaying</i> state, and it should be
+broken roughly to pieces, but by no means sifted; to it, should be added,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+about one-fourth part of vegetable mould: the whole should be well
+incorporated, and, before using, should be placed in a situation where it
+may not be liable to become saturated by heavy rain; which would serve to
+destroy the free and open texture, which it is so desirable to retain.</p>
+
+<p>In the application of moisture to the soil, the structure which is
+described in a previous chapter, will be found to present facilities,
+which peculiarly adapt it for the growth of these plants. In Persia, and
+the neighbouring countries, where the Melon is so successfully grown, the
+ground is irrigated by means of numerous channels, which, from the
+limitation of their exposed surface, are not peculiarly adapted to supply
+atmospheric moisture; but are yet sufficiently numerous to secure the
+perfect irrigation of the soil, within the reach of the roots. The tubes
+or shafts, represented at (<i>n</i>) in the sketch referred to above, are
+intended to communicate directly with a layer of coarse open material,
+extending entirely over the top of the tank, and beneath the soil; by
+means of these a supply of water should be poured beneath the soil, which
+will thus keep that portion immediately about the young roots, in a
+constant and complete state of saturation, by means of the steam which
+will arise, in consequence of the heat from the tank. A uniformly warm,
+and a thoroughly moist soil, will be thus easily secured, which are two
+important points in the growth of Persian Melons. It must be recollected
+that these conditions for supplying moisture, are recommended only during
+the time of growing the plants, and swelling the fruit; but as these
+latter approach their maturity, the degree of moisture must of course be
+gradually diminished.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with this moistened and genial soil,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> the Melon has
+naturally the advantage also, of powerful sun heat, and intense light; and
+these are two conditions which it is indispensable should be supplied in
+artificial cultivation, as fully as they can possibly be obtained. It is
+by means of the moisture of the soil, that the plants are enabled to grow
+on rapidly and vigorously, because that moisture renders the food
+contained in the soil, soluble, and therefore available to the roots; but
+the elaboration and assimilation of this food depends on the degree of
+<i>light</i> and <i>heat</i> with which they are supplied: without these conditions,
+to convert the crude sap, by their united agency, into organic compounds,
+such as lignin, gum, starch, and sugar, and to induce their deposition,
+the fruit will indeed be formed&mdash;it will grow, and perhaps may even tempt
+the eye; but unless these chemical and vital changes have taken place in
+its constituent parts, the eye, as it frequently happens, will have been
+deceived; and instead of the palate being gratified by a mature and
+luscious fruit, it will find nothing but a tasteless mass of pulp. The
+plants, therefore, cannot, in our latitude, receive too intense a degree
+of solar heat, or of light.</p>
+
+<p>The same cause which renders the natural atmosphere of the Melon countries
+elevated in temperature, renders it also comparatively dry; the sun drinks
+up the moisture which is deposited near the surface, or which may rise to
+that position; and by an exceedingly powerful influence effectually
+prevents the accumulation of moisture about the exposed parts of the
+plants. The atmosphere is nevertheless not in an arid state; the
+evaporation from a well-moistened soil effectually prevents this from
+being the case, but the excessive heat also as effectually and continually
+prevents an undue accumulation of moisture in the atmosphere.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> The
+application of this fact, to artificial practice, is plain; a less amount
+of moisture artificially applied, in comparison with the temperature, must
+be permitted, than when the cultivation of those plants is attempted whose
+natural habitats are less strongly featured in this respect.</p>
+
+<p>Such considerations as these naturally force on us the conclusion, that it
+is vain to attempt the cultivation of this noble fruit, except during that
+portion of the year when the sun exerts his greatest power in our
+latitude. It is not because they cannot be induced to grow at any other
+period of the year, for the mere extension of vegetable tissue will go on,
+though the influence of the natural agents is but limited and feeble; but
+it is because maturity, perfect development, and, above all, the full
+assimilation of the sap, cannot take place sufficiently to ensure a good
+flavour in the fruit, except light and heat are not only unimpeded and
+constant, but powerful and united in their action.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<h2><a name="Chap_X" id="Chap_X"></a><span class="smcap">Chap. X.</span></h2>
+<h3>CONCLUDING REMARKS.</h3>
+
+<p>I will here briefly recall attention to a most important point which the
+cultivator should continually keep in view: it is most important that he
+should <i>study Nature</i>; for if we may believe our senses, or place any
+confidence in overwhelming evidence, we may be certain that all the
+conditions we observe in a natural state of things, have been planned by
+an All-wise hand; and further, that a finite mind can never attempt with
+suc<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>cess, either to surpass or to dispense with any portion of that which
+an infinite being has ordained. &#8220;Order is Heaven&#8217;s first law,&#8221; and in
+whatever we may attempt to do, we shall not be wise, if we endeavour to
+effect our purpose by any means which may distort the fair proportions
+which unaided nature presents to our view. In cultivating plants,
+therefore, we should administer the conditions which are favourable to
+their growth and development, in somewhat the same proportions each to the
+other, in which they are naturally blended&mdash;not supplying one essential,
+in an undue manner, and, at the same time, neglecting others; for
+successful cultivation must ever depend upon the connection and influence
+of numerous circumstances upon each other, and can never be attained,
+unless these conditions are complied with, either designedly, or, as it
+often happens, by mere accident.</p>
+
+<p>Another point which it is important to keep in view, is that instructions
+should be studied, rather than copied, in their application to practice.
+No instructions can be given that should be blindly and implicitly
+followed. The circumstances under which plants are placed are varying
+every day, and even every hour, and, to be successful, horticultural
+practice must be varied also. It must, however, be varied according to
+principle. But even what are regarded as established laws and principles
+should not be heedlessly followed; to be truly successful, a man must not
+only be a practical enthusiast and a keen theorist; he must also be a
+skilful experimentalist: his experiments and their results, if carefully
+watched, deduced, recorded, and studied, will serve to guide him for the
+future.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p>
+<h2>APPENDIX.</h2>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><i>On Heating, Ventilating or Aerating, and Covering.</i></p>
+
+<p>Since the publication of the first edition of this work in 1844, the views
+expressed in the second chapter, with reference to structures best adapted
+for Cucumber culture in the winter season, have met with much
+corroborative support. Respecting the questions of heating, ventilation,
+and covering, a few more words may be added.</p>
+
+<p>I have before recommended hot water tanks for supplying bottom heat, with
+attached pipes for the circulation of hot water to warm the atmosphere. I
+can see no reason for recommending any other arrangement now; for the
+experience of successive years goes to show that hot water, applied on
+sound principles, is, above all other means of heating, effective in its
+operation; and as to the question of expense, raised as an objection to it
+by some, it is sufficient to say, that, although one hot water apparatus
+may be fitted up in an expensive manner, another may be rendered perfectly
+successful in its operation, at the same time that it is extremely simple
+in its arrangements, and correspondingly inexpensive in its cost.</p>
+
+<p>A seeming error in the engraving, at p. <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, has been pointed out to me. In
+the description of the sketch it is stated that, &#8220;a series of pipes
+attached to the same boiler [which heats the tank] would supply the
+requisite heat to the atmosphere.&#8221; The sketch itself shows these pipes to
+be considerably above the level of the water in the tank, and where they
+could not, consistently with the other arrangements, be thus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> employed.
+This may be explained thus:&mdash;the sketch was introduced rather for the
+purpose of illustrating certain proposed arrangements, as regards bottom
+heat and ventilation, than as furnishing an exact and detailed design for
+a model structure; and thus it happened that the pipes were merely shown
+to be placed at the front part of the house, to indicate that this was
+their proper relative position. There would be no practical difficulty in
+placing the pipes lower down, and nearly close to the front wall, so as to
+admit of the proposed connection; all that would be required to effect
+this, being to fix the slab, on which they rest&mdash;and which prevents the
+air from rushing upwards into the atmosphere of the house at this
+point&mdash;in a sloping position, instead of a horizontal one.</p>
+
+<p>The principle involved in the plan proposed for a&euml;ration or ventilation,
+is no doubt a sound one; and though the plan which is more particularly
+described may be modified and varied, yet it is believed to be efficient
+for its intended purpose.</p>
+
+<p>There can be no doubt that the admission of cold air to a structure in
+which tender plants are being forced, either during winter or early
+spring, is materially hurtful to the plants, in proportion to the
+tenderness of their constitution; and the Cucumber being, under those
+circumstances, a plant of a very tender and delicate nature, is especially
+susceptible of harm from this source. As a consequence resulting from this
+fact, there can be little hesitation in affirming that whatever fresh or
+external air it may be necessary to admit, during the period referred to,
+should be warmed before it reaches the plants, and in being warmed not
+burned, but supplied with the additional moisture its increased heat
+capacitates it to take up, and which, to be congenial to vegetation, it
+requires. This is provided for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> by the plan already recommended, where the
+cold air is made to pass through the tank containing the heated water
+which warms the soil. By a perfectly practicable modification of this
+arrangement, not only may this result be secured, but also the continual
+circulation of the internal atmosphere may at pleasure be assisted and
+accelerated, during the time when it might not be necessary to admit fresh
+air. This would be an additional advantage. The arrangement proposed to
+effect this, is to conduct the cold external air through a heated chamber
+containing the tanks&mdash;these latter being covered, but also admitting of
+being opened to any extent to supply moisture or steam in the proportion
+required. The cold air, after passing upwards through the chamber, escapes
+at the front of the house, and ascends to the upper part of the house,
+from whence it finds its way downwards near the back wall, and there again
+enters the chamber, through openings provided for the purpose. The
+circulation of the internal atmosphere would be thus facilitated and
+accelerated, even without the admission of any current of external air,
+for, of course, there is more or less of this kind of movement going on in
+the atmosphere, wherever and in whatever form a source of artificial heat
+is present. Another mode of combining internal atmospheric motion, with
+ventilation, and by which the cold air is warmed before it reaches the
+plants, has been practised with very marked success, in a vinery at
+Park-hill, Streatham, Surrey; and I have described it in the <i>Journal of
+the Horticultural Society</i><small><a name="f1.1" id="f1.1" href="#f1">[1]</a></small> as follows:&mdash;&#8220;This plan consists in passing
+a zinc pipe, thickly perforated with small holes, from end to end of the
+vinery, and exactly beneath the range of hot water pipes, which heat the
+structure. In the outer [end]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> wall, communicating with this perforated
+pipe by means of a kind of broad funnel, a register valve is fixed, by
+which the admission of air can be regulated with the utmost nicety, or the
+supply be shut off altogether: this valve is fixed a little below the
+level of the perforated pipe. The action of this contrivance was evident
+enough from the motion communicated to the foliage of the vines; and its
+effects were apparent in the unusually healthy and vigorous appearance
+they bore, until their period of ripening. In this case, sufficient
+moisture was kept up by syringing the walls and pipes, wetting the
+pathway, and by the use of evaporating troughs, placed on the metal pipes,
+and kept constantly filled with water.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In another communication published in the work already quoted,<small><a name="f2.1" id="f2.1" href="#f2">[2]</a></small> after
+alluding to the now well-known garden truism, that a comparatively low
+night temperature is indispensable to the maintenance of vigorous growth
+in plants of all kinds, I have advocated a more extended adoption of the
+practice of night covering hot houses, as a means of permitting the low
+night temperature required, and at the same time securing the plants
+against the extreme cold to which they would thus be sometimes liable.
+From the changeable nature of our climate, there is some difficulty in
+apportioning the degree of applied heat, so as to suit exactly the
+requirements of the plants in these respects; and it is especially
+difficult to maintain with certainty the low degree of night temperature
+which would be desirable, and at the same time avoid risking the safety of
+the plants, through a sudden declension of the temperature of the exterior
+air. At present this difficulty has to be met by extraordinary care on the
+part of the gardener, and often by serious encroachments on his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> proper
+time for study and for rest: even then sometimes without success. This end
+would be much more effectually and certainly secured by a <i>complete
+system</i> of covering hot-houses and forcing-houses; and this plan would
+secure the further advantage of avoiding the undue stimulation of the
+plants by a then unnecessary amount of heat, applied solely to prevent the
+very evil which covering also prevents, namely, the risk of excessive cold
+during the night.</p>
+
+<p>The principle upon which a covering acts most efficiently, is that of
+enclosing a complete body or stratum of air exterior to the glass, this
+body of air being entirely shut away from the surrounding outer
+atmosphere. Air being a bad conductor of heat, the warmth of the interior
+is by this means prevented from passing to the exterior atmosphere; or, in
+other words, the exterior atmosphere, being prevented from coming in
+contact with the glass, cannot absorb from the interior any material
+proportion of its heat. To secure this advantage, however, the coverings
+<i>must</i> be kept from contact with the glass, and they should extend on
+every side where the structure is formed of materials which readily
+conduct heat&mdash;such as glass or iron. The coverings should in fact form
+neither more nor less than <i>a close outer case</i>.</p>
+
+<p>One point connected with the application of these coverings, which I
+consider would constitute an improvement, and which, as far as I am aware,
+has never been acted on, is that of having them to fit so accurately as to
+exclude the external air (a matter of no difficulty in the degree
+required), and then to have a series of ventilators provided, to stand
+open during the night, whereby an interchange of the atmospheric volume
+would take place throughout the night, without exposing the plants to
+contact with cold air. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> stagnation of the internal atmosphere would
+thus be prevented, in consequence of the interior air and the air between
+the glass and the covering being of different degrees of density, owing to
+their being differently charged with heat. By this plan, therefore, I
+conceive that direct benefit would accrue to the plants; and it would also
+materially assist in preserving that cooler&mdash;but not cold&mdash;night
+temperature, which the fear of injury from frost prevents from being more
+fully realised in ordinary cases.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_065.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>The annexed diagram represents one of the many ways in which this idea
+might be carried into practice. It will be understood that, as here shown,
+the side shutters and end shutters (the latter not indicated), fit into
+grooves, the upper groove being attached to iron pins, and thus fixed at a
+proper distance from the building, without obstructing the passage of air
+along the enclosed space; and that on the lower side being so fixed as to
+exclude the external air in that direction. The top or roof shutters also
+run into a groove along the ridge of the roof, and at the lower end fix
+close down to the top of the side shutters, fastening with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> button. Each
+of the shutters should have a projecting fillet fixed on one side, so as
+to shut close over the adjoining one. The shutters themselves should of
+course be made of light frame-work, strengthened where necessary, with
+small iron rods. The material used for covering them may be the asphalte
+felt, now manufactured extensively for roofing purposes, or strong brown
+paper, coated with tar; the latter is used extensively in Germany for this
+purpose, and is found to be very durable and cheap; it is there even
+preferred to every other material.</p>
+
+<p>Though the covering of hot-houses has been already practised in some
+cases, I am not aware of any one having adopted a close covering with the
+view to facilitate ventilation or a&euml;ration during the night. It appears to
+me that the circulation of air, secured by the means here proposed, would
+have much influence in excluding cold, whilst at the same time it would
+prevent the interior from becoming too warm and close.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><i>On Transplanting and the use of Turf Pots.</i></p>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/i_067.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p>I have, at p. <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, given what appear to me to be some of the principal
+reasons against the practice of transplanting, or planting out, Cucumber
+and other plants. When this is done after any quantity of roots are
+produced, some injury or check must be sustained during the process; and
+checks of this kind are opposed to the realisation of the greatest results
+within the shortest period, which of course is the great object in view.
+Where it is inconvenient to plant the seeds in the places the plants are
+intended to occupy, or to put out the young plants during the earliest
+period of their development, or where propagation by cuttings or layers,
+is adopted, and the plants of course have to be potted separately, so as
+to be in a removable state,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> the following simple plan may be adopted, and
+will be found to combine all the advantages and conveniences attending the
+use of pots, with the avoidance of the evils of transplantation, &amp;c. The
+plan referred to, consists in the employment of turf or peat, so contrived
+as to supply the place of pots, and which of course at the time of
+planting is simply placed, along with the plant it contains, at once into
+the soil, without in the least disturbing the roots, which, growing
+through the substance of the turf, extend beyond it in all directions into
+the free soil provided for them. These turf pots are made of spongy,
+fibrous turf&mdash;whether loamy or peaty is not material, provided it is full
+of fibre, so as to admit of being readily traversed by the roots. The
+grassy surface is evenly removed, and the under-turves are cut three or
+four inches in thickness, and are then divided into squares of about three
+inches across. The centre of each of these little squares is taken out by
+means of an iron scoop, such as that represented in the annexed sketch;
+and this is then filled up with soil, and the plant, or seed, or cutting,
+or layer, inserted as if it were into an ordinary flower pot. It will be
+obvious that by this plan, every plant is independent and perfectly
+removable&mdash;thus securing the convenience of sowing or planting and rearing
+the plants in pots during their earliest stages: on the other hand, at the
+time of planting out permanently, the plant, turf, and all being set
+carefully into the soil, no check is sustained, because the roots remain
+undisturbed, and may, as they advance, penetrate through the turf into the
+prepared soil which surrounds them; in this way the advantages of sowing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+or planting at the very first in the position the plants are intended to
+occupy permanently, are secured.</p>
+
+<p>This plan of sowing seeds, or of planting young plants intended for
+transplantation, into pots made of turf, is not only applicable to
+cucumbers, but might be very extensively adopted in the case of annuals
+and half hardy plants raised in frames, during the spring, in large
+quantities for the flower garden. In these cases, however, as the quantity
+that could be reared within a given space would be an object, the turves
+should be as small as possible in their lateral dimensions&mdash;a bore of two
+inches and a half, with half an inch on each side, thus making the
+diameter three inches and a half, would be found convenient in this
+respect. For cucumbers, however, or when the plan was applied to any
+special object, a larger size might be employed, which would allow of the
+plants attaining a larger size before it would be necessary to place them
+in their permanent positions.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><i>On Watering the Soil.</i></p>
+
+<p>In the diagram at p. <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, and the description of it at p. <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, I have
+indicated and recommended a plan of moistening the soil by pouring water
+down beneath the soil: this was to be done by the help of tubes provided
+for the purpose. The soil was supposed to rest on the top of the hot
+water-tank, which was to supply bottom heat; and immediately beneath the
+soil, a layer of open rubble was proposed to be placed, among which the
+water applied might find its way, and gradually moisten the superincumbent
+soil. Mr. Hunter, gardener at Mawley Hall, in detailing<small><a name="f3.1" id="f3.1" href="#f3">[3]</a></small> his sixteen
+years&#8217;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> experience in tank-heating, has in great measure corroborated
+these views; and as his corroboration of the plan I have recommended,
+embodies some useful hints, I will quote the substance of his remarks:&mdash;&#8220;I
+had a pit erected, thirty-eight feet long, seven and a half wide, divided
+into four compartments, for growing melons and cucumbers, with a tank
+extending the whole length of the pit, six feet wide and six inches deep.
+Across this I put larch spars, and upon them turves, with the grassy side
+downwards, and on them the soil for the melons and cucumbers. The plants
+grew and did well for a time, but they were of short duration in
+comparison with the dung-bed. Instead of the moisture ascending through
+the soil as I expected, I found that the heat from the tank dried the
+turves and soil next to them as dry as dust, and that there was no such
+thing as obtaining a moist heat from hot water without the soil was in
+contact with it. Next year I put broken stones upon the spars, and turves
+upon them, and made my arrangements so that I could occasionally run water
+in the tank to wet the turves and the soil next them. This was an
+improvement; and I went on prosperously for some years, till the spars
+began to decay. I then had iron bars put across, and two of the
+compartments covered with squares, a foot in diameter, and one inch thick;
+the other two with slates; both slates and squares jointed with Roman
+cement, to prevent the soil from getting into the tank, as I had found the
+inconvenience of it when using the spars. I put some broken stones upon
+the covers, and turves upon them, and then the soil. Here my original
+difficulty occurred; the soil next the covers got too dry, and to moisten
+it from above was impracticable, without making the soil a complete
+puddle, which would have stopped the healthy growth of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> plants. To
+remedy this, I put six small earthen pipes into each division, the one end
+resting upon the tank covers, the other standing up above the soil. When I
+found by the watch sticks that the soil was getting dry, I poured water
+down the pipes through a tin funnel which I had made on purpose; this
+spread itself over the surface of the tank covers, and diffused a gentle
+moisture to the soil, so congenial to the growth of plants. This was a
+move in the right direction. I then thought that it would be better to
+pour the manure water down upon the tank covers, which I have done since.
+I found the broken stones over the tank covers troublesome; they were also
+a harbour for wood-lice. I now use only a layer of leaves next the covers,
+and they are cleared out with the soil.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><i>On Atmospheric Humidity.</i></p>
+
+<p>Cucumbers cannot at any time be successfully grown in an arid atmosphere,
+although, during the winter season, they require a much less proportion of
+atmospheric humidity, than under the influence of longer days and brighter
+light; and conversely, the degree which would be necessary to secure their
+welfare in summer, would be fatal to them in winter. An experienced
+gardener would tell almost instinctively, at either season, whether a
+sufficient supply was present or not; but less experienced cultivators
+would need some index, or register, to guide them. Such an index is
+afforded by the hygrometer; but most of the kinds of hygrometers are
+delicate instruments, and hardly suited for garden use. What is needed in
+this case is, not an instrument which requires minute observations and
+calculations, but something that will at once indicate the atmospheric
+humidity as plainly as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> the thermometer does the temperature, and which
+may be as easily read off and understood. Simmons&#8217; hygrometer, recently
+introduced to the notice of horticulturists, professes to supply this
+desideratum; and though, perhaps, not a sufficiently accurate instrument
+for purely scientific purposes, yet, as simply and clearly indicating what
+is at least an approximation to the existing degree of atmospheric
+humidity, it is to be regarded as a useful garden hygrometer. By it, the
+degree of dryness or humidity is indicated on a dial-plate, by means of a
+moveable arm resembling the hand of a clock. The dial-plate is marked off
+into degrees, expressing the amount of moisture in the air, between what
+is observed when the instrument is plunged in water on the one hand, and
+exposed to excessive dryness on the other. As my own experience of this
+instrument, though favourable to its use, is still but limited, I cannot
+do better than introduce here the following remarks of Mr. Beck, of
+Isleworth, a very successful cultivator of plants, and one who has had
+considerable experience in the use of these instruments. It will be
+observed that Mr. Beck&#8217;s standard for the orchid-house will be about
+suitable for cucumbers.<small><a name="f4.1" id="f4.1" href="#f4">[4]</a></small> Mr. Beck observes,&mdash;&#8220;The skilful gardener,
+observing the pointer to advance with dryness and return with moisture,
+will soon form a standard for himself, by which to regulate his stove,
+greenhouse, &amp;c.; still some general scale is desirable. Two <ins class="correction" title="original: conditious">conditions</ins>
+must be carefully observed:&mdash;1. The instrument must neither be hung in the
+sun, nor where it will be liable to get wetted or saturated. 2. It must
+not be subjected to greater heat than is suited to vegetable life. For the
+six months commencing with August and ending<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> with January, 40 deg. in,
+the morning, increasing to 60 deg. about noon, and declining again to 40
+deg. at night, is about the right scale for the orchid-house; whilst a
+range from 50 deg. to 80 deg. would be suitable for both the stove and
+greenhouse in those months. In the other half year, February and July
+inclusive, 30 deg. to 40 deg., morning and evening, running up to 80 deg.
+in the middle of the day for the orchid-house; 40 deg. and 50 deg., and up
+to 70 deg. for the stove; and 50 deg. to 80 deg. for the greenhouse, will
+prove very suitable. The above scale is desirable, but I do not say it is
+always attainable. Ours is an uncertain climate; sometimes a dry east wind
+will almost parch us up; at other times a southerly one, with wet, will
+cause a superabundance, which will have to be corrected, possibly by a
+gentle fire, and a free admission of air. The alteration hereby effected
+in the atmosphere of the houses will soon be evidenced by the hygrometer,
+and mildew and fogging off be kept at a distance. Opposed to an excess of
+moisture in the dull months of the year, is the dryness consequent on the
+summer and autumnal sunshine. Then, during the heat of the days, the
+instrument will seem to have run wild. Throwing water on the floors of the
+houses, and every means of increasing the amount of moisture, seems but of
+little or temporary avail; Simmons will go up, spite of all, to 90 deg. or
+100 deg., and none the worse either, for it is still a faithful indicator,
+and as sure as the day declines, and the heat of the sun is withdrawn, so
+will it come back to a suitable point, when the plants are watered and the
+floors are wetted for the night. Remembering then, the variableness of our
+climate, I candidly admit that I consider any precise directions of very
+little value. None can be given that shall be implicitly followed, or on
+which success<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> shall certainly attend. Horticultural practice should be
+made dependant upon ever-varying circumstances.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Belville, of the Royal Observatory, has constructed the following
+Table, from a series of observations made with Simmons&#8217; hygrometer in
+connexion with the dew point, as obtained by a Mason&#8217;s hygrometer, or a
+dry and wet thermometer.</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="humidity">
+
+<tr>
+    <td class="btlr" colspan="3" align="center">Range<br />of Simmons&#8217;<br />Hygrometer.</td>
+    <td class="btr" align="center">Mean<br />Humidity<br />of the Air.</td>
+    <td class="bt">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="btr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="btl" align="right">20&deg;</td><td class="bt">to</td><td class="btr">30&deg;</td>
+    <td class="btr" align="center">1&middot;00</td>
+    <td>&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="br">Extreme saturation; air precipitates moisture at a fall of temperature.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bl" align="right">30</td><td>..</td><td class="br">40</td>
+    <td class="br" align="center">0&middot;96</td>
+    <td>&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bl" align="right">50</td><td>..</td><td class="br">60</td>
+    <td class="br" align="center">0&middot;89</td>
+    <td>&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bl" align="right">60</td><td>..</td><td class="br">70</td>
+    <td class="br" align="center">0&middot;77</td>
+    <td rowspan="3" valign="middle" align="center"><span class="bracket">}</span></td>
+    <td class="br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bl" align="right">70</td><td>..</td><td class="br">80</td>
+    <td class="br" align="center">0&middot;72</td>
+    <td class="br">Ordinary fine dry weather.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bl" align="right">80</td><td>..</td><td class="br">90</td>
+    <td class="br" align="center">0&middot;67</td>
+    <td class="br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bl" align="right">90</td><td>..</td><td class="br">100</td>
+    <td class="br" align="center">0&middot;59</td>
+    <td>&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="br">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+    <td class="bbl" align="right">100</td><td class="bb">..</td><td class="bbr">120</td>
+    <td class="bbr" align="center">0&middot;50</td>
+    <td class="bb">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="bbr">Air contains one half of the moisture it is capable of holding in solution; in England very dry weather.</td>
+</tr></table>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Example:&mdash;Suppose hygrometer read 45&deg;, the mean humidity
+corresponding is 93. Again, if hygrometer read 90&deg;, the mean humidity
+corresponding is 59&deg;.</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><i>Mushrooms.</i> (See p. <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.)</p>
+
+<p>Convenience for growing mushrooms may always be planned in a cucumber
+house; and as these excellent fungi are universally approved, it may be
+useful to append an epitome of the mode in which they should be
+cultivated.</p>
+
+<p>The best, or, at least, most convenient situation for the bed, would be
+beneath that provided for the cucumber plants (see p. <a href="#Page_18">18</a>). The front may
+be formed of two course of brick-on-edge, and if divisions are required,
+they should be formed in the same way. The bottom should be made even, and
+rendered dry. The material for forming the bed itself consists of short<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+stable litter, with horse-droppings, but chiefly the latter, brought to a
+certain state of fermentation. The droppings and litter should be obtained
+daily from the stable, until enough for a bed is collected; it should,
+from day to day, be thrown up into a flattish heap, in a dry place, where
+it will ferment very slightly. As soon as enough is got together to begin
+to ferment, the heap must be turned over; and in these turnings, the outer
+and inner parts of the heap, as well as the fresh and the fermenting, must
+be well mixed up together; the heaps should be turned every second day,
+and should never be made large, or else the dung would become both too hot
+and too dry, either of which would spoil it. To avoid this, the heaps
+should be flat and shallow, with as much outside as possible; in this way
+the air, acting on a considerable portion of it, renders it rather dry,
+and checks too rapid fermentation. This preparation must be continued
+until the whole mass is brought to an uniform mild, dryish state of
+fermentation. Then the bed may be made in the following manner:&mdash;About
+three inches of the prepared dung is laid evenly over the bottom, and is
+beaten down firmly with a flat heavy wooden mallet. Another layer is then
+put on in the same way, and this is repeated until the bed is formed to a
+thickness of about six inches. The next two inches of the dung should have
+about a sixth part of light turfy loam reduced to mould, and sifted, mixed
+with it to give it body. The bed is now prepared, and is to be spawned as
+soon as it is seen that it does not heat violently. The heat ought not to
+exceed 90 degrees: if it reaches higher than this, holes must be made, a
+few inches apart, to let the heat pass off, and in a day or two these may
+be filled up again. The spawn is to be put in when the heat ranges about
+75 degrees; lumps of spawn about as large as a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> egg may be used; a
+hole should be made with the fingers about two inches deep, the spawn
+inserted, and the material of the bed closed about it. Probably by this
+time there will be no danger of overheating, and if so, the soil may be
+put on; if, however, there is any inclination to overheat, wait till it
+has passed off before putting on the soil. The soil used should be
+decomposed turfy loam, moderately dry, so as to bear compression without
+running together like paste, but damp enough to become firm, close, and
+even, when beaten closely. About two inches in thickness should be put on,
+and this is to be beaten down quite firm and close. The beds are then
+finished. It is as well to cover the surface with a thin layer of short
+hay, to prevent it becoming quite dry. Mushroom beds seldom require water;
+after they have been some time in bearing, the beds sometimes get dry, and
+in such cases, if they have a moderate soaking of <i>tepid</i> water, and the
+surface is covered as before, a new crop will spring up. The covering is
+best removed when the beds are in bearing. It is seldom advisable to apply
+water when the beds are coming into bearing. Water should never be used in
+any other than a tepid state.</p>
+
+<p>Mushrooms are most prized in the summer, though the atmosphere of a
+cucumber-house would not then be suitable for them, unless the space about
+them could be closed in, so as to retain a close, somewhat humid
+atmosphere. They would succeed very well without being enclosed, during
+the season for forcing cucumbers.</p>
+
+<p>Under the treatment which has been detailed, the beds would usually come
+into bearing in about six weeks from the time of spawning; and, under
+favourable circumstances, would continue in bearing for two or three
+months.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><b>Footnotes:</b></p>
+
+<p><a name="f1" id="f1" href="#f1.1">[1]</a> The Journal of the Horticultural Society of London, vol. I. p. 114.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f2" id="f2" href="#f2.1">[2]</a> Ib. vol. II. p. 29.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f3" id="f3" href="#f3.1">[3]</a> Gardener&#8217;s Journal, 1847, p. 339.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f4" id="f4" href="#f4.1">[4]</a> Gardener&#8217;s Chronicle 1847.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 50%;" />
+<p><b>Transcriber&#8217;s Notes:</b></p>
+
+<p>Other than the corrections noted by hover information, printer&#8217;s
+inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained.</p>
+
+<p>Punctuation has been corrected without note.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Theory and Practice, Applied to the
+Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season, by Thomas Moore
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CULTIVATION OF THE CUCUMBER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 32818-h.htm or 32818-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Theory and Practice, Applied to the
+Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season, by Thomas Moore
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Theory and Practice, Applied to the Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season
+       To Which Is Added a Chapter on Melons
+
+Author: Thomas Moore
+
+Release Date: June 14, 2010 [EBook #32818]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CULTIVATION OF THE CUCUMBER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  THEORY AND PRACTICE,
+  APPLIED TO THE
+  CULTIVATION
+  OF
+  THE CUCUMBER,
+  IN THE
+  WINTER SEASON:
+
+  TO WHICH IS ADDED,
+  A CHAPTER ON MELONS:
+
+  BY THOMAS MOORE,
+  MEMBER OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
+
+  SECOND EDITION,
+
+  WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING REMARKS ON HEATING
+  AERATING, AND COVERING FORCING HOUSES; ON
+  TRANSPLANTING, AND THE USE OF TURF POTS; ON
+  WATERING; ON ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY, &c., &c.
+
+  LONDON:
+  RICHARD GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS,
+  5 PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+  MDCCCXLVII.
+
+
+
+  LONDON:
+  PRINTED BY DAVID M. AIED
+  JAMES ST., COVENT GARDEN.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
+
+
+This little treatise is intended as an inducement to young Gardeners
+especially, to seek for the reasons on which the operations of their daily
+practice are founded, and by which they are regulated. This announcement
+is here made, in order to prevent any reader from supposing that the
+author has unduly estimated the opinions of those who have benefited by a
+long course of application and experience. As, however, there can be no
+doubt that there is much to be learned, so is there but little question
+that there is also much to be unlearned, in the present state of the
+Science of Horticulture; and these pages are offered without hesitation,
+as a mite among the accumulating mass of available information on
+gardening subjects; and in the hope that some amongst those who are
+seeking to extend their knowledge, may at least be stimulated by their
+perusal, if they are not otherwise directly benefited.
+
+The great truths which it is the object of this treatise to impress, are
+these: that the ultimate success of gardening operations does not depend
+on the performance of any part of them, at a particular time, or in a
+particular or even superior manner, but rather upon the supplying, in a
+natural manner, as far as possible, _all the conditions_ which are
+necessary to the nutrition and perpetuation of plants; and, that it is
+within the open pathway of Science, and not the bye-ways of empiricism,
+that the finger-post of direction should be sought.
+
+Royal Botanic Garden, Regent's Park,
+
+March 2nd, 1844.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE SECOND EDITION.
+
+
+In the present edition, it has been thought best to preserve the original
+text exactly as it appeared in the first edition. The new matter will be
+found in the Appendix.
+
+The author may take this opportunity of returning his thanks to those who
+have noticed and commended the former edition, and of expressing a hope
+that the present will receive an equal share of favour.
+
+Camden Town, Aug. 1, 1847.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  CHAP. I.                                                          PAGE
+
+  Botanical name, and affinities of the Cucumber--properties--
+  foreign names--improvements in cultivation                           9
+
+
+  CHAP. II.
+
+  Structures--dung beds--brick pits--forcing houses--gutter
+  system of heating--the tank system--bottom heat--description
+  of Cucumber house--aspect--position--angle--covering                11
+
+
+  CHAP. III.
+
+  Propagation by cuttings--early fruitfulness--preservation of
+  varieties--layers--objections to cuttings and layers--seeds--
+  disadvantages--progressive growth--seed sowing                      23
+
+
+  CHAP. IV.
+
+  General principles of culture--importance of light--pruning
+  and training                                                        31
+
+
+  CHAP. V.
+
+  Composition of the soil--heath soil--leaf mould--preparation
+  of soil--charcoal--manures--liquid manures                          36
+
+
+  CHAP. VI.
+
+  Application of water to the soil--special conditions--
+  atmospheric moisture--insects--mildew--canker--mode of watering     42
+
+
+  CHAP. VII.
+
+  Regulation of temperature--principles to be kept in view--day
+  and night temperature--deductions                                   46
+
+
+  CHAP. VIII.
+
+  Admission of air--effect of cold air on tender plants--
+  deterioration--evils resulting from unguarded atmospheric
+  changes--mode of admitting air--atmospheric influence on
+  vegetation--nitrogen--carbon                                        50
+
+
+  CHAP. IX.
+
+  Growth of Persian Melons in summer--peculiarities of
+  treatment--soil--watering--solar heat--light                        56
+
+
+  CHAP. X.
+
+  Conclusion                                                          59
+
+
+
+
+TREATISE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
+
+
+The Cucumber, _Cucumis sativa_, is supposed to be a native of the East
+Indies; but like many other of our culinary plants, the real stations
+which it naturally has occupied, are involved in obscurity: in habit it is
+a trailing herb, with thick fleshy stems, broadly palmate leaves, and
+yellow axillary monaecious flowers. In the natural arrangement of the
+vegetable kingdom, the genus of which it forms part, ranks in the first
+grand class, _Vasculares_, or those plants which are furnished with
+vessels, and woody fibre; in the sub-class _Calyciflorae_, or those in
+which the stamens are perigynous; and in the order _Cucurbitaceae_, or that
+group, of which the genus _Cucurbita_, or Gourd family is the type.
+
+The affinities of this order, are chiefly with _Loasaceae_, and
+_Onagraceae_; with the former it agrees in its inferior unilocular fruit,
+having a parietal placentae, and with the latter, in its definite
+perigynous stamens, single style, and exalbuminous seeds. It has also some
+affinity with _Passifloraceae_, and _Papayaceae_, in the nature of the
+fruit, and with _Aristolochiaceae_, in its twining habit, and inferior
+ovarium. M. Auguste St. Hiliare, also regards it as being related to
+_Campanulaceae_, in the perigynous insertion of the stamens, the single
+style with several stigmas, the inferior ovarium, and in the quinary
+division of the floral envelope, in connection with the ternary division
+of the fruit.
+
+The properties of the plants comprised in this natural family, are not
+numerous; a bitter laxative quality pervades many of them, a familiar
+example of which is the resinous substance called Colycinthine, the
+production of the Colocynth gourd, in which the active purgative principle
+is concentrated, rendering it drastic, and irritating. Among our native
+plants the roots of _Bryonia dioica_, in common with the perennial roots
+of all the plants in the order, possess these purgative properties. On the
+other hand, the seeds are sweet, yielding an abundant supply of oil; and
+it may be worthy of remark, that they never partake of the properties of
+the pulp with which they are surrounded in the fruit.
+
+The Cucumber does not possess the properties common to the order, in very
+powerful degree; its fruit is however too cold for many persons, causing
+flatulency, diarrhoea, and even cholera; by others, it may be eaten with
+avidity, without producing any injurious effects.
+
+The names by which the Cucumber is recognised by the Hindoos, are
+_Ketimon_, and _Timou_. In the French, it is called _Concombre_; in the
+German, _Gurke_; and in the Italian, _Citriuolo_. As a cultivated plant,
+it is of nearly equal antiquity with the Vine; being mentioned by the
+writer of the Pentateuch, as being cultivated extensively in Egypt, above
+3000 years since.
+
+The cultivation of this plant, and the production of fine fruit at an
+early season, is an object of emulation among gardeners of the present
+day; and from this cause, many important improvements in the mode of its
+cultivation have been effected. The vast increase of means, arising from
+an acquaintance with powerful agents, formerly unknown, which are
+available by the present and rising races of gardeners, enable them to
+secure the same important results which cost their predecessors much both
+of labour and anxiety, with a comparatively small amount of the former,
+and a degree of certainty at which they could never arrive. The agents
+which an enlightened age has brought under controul, are indeed powerful
+engines, which require much skill in their adaptation and management; but
+the knowledge necessary to effect this, is so firmly and inseparably
+connected with the first principles of cultivation, that an acquaintance
+with these, will at all times supply a safe and unerring guide to their
+application.
+
+It is to assist the young gardener in this application of principles, to
+the growth of the Cucumber in the winter season, that these pages are
+designed; and of those who may differ from the opinions which are here
+expressed, it is only required that they should receive a calm and
+deliberate consideration--a consideration unbiassed by prejudice, and
+unmixed with any of that feverish excitement after novelties, which with
+gardeners, as well as with all other classes of society, is becoming far
+too prevalent, and intense.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+ON THE STRUCTURES ADAPTED FOR THE GROWTH OF CUCUMBERS.
+
+
+I will preface the following remarks on the structures adapted for the
+growth of Cucumbers, by stating, that a forcing house, a pit, and a common
+frame, present the means of bringing this fruit to its perfection,
+equally, one with the other, provided that a course of cultivation
+suitable to the structure, is followed out; the comparative merits of
+each, depend not so much on the nature of the results which may be
+obtained by adopting them, as on the facilities they afford for the
+attainment of those results.
+
+The use of the common frame, and the ordinary hotbed of fermenting manure,
+nevertheless involves these difficulties:--the fermentation is liable to
+become excessive, and that in a very rapid manner, and also to decline as
+rapidly; the heat, when declining, cannot be speedily restored in
+unpropitious weather; it is materially checked in its action, by that
+particular state of the weather, which renders its efficient action most
+essential; it involves almost an infinitude of labour; and after all, it
+is uncertain in its action: when such difficulties as these, are overcome,
+Cucumbers can be grown to perfection, on dung beds, assisted by the common
+garden frame and sash.
+
+The brick pit, when heated by fermenting manure, presents difficulties of
+the same nature with the preceeding, though in a less powerful degree: but
+when these structures are heated by means of hot water, in any of its
+various modes of application, there need be no irregularity, nor
+uncertainty in its action; because the supply of the elements of vegetable
+developement, and of the agents by whose aid they are applied, may, to a
+very great extent, go on uninterruptedly.
+
+A forcing house, whilst it secures all the advantages which are presented
+by a pit, combines with these, some important points which are peculiarly
+its own: by adopting a pit, we provide a structure of which Cucumbers
+manifest their approval, by thriving equally as well as in their more
+ancient location on a dung bed; but further than this, a pit enables us to
+dispense with much of the labour, and all the filth, and the uncertainty
+which are consequent on the use of fermenting manure as a means of keeping
+up the temperature in which they are grown. In a small forcing house,
+besides these advantages being secured, all the operations of care and
+culture, can be performed just when they become necessary, without
+exposing the tender foliage of plants which have been submitted to an
+artificially elevated temperature, to the chilling influence of cold air,
+which is admitted whenever the sashes of an ordinary frame or of a pit,
+are opened, in order to bestow these necessary attentions. It may be urged
+that a dung bed has still the advantage, on the ground of economy; but
+when a fair calculation is made of labour and loss or anxiety on the one
+hand, and of duration on the other, such an assumption, will be quite
+untenable. Neatness, convenience, certainty, and economy, are the
+principal points of advantage which are gained by the adoption of pits
+heated by means of hot water, over those of a structure, depending for its
+supply of heat, on the aid of fermenting masses; whilst the attainment of
+a still greater degree both of convenience, and of certainty, which may be
+secured by cultivation in forcing houses, point out at once the advantages
+which render such houses, preferable to pits.
+
+The application of the gutter system of heating, was not long since
+thought to be an improvement of great importance, and there can be no
+question but that it affords a means of regulating the moisture of the
+atmosphere of hothouses, in conjunction with the temperature, which prior
+to its introduction had not been attained; and as such, it is worthy of
+extensive adoption: it requires however some judgement in its adaptation
+to particular structures, and to render, it suitable, to effect any
+particular object for which it may be employed.
+
+The tank system as a means of applying bottom heat, employed either in
+conjunction with the gutters, or with ordinary piping, to supply heat to
+the atmosphere, is the most important advance which has hitherto been made
+towards supplying the wants of those plants, which require such peculiar
+aid; and with reference to the Cucumber, it may be regarded as furnishing
+a new era in its cultivation.
+
+The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, has always
+been well known by its practical effects. The mean temperature of the
+soil, at a slight distance below the surface, is universally above that of
+the superincumbent air; and consequently some degree of bottom heat is
+always supplied to plants, in a state of nature. Naturally, by means of
+subterraneous heat, and also by the absorption of the sun's rays during
+the time they are forcibly directed towards the earth, it possesses the
+means whereby any material degree of cold at the roots of plants is
+prevented; and when the soil is acted on by the unveiled sun of an eastern
+sky, we cannot but feel certain, that even a considerable amount of heat
+must be experienced: hence arises the importance of taking advantage of
+every ray of sun which our climate affords, when the culture of the
+Cucumber, or of any native of warmer latitudes, is attempted out of doors
+in this country; and also of using every possibly available means of
+increasing rather than diminishing the temperature of the soil: and hence
+too, in forcing not only the Cucumber, but also every other plant which
+requires to be submitted to a confined atmosphere, and an elevated
+temperature, arises the necessity of providing such a degree of warmth at
+the root, as may tend to keep its vital powers in a vigorous state of
+action; it will effect this, by acting in conjunction with moisture, as a
+solvent of the food which is primarily contained in the soil in a solid
+form, but can only be taken up by the capillary action of the spongioles
+of the roots, when converted into a fluid state. The science of Chemistry
+has taught us that the ingredients composing the soil, act on, and
+dissolve, and combine with each other in various ways, sometimes being
+simply dissolved and held in solution, and at other times, entering into
+new combinations, and forming new compounds; but in all cases, the natural
+agents, heat and moisture, are necessary to produce these results, and to
+present to the tender roots of plants, food so duly prepared, as to be
+fit for their assimilation. Warmth in the soil, acts beneficially also, by
+preventing the sudden or undue interruption of the excitability of plants
+growing in it, which would be likely to result from the lowering of the
+temperature of the plants by evaporation, were it not for the action of
+the antagonist force, existing in and exercised by the heated soil, which
+heat, is communicated to, and absorbed by the plants.
+
+It may be regarded as an established and universal rule, that all plants
+require the soil, and the atmosphere in which they are cultivated, to
+correspond with the natural circumstances under which they flourish; and
+as it has been repeatedly ascertained that the soil is naturally a degree
+or two above the temperature of the atmosphere, we have certain and
+unerring data for the application of bottom heat, and no more powerful
+evidence than this can be desired, to condemn at once the application of a
+_very powerful degree of heat_, at the roots of plants.
+
+The importance of bottom heat in the culture of tender plants, being a
+practical fact established beyond question, another consideration arises
+as to the best means of producing it, and of regulating its application.
+Various substances and materials have been submitted to a process of
+fermentation, and so employed to effect it: stable manure, tanner's bark,
+and the leaves of trees, are among the principal of these materials, and
+either of them will supply just what the plants require, as truly as these
+wants can be supplied by any other means; but from their very nature, they
+are violent, and fluctuating, and ephemeral in their action, and setting
+aside the labour which the employment of them necessarily involves, we
+have in these particulars, the special points in which the tank system of
+applying bottom heat far excels them: it is uniform, and constant, in its
+action; there need be no apprehension of the soil becoming overheated, for
+the source whence it derives its warmth ought never to boil; neither need
+there be any fear of its decline, or of a want of power, for when once
+thoroughly heated, a body of water will part with it in such a manner,
+that a very little attention to the fire, and a very little expenditure of
+fuel, will maintain its temperature for an almost incredible length of
+time; and as to power, it never should for a moment form a question,
+because a powerful degree of bottom heat ought never to be applied: a
+close attention for one or two hours during the twenty four which form a
+day, will maintain any apparatus in an effective state of action, if it is
+properly erected. How different is this, to what has been in days now
+past! when in rigorous weather, with the heat of his dung bed declining,
+the cultivator knew that at the peril of his crop, he scarcely dared to
+attempt to revive it, without involving a more serious because an
+accelerated evil; at any rate, if at an immense sacrifice of labour, his
+dung casings were replenished piece by piece, he knew too well, that often
+many days would elapse, before their action would be efficient and
+satisfactory, unless indeed an unlimited supply of materials, were in a
+constant state of preparation. By means of the tank, a fire could be
+lighted up, and the required effect produced in as many hours, as days
+would have been formerly required.
+
+What has been already advanced, tends to the conclusion, that small
+forcing houses are preferable, and in the end more economical than pits
+and dung beds; and that the tank as a means of supplying bottom heat, is
+preferable to the use of fermenting materials; _because the results in
+each case, are more perfectly under controul_. Whilst on this part of the
+subject, I may be allowed to mention an error which is somewhat prevalent:
+We frequently hear of the humid nature of the heat given off by hot water
+pipes, in comparison with that derived from such appliances, as a flue; it
+is not unfrequently asserted, that the heat thus derived is so moist, so
+genial, so peculiarly adapted to plants: there can be no doubt but that
+the heat thus obtained is infinitely preferable to that obtained through
+the medium of flues, generally speaking; but its superiority consists
+rather in its purity, its freeness from noxious gasses, than in its
+possessing a greater degree of moisture. Heat--that is--caloric, is the
+same, whatever may be the medium by which it may be conducted; and in the
+case of hot water pipes, they give off that which has been conducted to
+them by the water, directly from the fire, the water acting as a mere
+conductor; it is difficult to conceive any thing more thoroughly devoid of
+moisture than the heat thus communicated: let any one who doubts this,
+place a damp cloth on a series of hot water pipes when in action, and the
+result will soon work conviction. With these general remarks, I will
+proceed to describe the kind of structure which I regard as being
+peculiarly adapted to the growth of Cucumbers; and notice some of the
+conditions which it is necessary to keep in view: the engraving on the
+next page, represents such a structure.
+
+The aspect of the Cucumber house, should be nearly S.S.E; or in other
+words--it should be so regulated between the points south and east, that
+whilst the rays of the sun will be admitted as fully and as early as
+possible in the morning, there may be no obstruction offered to their more
+powerful action as that body approaches the meridian. In the growth of all
+tender plants, light and sun heat are required during the winter months as
+well as in summer, and there can be no greater error as regards the
+erection of structures devoted to such purposes, than to provide for their
+admitting the direct rays of the sun in the earlier part of the day, at
+the expense of refracting and thereby weakening, to a greater degree than
+is really unavoidable, the power of the noon-tide rays of that
+invigorating and life-sustaining agent: during the summer months, though
+plants then require both light and sun heat, yet the case is different;
+the sun's rays have then much greater power, and it is found that their
+influence is sufficient, without at all times admitting them directly on
+the plants growing in these artificial atmospheres.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+The position of the Cucumber house, with reference to the ground line,
+must be determined by local circumstances; if the situation and sub-soil
+be dry, it may be carried below the surface in the manner represented in
+the annexed engraving, of which (_a_) is the ground line, (_b_) the
+pathway, and (_c_) the lowest point excavated: the same course may be
+adopted if the soil, though not naturally so dry as this, can be rendered
+so by thorough drainage; but when the ground does not admit of perfect
+drainage, the structure must be sufficiently elevated to avoid the risk of
+injury from the dampness of the locality.
+
+The angle of elevation is not, as it is sometimes asserted to be, a point
+of indifference, though mathematical accuracy is certainly by no means
+required: in the annexed engraving, the angle of the roof is about 55 deg.,
+this provides for the admission of the sun's rays in the winter months,
+when his position is comparatively low in the horizon, to a much greater
+extent than could take place if a more ordinary slope were adopted. A
+still more elevated pitch would doubtless effect this object in a still
+more perfect manner; but would not be equally applicable to the
+requirements from a permanent structure, which would be wanted for summer
+as well as winter use.
+
+A reference to the sketch, will at once shew the general nature of the
+internal arrangements. There should be a tank (_d_) supported by brick
+piers (_p_) in which a circulation of heated water would supply a genial
+warmth to the soil above, and to the roots of the plants growing in the
+soil; this tank should be heated by a small boiler, conveniently placed
+with reference to adjacent arrangements; a series of iron pipes (_e_)
+attached to the same boiler, would supply the requisite heat to the
+atmosphere. It may perhaps be thought that the application of the gutter
+system of heating would in this case be preferable; but as there would be
+a perfect command of moisture, as will be explained further on, it is
+desirable to have dry heat also, under controul, and this can be better
+effected by means of the pipes than by adopting the gutter plan of
+heating. I cannot in this place forbear protesting against the limited
+surface of piping generally employed in heating plant structures; what is
+thought to be just enough to maintain a given temperature, is usually
+after minute calculation, the quantity which is made use of, and the
+consequence is, that under adverse circumstances, the apparatus is
+necessarily worked at its highest pitch; and I believe that the
+application of heat in this form, whether it be by means of an hot water
+apparatus, or by a common flue, is most inimical to the plants submitted
+thereto. The admission of air, is a point which as far as I am aware, has
+never been effected in the manner represented in the sketch: it would be
+thus effected;--a series of apertures (_f_) should be provided at
+intervals along the front wall, which would externally be closed by small
+sliding shutters, and would communicate internally with a chamber (_g_)
+formed between the front wall and the side of the tank; this chamber would
+also communicate, by a series of openings, (_h_) with the interior space
+above the water in the tank, and from this space, through the covering of
+the tank, tubes (_m_), also placed at intervals, would be carried up
+through the soil, close to the side of the wall; these tubes should be
+furnished with caps or valves, so as so admit of the communication being
+stopped at any time. In applying this to the admission of air, we must not
+loose sight of a series of ventilators, (_i_), placed in the back wall of
+the house, which are of precisely the same nature and construction as the
+apertures (_f_), already spoken of. I shall have occasion hereafter, to
+notice the admission of air, but it will be well in this place, to explain
+the action of the plan proposed for that purpose: when it is judged that a
+change of the internal volume of air is requisite, the ventilators (_i_)
+are to be opened, which admits of a portion of the rarified air to pass
+off; the ventilators (_f_) are also to be opened, and by means of the
+action of these ventilators on each other, a portion of external air is
+taken in; this enters the chamber (_g_), which is warmed by its contiguity
+to the tank, and here becomes partially rarified, and rises to the top of
+the chamber; the apertures (_h_) admit it to the interior of the tank,
+where it becomes not only thoroughly warmed, but also imbibes a degree of
+moisture proportionate to the degree in which it becomes heated, and
+thence it enters the house by the tubes or shafts already spoken of. The
+advantages of warming and moistening the air thus admitted, are very
+important ones; for when either a cold or dry state, of the atmosphere
+prevails, its influence is very injurious to plants in these confined
+situations: cold raw air, when it comes in contact with the tender foliage
+of the plants, has the effect of chilling the sap in its progress through
+their tissue, and thus lessening their excitability, when it should be
+increased; whilst dry air acts as an incessant drain upon the vegetable
+juices, which it abstracts through the stomates and pores of the leaves
+and stems. When cold air is admitted to any position where it can unite
+with caloric, and not in an equal ratio with moisture, it necessarily
+becomes arid, and in that state it eagerly combines with moisture in any
+form with which it can come in contact therewith; and consequently if cold
+air is admitted to a plant structure, where it can have the means of
+combining with heat, faster than with moisture, it would be brought into
+this arid state, and would supply its voracious appetite, by abstracting
+the juices of the plant. It is a very important question how far this
+state of things is connected with many of the diseases as they are called,
+to which plants are subject; for my own part, I believe it to have a very
+considerable influence in the production of many of them. A shallow bed of
+soil (_k_), is all that would be required; for in the winter season, there
+is nothing gained by encouraging a very luxuriant and gross state of
+growth: the composition of this soil will be noticed hereafter: beneath
+it, and resting on the top of the tank, should be placed a layer of coarse
+open rubble, not less than six inches in thickness; and among this rubble
+by means of tubes (_n_), placed at intervals along the bed, I would
+occasionally pour considerable quantities of water, in order to maintain a
+due regulation of moisture in, and throughout the soil, among which the
+vapour arising from the water would ultimately rise. Beneath the tank a
+space (_o_), might be provided, which would serve admirably either for the
+cultivation of Mushrooms, or the forcing of Rhubarb, or Sea Kale.
+Transverse partitions should be introduced into the bed of soil, so as to
+divide the roots of each plant from those of its neighbours: this
+arrangement will admit of a complete succession of plants being
+maintained, by the removal of those which have become old and debilitated,
+and the substitution of young and vigorous ones; and this obstruction of
+the roots, will not be injurious, for the Cucumber does not by any means
+require to be permitted to extend its roots at random, but will readily
+submit itself to any rational regimen, with regard to the area from whence
+it is permitted to extract its food. A portion of soil sufficient to
+support one or two plants, could by this arrangement be renewed as
+occasion might require, and the roots of the contiguous plants would
+suffer no injury from the operation. The pathway of the house, should be
+paved so as to admit of its being occasionally washed and cleansed.
+
+It will be found to be highly economical in reference to the consumption
+of fuel, to provide the structure with the means of being covered at
+night. Shutters of light frame-work, covered with any waterproof material,
+would be found to answer the purpose admirably; they should be elevated a
+few inches from the surface of the glass, and they should be arranged so
+as to confine a body of air, which acting as a very slow conductor of
+heat, would serve to prevent that incessant drain upon the temperature of
+the internal atmosphere, which takes place when the material employed is
+in contact with the glass, as well as when coverings are altogether
+absent. This would not be the only advantage, for as the covering would
+to a great extent prevent the radiation of heat from the internal
+atmosphere, so would it also prevent the necessity of the application of
+so powerful a degree of fire heat at night; and thus the plants would be
+permitted to enjoy that natural season of repose so essential to their
+well being, instead of being forced into growth by reason of a high
+temperature kept up, solely for the purpose of obviating the external
+cold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+ON THE PROPAGATION OF THE CUCUMBER.
+
+
+Cucumbers are propagated by cuttings, by layers, and by seeds; the two
+former of these methods being frequently practised by those who have
+conveniences to keep their plants growing throughout the year; the latter
+being adopted either through choice or necessity, by the majority of
+cultivators, or those whose means will not enable them, even if they
+desired it, to keep up continually a successional growth.
+
+Propagation by cuttings has many advantages to recommend it, especially
+when viewed in connection with the production of winter fruit. The plants
+raised by this mode of treatment, in comparison with those raised from
+seeds, are less gross and succulent in their nature, and more subdued in
+their manner of growth; whether it may be that having mature and perfectly
+formed parts, they are enabled to assimilate their food more rapidly, than
+young and imperfectly formed plants can do; or whether it is owing to any
+difference in the balance between the roots and leaves, which latter
+organs, in cuttings, and the former, in seedling plants, may be regarded
+as predominant, does not appear quite evident, probably the effect depends
+partly on each of these supposed causes. They are moreover, sooner in
+arriving at a fruit-bearing state, by reason of a universal natural law,
+by which the inflorescence and fructification of a plant becomes more
+general and perfect, in proportion as the plant attains proximity to its
+perfect developement; which effect, is owing to the more perfect
+elaboration and preparation of the materials, which when so prepared,
+furnish the means of perfecting the organs of reproduction. For the same
+reason, the operation of budding a portion of a seedling fruit tree, on a
+matured stem, is practised, in order to accelerate its fruitfulness; which
+result generally follows, in consequence of the difference existing in the
+nature of the food elaborated by the mature plant, and that deposited by
+one in an infant state. Thus it is also, that cuttings of flowering plants
+generally, are far sooner in arriving at a blooming state, than seedling
+plants of the same species: flowers and fruit being formed only by the aid
+of the perfectly elaborated sap; which is taken up into the system, and
+assimilated in the plant, in proportion to the number of healthy and
+mature leaves, in a full state of action: during the younger stages of
+growth, the crude material imbibed from the soil, is only partially
+elaborated, and in this state, is only converted into food suitable and
+destined to increase the foliaceous organs; but when these latter are in
+full and vigorous action, a supply of matter, not increased in quantity,
+but enriched in quality, becomes laid up in the store-house and structure
+of the plants; and it is by means of this matter, aided by the natural
+agents, that the nature of the developement is changed from being simply
+that of the organs of nutrition, to that of the more perfect and important
+organs of reproduction. Besides the precocity of plants propagated by
+cuttings, there is also another advantage resulting from the practice,
+and that is the preservation of particularly desirable varieties; the
+Cucumber is a plant which readily admits of hybridization, and although
+the result of this is sometimes to give rise to superior varieties, yet if
+impregnation is permitted to take place promiscuously, the bad qualities
+of particular varieties, are as likely to be combined in the succeeding
+race, as the good and desirable ones: this renders it important that the
+fruit which are preserved for seed, should have been carefully watched and
+protected when in blossom, from the reach of insects; which often effect
+the requisite union, in consequence of the pollen adhering to their
+bodies, and thus being brought into contact with the stigma. I need
+scarcely to say, that where only one variety is grown in any particular
+structure, the chances of admixture are less numerous.
+
+The manner in which the operation of propagation by cutting is performed,
+is very simple: the tops of healthy growing shoots are taken off, at about
+two or three joints in length; they are then planted in deep pots, which
+are about half filled with light earth, such as decayed vegetable matter,
+and then covered by laying a piece of glass on the top of the pot; a
+simple and effective protection is thus formed, the sides of the pot
+acting as a partial shade, the glass admitting light sufficiently abundant
+to secure the action of the leaves, and maintaining a calm and moist
+atmosphere: the pots are to be plunged in a gentle bottom heat, and the
+cuttings will soon become rooted; after which they may be treated as
+established plants.
+
+Propagation by layers, is another method similar to the last, of which it
+is a mere modification; and those points which mark the superiority of the
+one, are equally applicable in the case of the other. The operation may be
+performed in various ways: thus the branches may be layered at once into
+the soil, when these are trained close to its surface, and they will thus
+grow on with renewed vigour: when required for removal to other positions,
+they may be layered into pots of light soil, in doing which, a convenient
+branch may be brought down, secured firmly at a joint to the soil, and
+slightly covered therewith, when it will soon become rooted: another plan,
+is, to suspend in convenient places, pots having large holes beneath;
+through these holes, the points of growing shoots are introduced, and the
+pots having a little moss in the bottom, are then lightly filled with
+vegetable mould: they may also be propagated, by enveloping a joint of a
+growing shoot lightly with moss; the moss should be kept continually
+moist, and roots will soon be emitted into it, and when enough are
+produced, the plant may be detached.
+
+Either of these methods of propagation will secure not only healthy, but
+fruitful plants, in a short space of time; and this latter point will be
+found to be one of no small advantage. The principal objection which may
+be urged against their adoption, is that they necessarily involve a
+process of transplantation, which under any circumstances, and however
+carefully performed, must be regarded as an evil rather than otherwise. It
+may be thought that the _check_ arising from transplantation may do good,
+by preventing too great luxuriance of growth, and thereby tending to
+accelerate fruitfulness; but even if this result may be apparently
+produced by such means, it is surely far more natural to check the plants,
+by withholding a portion of food, rather than by mutilating the organs by
+which their food is conveyed to them, and then actually placing them in a
+position where food is still more abundantly supplied than before. It is
+very questionable however, how far what is called a "check" is justifiable
+as a means of inducing fructification; for if fructification be the most
+perfect state at which a plant can arrive, there does not seem to be much
+rationality in adopting any such means as a "check" in bringing about
+this perfection of developement. A _check_ applied as a means of
+accelerating maturity, can only be regarded as an expedient, rendered
+necessary by previous defective treatment.
+
+The most commonly practised as well as the most natural method of
+propagation, is by seeds, and this will generally be found to be also the
+best method, if the conditions required by its adoption can be properly
+carried out. There is however, one decided disadvantage attendant on the
+raising of Cucumber plants intended for winter forcing from seeds; and
+hence in a great measure arises the apparent superiority of propagating by
+extension: the disadvantage consists in the exceedingly succulent and lax
+nature of the tissue of the young plants; owing to that natural principle,
+by which their increase and extension is most especially provided for
+during the infant stages of their existence: the result is, that in
+consequence of the deficiency of light and solar heat, which are the grand
+agents of vegetable fructification, their sap does not become sufficiently
+elaborated, nor their tissue rendered sufficiently solid by assimilation
+and deposition of matter, to bring about the developement of floral parts;
+the food and moisture imbibed, instead of being sublimated and fully
+elaborated, is only partially acted on by the vital and natural agents,
+and the result is an increase of growth, but not a developement of
+fruit-bearing parts. There is nevertheless, an advantage in raising plants
+from seeds, not only as regards the obtaining of improved races, but also
+in a cultural point of view. The science of Horticulture, does acknowledge
+such a thing as progression, in the developement of plants; the functions
+of nutrition necessarily go on prior to those of reproduction or
+fructification, the latter being continually dependant on, as well as
+being the result of the former: hence we arrive at a conclusion, that _to
+supply uninterruptedly_, ALL _the elements which administer to the
+nutrition of a plant, is the most rational means of inducing a state of
+fruitfulness_. This may at first sight be questioned; cases may readily
+enough be quoted, in which food has been bountifully supplied, and the
+plants have grown amazingly, but not fruited; if however, food had been
+thus supplied, in connexion with a due share of _light_, and an _excess of
+heat_ had been avoided, we have natural evidence to prove unquestionably
+that fructification would have followed. An abundance of food, a high
+temperature, and a deficiency of light, are just the conditions which are
+opposed to the developement of the floral organs in plants, and are
+inductive of mere barren extension: not that plants grow thus, because
+they delight in such a state of things, but because they are thereby
+unnaturally excited and compelled to do so, although that growth cannot
+under such circumstances, become properly matured; and hence arises the
+impossibility of their producing blossoms.
+
+The advantage of raising plants of Cucumbers from seeds, consists in the
+facility thus afforded of altogether avoiding transplantation: the roots
+of Cucumbers are of a very tender nature, and however carefully they may
+be transplanted, they are liable to sustain injury in the removal: by
+having recourse to depositing the seeds at once in the soil where they are
+intended to grow, this is entirely obviated, and there can be no possible
+reason why the conditions necessary to germination should not be as fully
+supplied in a hillock of soil, as when a portion of the soil is placed
+within a garden pot; this vessel can certainly have no influence in
+producing more perfect or healthy germination, whilst the mutilation of
+even the most careful act of transplantation, may tend to check the future
+developement of the plant.
+
+It may be, however, that circumstances prevent the sowing of the seeds at
+once in their ultimate position, and in such cases, they may be sown
+singly in pots partly filled with decayed vegetable mould, plunged in a
+milk-warm bottom heat. The temperature both of the soil and atmosphere
+during this period, should not be high, but such as to permit the plants
+to push gradually forth from their dormitory, and assume by a natural
+process, the functions of active vitality. In order to maintain them in
+vigour of constitution, they should be exposed as much as possible to
+light; and that, by being placed near the glass, so as to receive the rays
+as little broken and refracted as possible. Water should not be applied at
+all, until vegetation has manifested itself, and afterwards, but
+sparingly, whilst the plants are young, especially in prolonged periods of
+dull sunless weather. Plants which are thus raised, should be planted out
+as soon as possible, when their fibres are least numerous, as a means of
+avoiding in part, the injuries to which they are exposed in
+transplantation.
+
+When the plan of depositing the seeds in the hillock of soil is adopted,
+it is necessary to arrange the soil so that any subsequent additions made
+to it, may not have the effect of covering too deeply the roots of the
+plants, neither of burying the neck of the stem beneath the surface; it
+should be arranged so that this latter may remain elevated above the
+surrounding soil on the top of a slight mound, after the whole of the soil
+is adjusted for the roots. I have already mentioned that the depth of soil
+ought not to be at all considerable, but rather shallow than otherwise, so
+as to expose the roots as far as possible to the influence of the sun.
+
+It will have been seen that the plan of raising young plants from seeds,
+has both its advantages and its disadvantages; and in order to avoid the
+latter, and secure some of the former, the seeds should be sown early in
+the autumn, whilst there is a sufficiency of heat and light, to mature the
+growth they make previous to the dull cheerless days which mark the near
+approach, and at length the arrival of winter. They will thus be endued
+with the "stamina" necessary to sustain them, through that trying period,
+and though not without difficulty, yet with comparative certainty, to
+reward the well-directed zeal of the cultivator. It is impossible to give
+any very minute directions as to the time of performing these operations
+of propagation, for like all other gardening operations, it is not at all
+requisite that they should be done on any particular day, nor ought they
+to be done except when natural conditions are favourable to success: from
+ten to twelve weeks generally elapse between the time of sowing the seeds
+and the production of fruit, according as the season may be favourable or
+otherwise.
+
+The numerous hybrid varieties which are in cultivation, render it a matter
+of some importance to make choice of those most suitable to the purpose;
+these are however so continually changing, that it is useless to attempt a
+record of them. The Sion house Cucumber is perhaps the best of all suited
+for cultivation in the winter season. The principal features which are
+required in Cucumbers for winter forcing, are, precocity; compactness of
+growth, rather than luxuriance; prolificacy, rather than extreme length of
+fruit; and hardiness of constitution: these, are to the gardener far more
+important points, than those which entitle them to rank as "prize"
+varieties.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+ON THE TREATMENT OF THE MATURE PLANTS.
+
+
+From the time that the plants become established, which is the period of
+their existence now about to be considered, they require to have the
+elements of vegetable growth duly supplied to them, in order to secure
+their successful developement. It is not enough to plant them in proper
+soil, and duly to water them, unless attention is also paid to the
+temperature, as well as the constituents of the atmosphere to which they
+are submitted; neither will attention to these latter points be sufficient
+to ensure success, if at the same time, the former are neglected. A _soil_
+of suitable chemical, as well as mechanical composition, a pure and
+wholesome _atmosphere_, _water_ promptly and properly applied, and _heat_
+duly regulated, are conditions which equally require minute care and
+attention in their adaptation; and these being applied upon the
+comprehensive, and perfectly harmonious principles of nature, will leave
+but little to be done in the shape of expedients, which are too frequently
+resorted to, as the means of counterbalancing either defective or
+unsuitable management. The application of these agents to the cultivation
+of the plant under consideration, in the winter season, will form the
+subjects of succeeding chapters. I will here briefly direct attention to
+the importance of light in the growth of plants, and then devote some
+space to the consideration of the subject of pruning and training.
+
+Light is most essential to the perfect and healthy developement of
+vegetable organization, the performance of the functions essential to the
+health of plants being dependent on its agency. It cannot indeed be
+assumed that plants will not continue to grow, unless they are supplied
+with an intense degree of light; but it is certain that the successful
+nature of their growth, their maturation, and their fructification, are
+dependent in no ordinary degree upon the nature and force of its action;
+for without it, the vital energies of animated beings are unable to
+maintain and perform the processes of elaboration, and assimilation, upon
+which their nutrition depends. The mere extension of vegetable tissue, may
+indeed go on, though less satisfactorily, under the almost total privation
+of light, but with the exception of cryptogamic vegetation, the organs of
+fructification are not under those circumstances, produced at all: the
+stem may be formed, but does not become solid: the leaves may expand, but
+their condition is imperfect; and it is only by means of the full and
+complete action of these organs in the nutrition of plants, that the
+developement of the floral parts is brought about: the roots may take up
+fluids, and these may be conveyed in the natural upward channels, and then
+dispersed among the stems and the leaves; but it is the action of solar
+light, aided indeed by the natural condition of the elements supplying
+heat and moisture, which alone, by a process of elaboration, can convert
+this fluid, once crude and undigested, into the compound organic
+substances, such as lignin, gum, starch, gluten, &c. which in their turn,
+are destined to minister to the support of the organs of reproduction.
+Growth, that is mere extension, may go on in proportion as heat and
+moisture are supplied to plants, but light is the agent to whose especial
+influence we owe the production of their active properties and secretions,
+and the perfection of their fruit.
+
+If then light is so indispensable to the vegetable frame, how important it
+is that the structures which we devote to the cultivation of such plants
+as the Cucumber, which are naturally habituated to an eastern clime,
+should be so designed, as to offer the least possible obstruction to its
+entrance: how important, too, that the glass we employ, which in its
+purest state, offers considerable obstruction, by refracting the rays of
+light, should be as transparent and untarnished as possible, so as to
+admit them as perfectly as can be practicable; instead of which, it is too
+often disfigured by an accumulation and deposit of filth, which, to say
+the least, must materially diminish their force: how important, moreover,
+that whatever coverings it may be necessary to employ during the night to
+prevent the outward radiation of heat, should be speedily removed in the
+morning, and kept off as long as they safely may be, in order to permit
+the inward radiation of light. When these matters are all duly attended
+to, our climate, at least during the winter, still offers obstruction
+enough to our success, in its mists, and fogs, its long dark nights, and
+dismal cloudy days, and therefore wisdom would teach us, to avail
+ourselves of all which we can grasp, by a course of untiring assiduity,
+and attention to such apparently trifling matters as these.
+
+The pruning and training of the plants, are operations, to which it will
+be necessary to direct attention; and in the performance of which, the
+circumstances which may have any influence upon them, as well as the
+object in view, must be taken into consideration. The plants being
+intended to occupy a surface of trellis-work in a line nearly parallel
+with the glass, it will be requisite to train their primary shoots to a
+sufficient length to reach from the soil to the trellis, before they are
+what is technically called "stopped;" this operation, by removing the
+central bud, or axis of developement, induces the buds which are latently
+formed at the nodes of the branches, to push forth and become the axes of
+further extension: two or three of the strongest of these lateral shoots
+situated towards the top of the stem, should be retained, and trained on
+the trellis in a direction towards the top of the house; these shoots
+should be placed about 18 inches from each other, and when they have
+reached about one-third of the length of the trellis, they also should be
+stopped, and thus several more lateral shoots will be produced. The
+uppermost strong shoot should in each case, be still trained in the same
+upward direction, and the others must be disposed in the most convenient
+form in the space between the main branches: these, that is the young
+lateral shoots, if they do not shew a fruit blossom at the second joint or
+leaf from the main branch, must be stopped, and the young shoot thus
+induced to push forth, will in all probability have fruit at the first
+leaf; if not, it must be stopped at _every leaf_ as it extends, until
+fruit is observed. The upper portion of the branch after having extended
+about one-third further up the roof, should be submitted to the same
+process, and this must be again repeated until the whole of the trellis is
+covered.
+
+No reference has yet been made to the treatment of those lateral branches
+where the young fruit are perceived: these should be permitted to grow
+until the blossoms have expanded; and then, after this, they should be
+stopped at the leaf next beyond the fruit blossoms. By permitting them to
+grow until the flowers have expanded, the attraction of the growing branch
+will continue to draw up a regular supply of nutriment, part of which will
+be devoted in its course, to assist the developement of the blossoms; and
+besides the advantage of the growing point acting thus as a sucker to draw
+onwards the vital juices towards the young fruit, it will act also as an
+outlet, to drain off what would otherwise be superabundant and dangerous
+to these tender organs of reproduction. After the flowers have expanded,
+this danger does not exist to so great an extent, the infant fruit have
+new and important functions to perform, which are peculiarly their own;
+and these call for a greater supply from the nutritive organs of the
+plant: the stopping of the branch therefore, is the means of throwing in
+this increased supply of food; but those who can most fully appreciate the
+delicacy of the functions performed by the plant at this stage of its
+developement, will most fully value the suggestion not to stop back the
+growing branch _all at once_, but to do it by successional, though not
+distant operations. The leaf which is directed to be left above, or beyond
+each fruit, will serve, both as a reservoir, to receive all the
+superabundant food, which may either be induced or impelled upwards; and
+also, as a labaratory where this food will become purified and changed by
+its exposure to atmospheric influence, amongst the lax tissue; and whence,
+an appointed portion will be returned, and devoted by a process of
+assimilation, to aid in the extension of the plants.
+
+This system of pruning, with reference both to the barren and the fruitful
+branches, must be continued, whilst these continue in a vigorous and
+healthy condition; but when any symptoms of decay or of expended powers,
+are perceived, they should be pruned quite away, and young ones encouraged
+in their stead. All the pruning which has been spoken of, except the
+occasional removal of a main shoot, should be done at a sufficiently early
+period of growth, to admit of being effected by means of the thumb-nail;
+for like all other plants, Cucumbers are much best treated, when whatever
+pruning they may require, is done at that stage of growth, when the least
+amount of trouble and labour is required to perform it. Pruning is not
+under any circumstances a natural process, and when we have recourse to it
+in artificial cultivation, it is only an expedient, which is rendered
+necessary by the limited space, within which it becomes necessary to
+confine the extension of the plants; and since this is the case, it is far
+better to remove a portion of any plant, at an early period of its
+growth, and thus to economize its vital energies, rather than to suffer
+them to be expended, and the supply to become exhausted through a
+superfluous developement, and then to deprive it of those very organs, by
+the action of which, the expenditure would be again recompensed to the
+vital energies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+ON THE NATURE, AND COMPOSITION OF THE SOIL.
+
+
+Plants absorb fluids through the extremities or spongioles of the roots,
+and it is thus that those portions of the substances which serve them as
+their food, and are derived from the soil, are carried into their system,
+in a state of solution: these spongioles are not strictly to be regarded
+as analogous to the mouths of animals, for they are not provided with
+openings, and cannot imbibe even the most impalpable powders; their action
+seems to be more analogous to that of the lacteals in animals, for these,
+as well as spongioles, serve to convey fluids only. These considerations
+render it necessary, that in the composition of soil for the growth of
+plants, the following important points should be held in
+consideration;--it should contain a sufficient ratio of organizable
+matter, that is of substances which can be rendered available as food to
+the plants; it should readily absorb fluids, since it is only when in a
+state of solution, that food can enter into the structure of the plants;
+it should be sufficiently retentive to avoid the risk of injury by reason
+of the evaporation, which takes place to a very great extent, when too
+great an abundance of silica is present, or when more than a due degree of
+porosity exists in its mechanical texture; and it should be sufficiently
+permeable, to prevent any thing like excess of moisture, by stagnation.
+
+Soils composed either principally, or almost entirely of heath soil, or of
+vegetable mould, although very highly recommended for the growth of the
+Cucumber in winter, are nevertheless objectionable when applied alone, as
+will be evident if the foregoing principles are taken into view: it cannot
+however be assumed that the plants will not grow in these soils, for they
+grow vigorously for a period; neither can it be asserted that such soils
+do not contain the qualities which are necessary to administer to the
+nutrition of plants, for it is scarcely possible to conceive any
+substances which are more nutritious, or whose application in this respect
+is more effectual; but they are objectionable, in consequence of their
+becoming soon expended, and failing to maintain for any length of time, an
+equable degree of moisture. The cause which tends to produce this effect,
+is the porosity, or the want of mechanical combination in the texture of
+the soil; which being highly favourable to evaporation, is liable to
+render it speedily, and very materially dry, when exposed to the influence
+of powerful solar heat: the frequent application of water, does not
+entirely obviate the objection, for even when so applied, it soon becomes
+again evaporated, and thus tends to deteriorate the soil, and decrease its
+fertility; this it does, by taking up much of the soluble matter contained
+in it, and conveying it by evaporation into the atmosphere, instead of its
+being taken up by the roots whilst in a fluid state, and applied to the
+plant as a means of nutrition: when it is thus conveyed to the atmosphere,
+the leaves though they are enabled to take up a portion of their food from
+thence, are still incapacitated to do so fully, and hence, much of the
+fertilizing properties of the soil, is carried off by the first current
+of air which passes through the structure; and the plants decline by
+reason of starvation, though they had been seated in the midst of plenty.
+
+The soil which I should recommend for the growth of the Cucumber, would be
+composed of ingredients, capable of supplying a sufficient portion of
+vegetable food; of retaining a due portion of moisture, when placed under
+powerful evaporation; and of securing the free passage of water through
+its mass: the former of these conditions would be secured, by the use of
+mould from the decaying leaves of trees, in the proportion of about
+three-eighths; the latter would be ensured, by employing about one-fourth
+part of turfy heath mould, and one-eighth part of clean coarse sand; and
+the remaining quality, would result by combining these ingredients with
+one-fourth part of good turfy loam. The preparation of this soil should
+take place in the dry weather of the summer months, just previous to its
+being used, so that it can be frequently turned and mixed, without
+incurring the danger of reducing it to an adhesive consistency, which
+would at once render it ungenial for the roots of plants: the turfy
+portions both of the loam and heath soil should be piled up reversely,
+until the herbage and roots of the grass, become partially decayed; when
+required for use, it should be chopped into pieces of from two to four
+inches square, by the spade, and then adding the other ingredients _in a
+rough state_, the whole should be well mixed, without sifting, or any
+other mechanical operation which would have the effect of destroying its
+open texture. It should always be prevented from becoming saturated with
+water; and moreover, should never be applied to the roots of plants which
+are growing in a warm medium, without having been previously submitted to
+a high temperature, for a sufficient length of time, to have absorbed at
+least an equal degree of heat, with that in which the plants might be
+already growing.
+
+The admixture of charcoal with the soil, is said to be a means of adding
+to its nutritive qualities. Charcoal, which is nearly pure carbon, may be
+supposed continually to give off a portion of this gaseous substance
+during its decomposition, and this uniting with a portion of the oxygen
+contained in the air, would furnish a supply of carbonic acid gas, to the
+atmosphere immediately about the plants. It should however be borne in
+mind, that charcoal, is a substance whose decomposition except under the
+influence of heat, proceeds very slowly indeed, and therefore its chemical
+influence must not be overrated: doubtless however, the small portion
+which does combine with the oxygen of the air, is directly beneficial to
+the plants; for it is a function of the vegetable kingdom by the action of
+their leaves, when under the influence of light, to decompose carbonic
+acid, the oxygen of which is liberated, and the carbon fixed in the living
+tissue. It is therefore probable that a supply of carbonic acid,
+artificially maintained about the leaves and stems of plants, may be
+beneficial to them, by furnishing them directly with a portion of carbon,
+which they cannot absorb in a seperate state. When the charcoal is made
+from twigs, and the small branches of trees, its decomposition is often
+more rapid, than when it is obtained by the usual course of manufactering
+it: if the latter kind of charcoal is employed, it should be broken into
+pieces of a small size; and in ordinary cases, it should not be used in
+larger proportion than with about twice its bulk of soil, with which it
+should be intimately blended.
+
+Besides its chemical action, which is probably beneficial, charcoal has a
+decidedly advantageous mechanical action in the composition of soils, and
+this is of a twofold nature:--first, in common with any similar
+materials, it renders the soil "open," and thus effectually favours the
+free passage of water through its mass: secondly, it serves as a perpetual
+reservoir of moisture in the soil, for in consequence of its being
+extremely porous, it imbibes a great quantity of water, by its force of
+attraction, and this it parts with slowly to the soil; in this way, there
+is no doubt that its action is most salutary. Probably a few pieces of
+charcoal placed perpendicularly in the soil, and kept continually _wet_,
+by the action of some little capillary contrivance, would serve as the
+best possible means of conducting moisture, and distributing it to the
+roots of plants.
+
+It will be observed that the application of dung, in any way whatever, has
+not been recommended; neither do I consider it to be at all requisite, or
+desirable, in the culture of winter Cucumbers: luxuriance is not a
+consummation which it is at all desirable to attain to, a moderate, well
+matured growth, being far preferable; and as some care is supposed to be
+used to provide suitable soil, it should be of such a nature as to possess
+the properties, which are requisite to effect the desired end. Dung
+containing as it does fertilizing properties, may do well to renew the
+fertility of exhausted soils, which may have been under a long course of
+cultivation; but it is questionable, whether it ought to be admissable to
+any extent in pot culture, or in the growth of forced plants, in
+preference to a supply of wholesome unexhausted natural soil.
+
+A very great objection to the use of dung when applied in a solid state in
+the composition of soils, consists, in its being presented to the roots of
+plants, not only in the advanced periods of their existence, but equally
+so, during the early stages of their growth; here must be an error, for
+infants, whether they belong to the animal or vegetable kingdom, are
+certainly not capacitated to appropriate the same kind of food, in the
+same proportion, as adults. If only a small portion of soil is at first
+employed, and portions more and more enriched, are from time to time
+added, as the roots may extend, we are still liable to stumble on an
+objection, almost as important, though of a somewhat different nature; for
+we can in that case scarcely fail to injure the spongioles of the roots in
+a greater or less degree, and the injury thus sustained, will consequently
+act as a check in the progress of their developement. These considerations
+seem at once to mark the propriety of applying liquid manures in highly
+artificial cultivation; they can be supplied in this state, when the
+plants are in such a mature and advanced state of growth, as from time to
+time to require their aid; and their fertilizing properties being held in
+solution by the fluid medium in which they are conveyed, they are just in
+the condition to be taken up at once by the rootlets. It must still
+however be recollected, that whilst even impalpable powders cannot as such
+be made to minister to the nutrition of plants, so neither can gross
+liquids effect this purpose: it is clear limpid fluids, only, which can be
+received by the delicate spongioles, and therefore the so-called manure
+water, when applied of the consistency of mud, is not only in an unfit
+state to effect its purpose, except by the addition of a more bountiful
+supply of pure liquid, but it is also liable to act injuriously by reason
+of the concentration of the strength or powerful qualities of the manure,
+and by counteracting the open texture of the soil. Manure water,
+therefore, from whatever source it may be derived, though not necessarily
+a colourless, should without question, be a limpid fluid; if otherwise
+applied, it will at once destroy one of the best qualities a soil can
+possess, viz. porosity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+ON THE APPLICATION OF MOISTURE.
+
+
+From what has been stated in the preceeding chapter, it will be
+sufficiently evident, that a supply of water is required as a component of
+the soil, in which all plants are grown, in order to enable them to draw
+from it, other components, which form their food; and that, as it is
+necessary for them continually to take up a portion of this food, so is it
+necessary, that moisture should be continually present, in order to render
+it available by them.
+
+Among other conditions to which the operation of applying water to the
+soil should be subjected, there are some which are specially important: it
+should never be either applied in _excess_, or unduly withheld; nor should
+it ever be applied when of a temperature below that of the atmosphere in
+which the plants to whose roots it is applied, are growing at the time of
+its application.
+
+There is a liability of applying water in excess, when the particular
+stage of growth, the peculiar state of the weather, or the season of the
+year, are not duly regarded: thus, an adult plant will consume more water
+than an infant plant; and any plant, will decompose a larger quantity of
+water, in sunny weather, when evaporation is going on briskly, than in
+cloudy weather, when it is scarcely perceptible; again, in the summer
+season, a much larger quantity will be appropriated, than in the winter.
+Water has been applied in excess, whenever the soil becomes soddened or
+saturated therewith; but great as this evil is, it is equalled in its
+injurious effects, by falling into the opposite extreme, and withholding a
+quantity sufficient to render the constituents of the soil, available as
+food to the roots of plants placed in it.
+
+The necessity of applying water, of a temperature equal to that of the
+soil, is rendered evident by a reference to the natural conditions by
+which the soil is watered. In a small and nearly globular form, the water
+gathered up by the action of the sun, and forming the clouds above us, is
+precipitated through the atmosphere, and there its temperature becomes
+equalized or assimilated with that of the medium through which it has been
+passing; and although in our own latitude, we perhaps fail to discover any
+material degree of warmth in the drops of rain as they fall, yet in
+eastern climes, we cannot but imagine, that after having been submitted in
+the thin strata of the clouds to the action of the sun, they must
+previously to entering the soil, have imbibed some portion of heat.
+Moreover, the importance of maintaining a gentle bottom heat, at the roots
+of forced plants, renders it necessary to avoid any application, which may
+tend to lesson its effect, and submit the roots to any chilling influence.
+The temperature of the soil is naturally above that of the atmosphere, and
+as the application of moisture by exciting evaporation, has an abstract
+tendency to lower the temperature, it should therefore, when applied, be
+in a slight degree warmed, so as thus to increase rather than diminish the
+heat contained in the soil.
+
+As some moisture in the soil is necessary to render the food contained
+therein, soluble, and available to the spongioles of the roots, so
+moisture in the atmosphere is essentially necessary to assist in applying
+the gaseous elements of that elastic compound fluid, to the nutrition of
+plants by the action of the leaves: without moisture in the atmosphere,
+the leaves and outer covering of plants would become dessicated, and the
+stomatas shrivelled up and closed, so that neither the exhaling nor the
+imbibing functions of the plants could then be carried on.
+
+The moisture of the atmosphere, then must not be neglected; not only
+because the healthy action of the vital organs of the plants depends on a
+proper hygrometrical state of the atmosphere, but, inasmuch as it is the
+readiest means both of avoiding, and when unhappily, they are present, of
+destroying, many of the most destructive and troublesome insect enemies,
+to whose depredations, plants are subject.
+
+When a moist atmosphere is duly and regularly maintained, there is but
+little fear need be entertained of the establishment of a colony of
+insects--such as the thrip, and the red spider, which are perhaps the
+greatest pests which have to be overcome in the forcing house; nor is
+there a more effectual method of destroying them, than by applying a high
+temperature in conjunction with an intense degree of moisture. To the want
+of a balance of moisture in the composition of the atmosphere, and in the
+soil, too, rather than as is commonly supposed, to an excess of it in the
+former, is the appearance called mildew to be attributed; this it
+occasions by checking the regular action of the perspiratory organs, and
+thereby inducing an eruption of the cells of the tissue: the extravasated
+sap lodging on the cuticle, affords a nidus for the germination of the
+sporules of that particular fungus, which when grown, is the mildew: the
+remedy consists in avoiding an irregular composition of the atmosphere, as
+regards heat and moisture; and also an excess or deficiency of moisture in
+the soil, so that each may be in a condition to exert its proper influence
+on the constitution and developement of the plants. Canker, another
+disease, to which Cucumbers are sometimes subject, appears to be produced
+by too low a degree of temperature, accompanied by an excess of moisture,
+both in the soil and the atmosphere, and it generally attacks those
+particular parts, where any check or obstruction is offered to the flow of
+the sap, such as that occasioned by a wound, or even the ramifications of
+the stem: this suggests that its remedy, would consist in a due regulation
+and balance of the constituents of the atmosphere, and the soil.
+
+Moisture is generally applied to the soil by being poured directly on it,
+and to the atmosphere, by means of the syringe, and the use of evaporation
+troughs. When applied to the soil only from the upper surface, there is a
+liability of its failing thoroughly to moisten it, and by reason of this,
+together with the constant action of the heat from below, by whatever
+means heat may be applied, the soil is frequently found to be dry beneath,
+when the appearance of the surface might lead to the supposition that it
+was sufficiently moistened.
+
+By a reference to the sketch and description already given, it will be
+seen, that a provision is there made, whereby water can be poured in
+quantity _beneath the soil_, immediately on the top of the tank, whence in
+the form of vapour it will rise among the soil, and thus render it
+thoroughly moist; at the same time, it can be applied to the surface,
+whenever it may become necessary to do so. The moistening of the
+atmosphere will also be fully secured by the mode of ventilation which is
+there proposed, for the air, at the same time that it is warmed, will
+become charged with moisture in a ratio equal to its temperature, before
+it enters the house. If it becomes requisite to admit moisture without
+changing the volume of air, it can readily be effected by opening the
+tubes or shafts inside the house, without opening the exterior
+ventilators; and when dry heat may be required, it can be secured by
+closing entirely the communication with this reservoir of moisture, and
+the hot-water pipes will then radiate any quantity of dry heat that may be
+required.
+
+By means of a due application of these provisions, an equable degree of
+moisture beneath and among the soil, as well as in the composition of the
+atmosphere, can be secured with perfect ease, and a trifling amount of
+labour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+ON THE REGULATION OF THE TEMPERATURE.
+
+
+If we figure to our minds, a plant which in its native habitat enjoys a
+climate far more genial, and a temperature far more elevated, than our own
+country affords, it must be obvious that some regulation, and increase of
+temperature, either positively, by the artificial application of heat, or
+negatively, by affording shelter and protection, will be required in order
+to ensure any degree of success in its cultivation. The Cucumber is a
+reputed native of the East, and we have therefore in this supposed fact,
+an indication of the nature of the climate, which it should be our object
+to provide for it; but still it must be borne in mind, that in conducting
+any system of artificial cultivation, it is not at all times desirable, or
+even safe, to supply a resemblance to any part of the natural
+circumstances affecting the growth of a particular plant, unless we have
+the means of supplying the _greater part_, or _all_ the conditions which
+exist in a state of nature: this I shall again have occasion to refer to.
+
+By another step we arrive at the conclusion that the standard of
+temperature, to which the Cucumber is submitted in its cultivation in this
+country, is a point, varying with the individual opinion of cultivators;
+as some may take a part of the natural conditions of growth as their rule;
+others, all these circumstances; and others, again, various combinations
+of them.
+
+Referring back again to the provisions of nature, we can scarcely hesitate
+to conclude, that in clear sunny weather, the temperature to which the
+Cucumber is submitted, _cannot within reasonable limits_, be permitted to
+rise too high; whilst at other times, when the weather is dull, or cloudy,
+and always at night, a much lower degree of heat ought to be applied. In
+sunny weather, the natural agents which cause excitement and activity of
+the vital functions, are in full action; and consequently at such periods
+we may rationally indulge in the application of those exciting agents
+which are under our controul--always however bearing in mind, that we must
+not unduly apply one agent, when we either cannot, or neglect to apply the
+others also. On the other hand, in dull weather, and at night, the source
+of light being in the one case absent, in the other obscured, a
+comparative state of lethargy or repose is prevalent, and the natural
+functions of vitality are but feeble in their action, if not in some
+cases, absolutely in a quiescent state; with such a state of things
+existing, it is barely rational to apply stimulants, and to induce
+unnatural excitement. The application of exciting and stimulating agents
+at such periods, may be compared in its effects to the excitement of a
+frightful dream acting on the human frame; the vital functions--not the
+vitality itself--cease during sleep, and both the animal and the vegetable
+should be at rest; excitement acts on both by deranging the system, at
+least for a time, and since a succession of these derangements are known
+to produce injurious results, we may be certain, that each seperate
+instance must have an evil tendency.
+
+In applying this practically, to the case before us, it may be
+recommended, that the temperature in which Cucumbers are grown during
+winter, should not fall much below 60 deg. Fahrenheit, at night; and in
+the day time it should not rise above 70 deg. in dull weather, by the aid
+of heat artificially applied; in clear weather, by the influence of that
+glorious source of light and heat, the sun, it may be safely allowed to
+rise to 80 deg., or a little higher, before air is admitted. A somewhat
+higher range may be permitted, as the days lengthen, and the influence of
+the sun becomes more powerful; thus at night, it should not rise over 65
+deg., by day 75 deg. to 80 deg., and by sun heat to 90 deg. Thus it will
+be seen, that I have recommended the regulation of the temperature of the
+internal atmosphere, by that which is external; and it is my firm
+conviction that inattention to this simple rule, is the source of much of
+the failure, which is experienced by some of those who attempt the growth
+of plants, at any other than that, which may be regarded as their natural
+season of growth. It appears to me, most unreasonable, to aim at attaining
+any particular point of the thermometer, merely because any particular
+season of the year may be present, or any particular stage of growth
+attained. Even if in the sunny climes, from whence the Cucumber has been
+transmitted to us, there exists such an equality of temperature and
+atmospheric serenity, as some cultivators attempt in the growth of these
+plants; it surely cannot be consistent in us to equalize and elevate the
+temperature of our artificial atmospheres, when we cannot supply them at
+the same time with the same intensity of light, or provide for them the
+same serene and unclouded sky. It should rather be our object to adapt
+the plant to the climate of our country, since we cannot change the
+climate to supply the natural circumstances, with which the plant is
+favoured; and acting on this principle, we should never aim at supplying
+the agents which would induce a premature and therefore debilitated
+developement, when the whistling wind, and the drifting snow, tell us
+that Nature, would have, at least the members of her vegetable kingdom,
+be at rest.
+
+Since however, it is apparent that during the depth of the winter season,
+at least when wintry weather is present, the progress of plants in an
+artificially heated atmosphere, ought not to be rapid, or unduly forced;
+it by no means follows that no progression at all should be made: the
+elements of growth maybe supplied; but the application of them should be
+guided by moderation, being lessened at those particular periods when the
+weather is least propitious, and increased during those periods when it is
+most favourable. In the works of Nature we may ever learn a lesson of
+consistency, for they are perfect: they teach us that food is requisite to
+maintain the life of all those objects which are endowed with it; that
+that food must undergo a process both of digestion and assimilation, ere
+its purpose is fulfilled; and that each of these processes depend on the
+action of natural agents. In the vegetable kingdom, heat and fight as
+derived from a united source, are the agents appointed to bring about
+these results, and in order to ensure their proper action, they must both
+be present in a powerful degree: in artificial schemes of culture, we can
+command a supply of the one, but the other is not within our power; our
+consistency therefore depends on our applying so much of the one under our
+controul, as will secure the united action of it, with the existing degree
+of the other--consequently, _when light is absent, or deficient, heat
+should also be diminished; and when light is present and abundant, heat
+may safely be increased_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+ON THE ADMISSION OF AIR.
+
+
+The question of the admission of air, is one of some importance. It is an
+opinion, which was I believe first publicly brought forward by the late
+Mr. Knight, that an influx of a large volume of the external atmosphere,
+to the interior of forcing houses, is by no means requisite, and is often
+the source of very serious evils. Were it for no other reason, than that
+of avoiding the chilling influence of cold air on the tender tissue of
+plants growing in a high temperature, I should feel inclined to support
+such a view; but when there are facts sufficiently abundant, to prove,
+that plants do not themselves vitiate the air of such structures to an
+extent sufficient to render it unfit for their continued growth, or at
+least, that a sufficient interchange is constantly going on, without
+opening the sashes of a forcing house, the evidence appears to be
+overwhelming; and the necessity of continuing a practice so fraught with
+danger, and so frequently attended with disappointment, appears to be done
+away.
+
+The injury done to the tender foliage of plants in forcing houses, by
+contact with cold air, results from the increased capacity of air for
+moisture, as it become heated. When cold air is admitted to these
+structures, it cannot contain so great a quantity of aqueous matter, as it
+is capable of taking up when it becomes warmed: this increase of
+temperature, is soon in great measure, supplied to it, but rarely is a
+sufficient quantity of moisture, at the same time within its reach, to
+enable it to supply its increased capacity for aqueous matter: the
+consequence is, that on coming in contact with the foilage of the plants,
+which is of a succulent nature, and contains a great proportion of water,
+the warmed air continues to abstract a portion of moisture from the
+plants, until its capacity is satisfied; and hence the plants are robbed
+of their "life's blood." Besides this action, which is the cause of
+serious evil, the tissue itself is contracted and thereby injured, by
+reason of the degree of cold, which is at the first gush, liable to come
+in contact with the warm foliage. These remarks apply to cold air, when
+admitted in a large bulk, by opening the sashes; and when a draught is
+produced, by opening them, both at the back and front, and the top and
+bottom of the house.
+
+Deterioration of the air, by the action of the functions of the plants,
+could not take place, except in hermetically sealed structures: for by
+reason of the expansibility and elasticity of air, when it becomes at all
+heated, it not only gains egress, but also admission through the most
+minute crevices: that this interchange is sufficient to counteract any
+deteriorating influence which the plants might have on the internal air,
+with respect to their continued existence in it, is abundantly proved by
+the growth of plants in Ward's cases, from the interior of which the
+external air is excluded as fully as it possibly can be, without their
+being actually sealed: if therefore, any injurious effects result to
+plants, from their being cultivated in a close atmosphere, we must seek
+for the cause, in some other source, than the plants themselves. If any
+noxious qualities exist in the atmosphere of structures, to which the
+external air has not free ingress, they must result from some neglect or
+ignorance on our part, in suffering extraneous and unwholesome matters to
+accumulate in such situations, and there to decompose, and enter into
+combination with those gaseous bodies, which form the volume of the
+internal atmosphere of our plant structures. The existence of such
+extraneous matters, may indeed be traced to various sources; and they may
+be present, even when much vigilance is employed to prevent their
+accumulation; and therefore, as an inconceivably minute quantity,
+inappreciable to the senses, would frequently be sufficient to effect
+deterioration, it is possible that these impurities may often originate in
+sources which are least of all suspected. The decomposition of organic
+matter, whether animal or vegetable, may frequently be the source of
+injurious results in this respect; for although this is principally
+resolved into those elementary gases, which appear to form the basis of
+all created objects, yet there are other matters liberated, which may then
+enter into fresh combinations; and either this, or a disproportionate
+accumulation, even of these elementary bodies, may reasonably give rise to
+serious apprehension, and demand the exercise of discretion, in order to
+prevent them from becoming injurious. Besides this, these decomposing
+bodies, afford just the very state of things, which appears to be
+requisite to call into existence, and developement, a numerous phalanx of
+cryptogamic vegetables: not that such matters, can for a moment be
+rationally considered to generate, these _cellulares_; but that they
+afford a suitable pabulum, and medium of developement for those millions
+upon millions of sporules, which we may readily conceive to be dispersed
+in the atmosphere; and with which it may be teeming, though from their
+buoyancy and minuteness, they may float to us invisibly therein.
+
+The admission of the external air, by the ordinary process of opening the
+sashes of forcing houses, has been said to be unnecessary, or at least by
+no means important, in so far as the function of vegetable respiration is
+concerned, because the buoyancy of the air within all such structures,
+would enable it to escape in sufficient quantity through their openings
+and crevices, to counterbalance any thing like deterioration, which might
+by any means result from the vital action of the plant. The admission of
+external air, is also directly injurious to forced plants, during the
+winter and spring months, when a very material difference of temperature
+exists between it, and the internal volume, by contracting the vessels,
+impeding the circulation of the juices, and thereby checking the regular
+course of the growth of the plant. If these reasons fail to stamp it as a
+practice which ought not largely to be indulged in, it is further
+objectionable, as being productive of a prodigal expenditure of fuel:
+there can be little doubt but that generally speaking, a far greater
+quantity of fuel than is requisite, is expended in maintaining the
+temperature of forcing houses, solely from this cause; for the cold air
+when admitted, continues to abstract a portion of heat from the warmed
+air, until the temperature of both becomes equal, and consequently an
+increased application of fuel is requisite, in order to raise the newly
+admitted air to the same temperature as that which has been suffered to
+escape; and as the buoyancy of heated air is so great, an immense volume
+must necessarily rush out through a very small aperture, and thus there
+must also of necessity be an immense waste both of heat, and of fuel. A
+given portion of fuel, in its combustion, can give off but a certain
+proportionate ratio of heat, and if this is allowed unnecessarily to
+escape, the prodigality is self-evident. It is but a weak argument, which
+would seek to give to the admission of cold air, the office of regulating
+the temperature of plant houses; this ought to be effected by limiting the
+degree of heat _applied_, and not by attending to the _abstraction_ of
+that which had been previously administered with two lavish an hand.
+Besides the extravagance of such a course, the constitutional vigour and
+energy of the plants is at the same time sacrificed by undue excitement.
+The admission of cold air in large quantities, therefore, brings
+condemnation in its train, since it is unnecessary, and extravagant, as
+well as directly injurious.
+
+There are nevertheless some considerations which render the admission of
+air, when regulated and applied with discretion, an operation of
+importance to the health of plants: it is productive of beneficial
+effects in carrying off the noxious vapours, which may although unseen,
+and guarded against, still float in the atmosphere; and there can be
+little doubt that another beneficial influence which it exercises, results
+from the motion which is produced by a body of air changing its position,
+which probably promotes circulation, and increases the excitability of the
+plants.
+
+Since therefore a change of the volume of the atmosphere in plant houses,
+is productive of benefit, and the admission of a large body of cold air,
+is at the same time so decidedly objectionable, it is important, that in
+endeavouring to secure the benefits of the practice, the injuries which
+are liable to result, should if possible be avoided. The regulation for
+the admistion of air, which is described in the second chapter of this
+treatise, may be regarded as being of some importance in this respect, as
+well as in the provision which it includes, of supplying the heated air,
+with a due proportion of moisture.
+
+Physiologists tell us, that plants derive a considerable proportion of
+their food, directly from the atmosphere, by a process similar to the
+inhaling of animals; and that the substances thus derived, are carbonic
+acid, ammonia, and water, which contain the elements of organic matter in
+considerable proportions. The influence of the atmosphere is exerted
+beneficially, by its constituents entering into combinations with other
+matters, which are taken into the system by the roots, and spread out and
+exposed in the leaves: this exposure has so far the effect of altering the
+character of the substance carried up from the roots, that it is no longer
+a body of crude juice, but is undergoing a process of elaboration, and is
+being assimilated with the superincumbent tissue of the plant. There seems
+to be no reason why those particular gaseous bodies which plants
+appropriate to themselves from the atmosphere, should not to a great
+extent be supplied to them artificially, at such periods as it may be
+necessary, or desirable, to accelerate their growth, and induce a more
+perfect and mature developement. It has been already stated, that the most
+important of these aeriform bodies, are nitrogen, which plants derive from
+ammonia; and carbon, which they derive from carbonic acid gas, on the
+liberation of the oxygen, which is one of its constituents; neither of
+these, can however be appropriated, when in a free state, but only when in
+a state of combination, and forming either a gaseous or a fluid body. It
+is probable that nitrogen might be supplied to plants, through the medium
+of the atmosphere in an artificial manner, by placing within any
+structure, a portion of some of the volatile salts of ammonia, which
+latter being given off, would at once supply the demands of vegetation.
+Carbon might be applied, by the use of charcoal; and it is worthy of
+experiment how far the _combustion of charcoal_, in plant structures, by
+accelerating the formation of carbonic acid gas, may have a beneficial
+influence on vegetation. The use of charcoal as an ingredient in the soil,
+though doubtless partly, and perhaps principally mechanical, is
+nevertheless in all probability rendered advantageous in this very way;
+the slowness of its decomposition must however render the quantity
+applied, very homoeopathic in its nature.
+
+A series of experiments with the view of ascertaining the practicability
+of continually supplying to the atmosphere, those qualities which plants
+abstract from it, and of determining the manner, and the degree in which
+they should be applied, would be one of the most interesting and important
+matters, to which the minds of Horticultural reformers could possibly be
+directed; but it is most essential, to remember, at the same time, "that
+these are powerful agents, requiring much skill in their adaptation," and
+capable of effecting serious injury and disappointment, if
+indiscriminately applied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+ON THE GROWTH OF MELONS.
+
+
+It is barely possible to suppose any use to which a structure which during
+the winter season had been devoted to the growth of Cucumbers, could be so
+legitimately appropriated in the summer, as that of the growth of the
+finer Melons of Persia, Cashmere, and the East. The superiority of such as
+these, in every point of view, over those kinds, which have been long in
+cultivation, would be an ample recompense for the appropriation of such
+valuable space to their use; whilst in no other structure could the
+peculiarities of the treatment they require, be so fully complied with,
+and be rendered so completely under control, as in that under
+consideration.
+
+There are some peculiarities in the treatment of these Melons, to the
+consideration of which, it may be desirable to devote a brief space; the
+most important of these, are the composition of the soil, the application
+of moisture at the root, the regulation of atmospheric warmth, and also,
+of atmospheric moisture; in these particulars, they offer some differences
+to what has been previously stated, with reference to the Cucumber.
+
+The soil in which the Melon delights to grow, is one of a more compact
+texture than is usually regarded as applicable for the Cucumber: a
+suitable compost consists of the "top spit" from a loamy pasture, of a
+texture _rather adhesive_, and retaining the herbage and roots of the
+grass; this should be collected a few months before it is used, so that
+these vegetable substances may be in a _decaying_ state, and it should be
+broken roughly to pieces, but by no means sifted; to it, should be added,
+about one-fourth part of vegetable mould: the whole should be well
+incorporated, and, before using, should be placed in a situation where it
+may not be liable to become saturated by heavy rain; which would serve to
+destroy the free and open texture, which it is so desirable to retain.
+
+In the application of moisture to the soil, the structure which is
+described in a previous chapter, will be found to present facilities,
+which peculiarly adapt it for the growth of these plants. In Persia, and
+the neighbouring countries, where the Melon is so successfully grown, the
+ground is irrigated by means of numerous channels, which, from the
+limitation of their exposed surface, are not peculiarly adapted to supply
+atmospheric moisture; but are yet sufficiently numerous to secure the
+perfect irrigation of the soil, within the reach of the roots. The tubes
+or shafts, represented at (_n_) in the sketch referred to above, are
+intended to communicate directly with a layer of coarse open material,
+extending entirely over the top of the tank, and beneath the soil; by
+means of these a supply of water should be poured beneath the soil, which
+will thus keep that portion immediately about the young roots, in a
+constant and complete state of saturation, by means of the steam which
+will arise, in consequence of the heat from the tank. A uniformly warm,
+and a thoroughly moist soil, will be thus easily secured, which are two
+important points in the growth of Persian Melons. It must be recollected
+that these conditions for supplying moisture, are recommended only during
+the time of growing the plants, and swelling the fruit; but as these
+latter approach their maturity, the degree of moisture must of course be
+gradually diminished.
+
+In connection with this moistened and genial soil, the Melon has
+naturally the advantage also, of powerful sun heat, and intense light; and
+these are two conditions which it is indispensable should be supplied in
+artificial cultivation, as fully as they can possibly be obtained. It is
+by means of the moisture of the soil, that the plants are enabled to grow
+on rapidly and vigorously, because that moisture renders the food
+contained in the soil, soluble, and therefore available to the roots; but
+the elaboration and assimilation of this food depends on the degree of
+_light_ and _heat_ with which they are supplied: without these conditions,
+to convert the crude sap, by their united agency, into organic compounds,
+such as lignin, gum, starch, and sugar, and to induce their deposition,
+the fruit will indeed be formed--it will grow, and perhaps may even tempt
+the eye; but unless these chemical and vital changes have taken place in
+its constituent parts, the eye, as it frequently happens, will have been
+deceived; and instead of the palate being gratified by a mature and
+luscious fruit, it will find nothing but a tasteless mass of pulp. The
+plants, therefore, cannot, in our latitude, receive too intense a degree
+of solar heat, or of light.
+
+The same cause which renders the natural atmosphere of the Melon countries
+elevated in temperature, renders it also comparatively dry; the sun drinks
+up the moisture which is deposited near the surface, or which may rise to
+that position; and by an exceedingly powerful influence effectually
+prevents the accumulation of moisture about the exposed parts of the
+plants. The atmosphere is nevertheless not in an arid state; the
+evaporation from a well-moistened soil effectually prevents this from
+being the case, but the excessive heat also as effectually and continually
+prevents an undue accumulation of moisture in the atmosphere. The
+application of this fact, to artificial practice, is plain; a less amount
+of moisture artificially applied, in comparison with the temperature, must
+be permitted, than when the cultivation of those plants is attempted whose
+natural habitats are less strongly featured in this respect.
+
+Such considerations as these naturally force on us the conclusion, that it
+is vain to attempt the cultivation of this noble fruit, except during that
+portion of the year when the sun exerts his greatest power in our
+latitude. It is not because they cannot be induced to grow at any other
+period of the year, for the mere extension of vegetable tissue will go on,
+though the influence of the natural agents is but limited and feeble; but
+it is because maturity, perfect development, and, above all, the full
+assimilation of the sap, cannot take place sufficiently to ensure a good
+flavour in the fruit, except light and heat are not only unimpeded and
+constant, but powerful and united in their action.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+CONCLUDING REMARKS.
+
+
+I will here briefly recall attention to a most important point which the
+cultivator should continually keep in view: it is most important that he
+should _study Nature_; for if we may believe our senses, or place any
+confidence in overwhelming evidence, we may be certain that all the
+conditions we observe in a natural state of things, have been planned by
+an All-wise hand; and further, that a finite mind can never attempt with
+success, either to surpass or to dispense with any portion of that which
+an infinite being has ordained. "Order is Heaven's first law," and in
+whatever we may attempt to do, we shall not be wise, if we endeavour to
+effect our purpose by any means which may distort the fair proportions
+which unaided nature presents to our view. In cultivating plants,
+therefore, we should administer the conditions which are favourable to
+their growth and development, in somewhat the same proportions each to the
+other, in which they are naturally blended--not supplying one essential,
+in an undue manner, and, at the same time, neglecting others; for
+successful cultivation must ever depend upon the connection and influence
+of numerous circumstances upon each other, and can never be attained,
+unless these conditions are complied with, either designedly, or, as it
+often happens, by mere accident.
+
+Another point which it is important to keep in view, is that instructions
+should be studied, rather than copied, in their application to practice.
+No instructions can be given that should be blindly and implicitly
+followed. The circumstances under which plants are placed are varying
+every day, and even every hour, and, to be successful, horticultural
+practice must be varied also. It must, however, be varied according to
+principle. But even what are regarded as established laws and principles
+should not be heedlessly followed; to be truly successful, a man must not
+only be a practical enthusiast and a keen theorist; he must also be a
+skilful experimentalist: his experiments and their results, if carefully
+watched, deduced, recorded, and studied, will serve to guide him for the
+future.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+_On Heating, Ventilating or Aerating, and Covering._
+
+Since the publication of the first edition of this work in 1844, the views
+expressed in the second chapter, with reference to structures best adapted
+for Cucumber culture in the winter season, have met with much
+corroborative support. Respecting the questions of heating, ventilation,
+and covering, a few more words may be added.
+
+I have before recommended hot water tanks for supplying bottom heat, with
+attached pipes for the circulation of hot water to warm the atmosphere. I
+can see no reason for recommending any other arrangement now; for the
+experience of successive years goes to show that hot water, applied on
+sound principles, is, above all other means of heating, effective in its
+operation; and as to the question of expense, raised as an objection to it
+by some, it is sufficient to say, that, although one hot water apparatus
+may be fitted up in an expensive manner, another may be rendered perfectly
+successful in its operation, at the same time that it is extremely simple
+in its arrangements, and correspondingly inexpensive in its cost.
+
+A seeming error in the engraving, at p. 18, has been pointed out to me. In
+the description of the sketch it is stated that, "a series of pipes
+attached to the same boiler [which heats the tank] would supply the
+requisite heat to the atmosphere." The sketch itself shows these pipes to
+be considerably above the level of the water in the tank, and where they
+could not, consistently with the other arrangements, be thus employed.
+This may be explained thus:--the sketch was introduced rather for the
+purpose of illustrating certain proposed arrangements, as regards bottom
+heat and ventilation, than as furnishing an exact and detailed design for
+a model structure; and thus it happened that the pipes were merely shown
+to be placed at the front part of the house, to indicate that this was
+their proper relative position. There would be no practical difficulty in
+placing the pipes lower down, and nearly close to the front wall, so as to
+admit of the proposed connection; all that would be required to effect
+this, being to fix the slab, on which they rest--and which prevents the
+air from rushing upwards into the atmosphere of the house at this
+point--in a sloping position, instead of a horizontal one.
+
+The principle involved in the plan proposed for aeration or ventilation,
+is no doubt a sound one; and though the plan which is more particularly
+described may be modified and varied, yet it is believed to be efficient
+for its intended purpose.
+
+There can be no doubt that the admission of cold air to a structure in
+which tender plants are being forced, either during winter or early
+spring, is materially hurtful to the plants, in proportion to the
+tenderness of their constitution; and the Cucumber being, under those
+circumstances, a plant of a very tender and delicate nature, is especially
+susceptible of harm from this source. As a consequence resulting from this
+fact, there can be little hesitation in affirming that whatever fresh or
+external air it may be necessary to admit, during the period referred to,
+should be warmed before it reaches the plants, and in being warmed not
+burned, but supplied with the additional moisture its increased heat
+capacitates it to take up, and which, to be congenial to vegetation, it
+requires. This is provided for by the plan already recommended, where the
+cold air is made to pass through the tank containing the heated water
+which warms the soil. By a perfectly practicable modification of this
+arrangement, not only may this result be secured, but also the continual
+circulation of the internal atmosphere may at pleasure be assisted and
+accelerated, during the time when it might not be necessary to admit fresh
+air. This would be an additional advantage. The arrangement proposed to
+effect this, is to conduct the cold external air through a heated chamber
+containing the tanks--these latter being covered, but also admitting of
+being opened to any extent to supply moisture or steam in the proportion
+required. The cold air, after passing upwards through the chamber, escapes
+at the front of the house, and ascends to the upper part of the house,
+from whence it finds its way downwards near the back wall, and there again
+enters the chamber, through openings provided for the purpose. The
+circulation of the internal atmosphere would be thus facilitated and
+accelerated, even without the admission of any current of external air,
+for, of course, there is more or less of this kind of movement going on in
+the atmosphere, wherever and in whatever form a source of artificial heat
+is present. Another mode of combining internal atmospheric motion, with
+ventilation, and by which the cold air is warmed before it reaches the
+plants, has been practised with very marked success, in a vinery at
+Park-hill, Streatham, Surrey; and I have described it in the _Journal of
+the Horticultural Society_[1] as follows:--"This plan consists in passing
+a zinc pipe, thickly perforated with small holes, from end to end of the
+vinery, and exactly beneath the range of hot water pipes, which heat the
+structure. In the outer [end] wall, communicating with this perforated
+pipe by means of a kind of broad funnel, a register valve is fixed, by
+which the admission of air can be regulated with the utmost nicety, or the
+supply be shut off altogether: this valve is fixed a little below the
+level of the perforated pipe. The action of this contrivance was evident
+enough from the motion communicated to the foliage of the vines; and its
+effects were apparent in the unusually healthy and vigorous appearance
+they bore, until their period of ripening. In this case, sufficient
+moisture was kept up by syringing the walls and pipes, wetting the
+pathway, and by the use of evaporating troughs, placed on the metal pipes,
+and kept constantly filled with water."
+
+In another communication published in the work already quoted,[2] after
+alluding to the now well-known garden truism, that a comparatively low
+night temperature is indispensable to the maintenance of vigorous growth
+in plants of all kinds, I have advocated a more extended adoption of the
+practice of night covering hot houses, as a means of permitting the low
+night temperature required, and at the same time securing the plants
+against the extreme cold to which they would thus be sometimes liable.
+From the changeable nature of our climate, there is some difficulty in
+apportioning the degree of applied heat, so as to suit exactly the
+requirements of the plants in these respects; and it is especially
+difficult to maintain with certainty the low degree of night temperature
+which would be desirable, and at the same time avoid risking the safety of
+the plants, through a sudden declension of the temperature of the exterior
+air. At present this difficulty has to be met by extraordinary care on the
+part of the gardener, and often by serious encroachments on his proper
+time for study and for rest: even then sometimes without success. This end
+would be much more effectually and certainly secured by a _complete
+system_ of covering hot-houses and forcing-houses; and this plan would
+secure the further advantage of avoiding the undue stimulation of the
+plants by a then unnecessary amount of heat, applied solely to prevent the
+very evil which covering also prevents, namely, the risk of excessive cold
+during the night.
+
+The principle upon which a covering acts most efficiently, is that of
+enclosing a complete body or stratum of air exterior to the glass, this
+body of air being entirely shut away from the surrounding outer
+atmosphere. Air being a bad conductor of heat, the warmth of the interior
+is by this means prevented from passing to the exterior atmosphere; or, in
+other words, the exterior atmosphere, being prevented from coming in
+contact with the glass, cannot absorb from the interior any material
+proportion of its heat. To secure this advantage, however, the coverings
+_must_ be kept from contact with the glass, and they should extend on
+every side where the structure is formed of materials which readily
+conduct heat--such as glass or iron. The coverings should in fact form
+neither more nor less than _a close outer case_.
+
+One point connected with the application of these coverings, which I
+consider would constitute an improvement, and which, as far as I am aware,
+has never been acted on, is that of having them to fit so accurately as to
+exclude the external air (a matter of no difficulty in the degree
+required), and then to have a series of ventilators provided, to stand
+open during the night, whereby an interchange of the atmospheric volume
+would take place throughout the night, without exposing the plants to
+contact with cold air. The stagnation of the internal atmosphere would
+thus be prevented, in consequence of the interior air and the air between
+the glass and the covering being of different degrees of density, owing to
+their being differently charged with heat. By this plan, therefore, I
+conceive that direct benefit would accrue to the plants; and it would also
+materially assist in preserving that cooler--but not cold--night
+temperature, which the fear of injury from frost prevents from being more
+fully realised in ordinary cases.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+The annexed diagram represents one of the many ways in which this idea
+might be carried into practice. It will be understood that, as here shown,
+the side shutters and end shutters (the latter not indicated), fit into
+grooves, the upper groove being attached to iron pins, and thus fixed at a
+proper distance from the building, without obstructing the passage of air
+along the enclosed space; and that on the lower side being so fixed as to
+exclude the external air in that direction. The top or roof shutters also
+run into a groove along the ridge of the roof, and at the lower end fix
+close down to the top of the side shutters, fastening with a button. Each
+of the shutters should have a projecting fillet fixed on one side, so as
+to shut close over the adjoining one. The shutters themselves should of
+course be made of light frame-work, strengthened where necessary, with
+small iron rods. The material used for covering them may be the asphalte
+felt, now manufactured extensively for roofing purposes, or strong brown
+paper, coated with tar; the latter is used extensively in Germany for this
+purpose, and is found to be very durable and cheap; it is there even
+preferred to every other material.
+
+Though the covering of hot-houses has been already practised in some
+cases, I am not aware of any one having adopted a close covering with the
+view to facilitate ventilation or aeration during the night. It appears to
+me that the circulation of air, secured by the means here proposed, would
+have much influence in excluding cold, whilst at the same time it would
+prevent the interior from becoming too warm and close.
+
+
+_On Transplanting and the use of Turf Pots._
+
+I have, at p. 26, given what appear to me to be some of the principal
+reasons against the practice of transplanting, or planting out, Cucumber
+and other plants. When this is done after any quantity of roots are
+produced, some injury or check must be sustained during the process; and
+checks of this kind are opposed to the realisation of the greatest results
+within the shortest period, which of course is the great object in view.
+Where it is inconvenient to plant the seeds in the places the plants are
+intended to occupy, or to put out the young plants during the earliest
+period of their development, or where propagation by cuttings or layers,
+is adopted, and the plants of course have to be potted separately, so as
+to be in a removable state, the following simple plan may be adopted, and
+will be found to combine all the advantages and conveniences attending the
+use of pots, with the avoidance of the evils of transplantation, &c. The
+plan referred to, consists in the employment of turf or peat, so contrived
+as to supply the place of pots, and which of course at the time of
+planting is simply placed, along with the plant it contains, at once into
+the soil, without in the least disturbing the roots, which, growing
+through the substance of the turf, extend beyond it in all directions into
+the free soil provided for them. These turf pots are made of spongy,
+fibrous turf--whether loamy or peaty is not material, provided it is full
+of fibre, so as to admit of being readily traversed by the roots. The
+grassy surface is evenly removed, and the under-turves are cut three or
+four inches in thickness, and are then divided into squares of about three
+inches across. The centre of each of these little squares is taken out by
+means of an iron scoop, such as that represented in the annexed sketch;
+and this is then filled up with soil, and the plant, or seed, or cutting,
+or layer, inserted as if it were into an ordinary flower pot. It will be
+obvious that by this plan, every plant is independent and perfectly
+removable--thus securing the convenience of sowing or planting and rearing
+the plants in pots during their earliest stages: on the other hand, at the
+time of planting out permanently, the plant, turf, and all being set
+carefully into the soil, no check is sustained, because the roots remain
+undisturbed, and may, as they advance, penetrate through the turf into the
+prepared soil which surrounds them; in this way the advantages of sowing
+or planting at the very first in the position the plants are intended to
+occupy permanently, are secured.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+This plan of sowing seeds, or of planting young plants intended for
+transplantation, into pots made of turf, is not only applicable to
+cucumbers, but might be very extensively adopted in the case of annuals
+and half hardy plants raised in frames, during the spring, in large
+quantities for the flower garden. In these cases, however, as the quantity
+that could be reared within a given space would be an object, the turves
+should be as small as possible in their lateral dimensions--a bore of two
+inches and a half, with half an inch on each side, thus making the
+diameter three inches and a half, would be found convenient in this
+respect. For cucumbers, however, or when the plan was applied to any
+special object, a larger size might be employed, which would allow of the
+plants attaining a larger size before it would be necessary to place them
+in their permanent positions.
+
+
+_On Watering the Soil._
+
+In the diagram at p. 18, and the description of it at p. 20, I have
+indicated and recommended a plan of moistening the soil by pouring water
+down beneath the soil: this was to be done by the help of tubes provided
+for the purpose. The soil was supposed to rest on the top of the hot
+water-tank, which was to supply bottom heat; and immediately beneath the
+soil, a layer of open rubble was proposed to be placed, among which the
+water applied might find its way, and gradually moisten the superincumbent
+soil. Mr. Hunter, gardener at Mawley Hall, in detailing[3] his sixteen
+years' experience in tank-heating, has in great measure corroborated
+these views; and as his corroboration of the plan I have recommended,
+embodies some useful hints, I will quote the substance of his remarks:--"I
+had a pit erected, thirty-eight feet long, seven and a half wide, divided
+into four compartments, for growing melons and cucumbers, with a tank
+extending the whole length of the pit, six feet wide and six inches deep.
+Across this I put larch spars, and upon them turves, with the grassy side
+downwards, and on them the soil for the melons and cucumbers. The plants
+grew and did well for a time, but they were of short duration in
+comparison with the dung-bed. Instead of the moisture ascending through
+the soil as I expected, I found that the heat from the tank dried the
+turves and soil next to them as dry as dust, and that there was no such
+thing as obtaining a moist heat from hot water without the soil was in
+contact with it. Next year I put broken stones upon the spars, and turves
+upon them, and made my arrangements so that I could occasionally run water
+in the tank to wet the turves and the soil next them. This was an
+improvement; and I went on prosperously for some years, till the spars
+began to decay. I then had iron bars put across, and two of the
+compartments covered with squares, a foot in diameter, and one inch thick;
+the other two with slates; both slates and squares jointed with Roman
+cement, to prevent the soil from getting into the tank, as I had found the
+inconvenience of it when using the spars. I put some broken stones upon
+the covers, and turves upon them, and then the soil. Here my original
+difficulty occurred; the soil next the covers got too dry, and to moisten
+it from above was impracticable, without making the soil a complete
+puddle, which would have stopped the healthy growth of the plants. To
+remedy this, I put six small earthen pipes into each division, the one end
+resting upon the tank covers, the other standing up above the soil. When I
+found by the watch sticks that the soil was getting dry, I poured water
+down the pipes through a tin funnel which I had made on purpose; this
+spread itself over the surface of the tank covers, and diffused a gentle
+moisture to the soil, so congenial to the growth of plants. This was a
+move in the right direction. I then thought that it would be better to
+pour the manure water down upon the tank covers, which I have done since.
+I found the broken stones over the tank covers troublesome; they were also
+a harbour for wood-lice. I now use only a layer of leaves next the covers,
+and they are cleared out with the soil."
+
+
+_On Atmospheric Humidity._
+
+Cucumbers cannot at any time be successfully grown in an arid atmosphere,
+although, during the winter season, they require a much less proportion of
+atmospheric humidity, than under the influence of longer days and brighter
+light; and conversely, the degree which would be necessary to secure their
+welfare in summer, would be fatal to them in winter. An experienced
+gardener would tell almost instinctively, at either season, whether a
+sufficient supply was present or not; but less experienced cultivators
+would need some index, or register, to guide them. Such an index is
+afforded by the hygrometer; but most of the kinds of hygrometers are
+delicate instruments, and hardly suited for garden use. What is needed in
+this case is, not an instrument which requires minute observations and
+calculations, but something that will at once indicate the atmospheric
+humidity as plainly as the thermometer does the temperature, and which
+may be as easily read off and understood. Simmons' hygrometer, recently
+introduced to the notice of horticulturists, professes to supply this
+desideratum; and though, perhaps, not a sufficiently accurate instrument
+for purely scientific purposes, yet, as simply and clearly indicating what
+is at least an approximation to the existing degree of atmospheric
+humidity, it is to be regarded as a useful garden hygrometer. By it, the
+degree of dryness or humidity is indicated on a dial-plate, by means of a
+moveable arm resembling the hand of a clock. The dial-plate is marked off
+into degrees, expressing the amount of moisture in the air, between what
+is observed when the instrument is plunged in water on the one hand, and
+exposed to excessive dryness on the other. As my own experience of this
+instrument, though favourable to its use, is still but limited, I cannot
+do better than introduce here the following remarks of Mr. Beck, of
+Isleworth, a very successful cultivator of plants, and one who has had
+considerable experience in the use of these instruments. It will be
+observed that Mr. Beck's standard for the orchid-house will be about
+suitable for cucumbers.[4] Mr. Beck observes,--"The skilful gardener,
+observing the pointer to advance with dryness and return with moisture,
+will soon form a standard for himself, by which to regulate his stove,
+greenhouse, &c.; still some general scale is desirable. Two conditions
+must be carefully observed:--1. The instrument must neither be hung in the
+sun, nor where it will be liable to get wetted or saturated. 2. It must
+not be subjected to greater heat than is suited to vegetable life. For the
+six months commencing with August and ending with January, 40 deg. in,
+the morning, increasing to 60 deg. about noon, and declining again to 40
+deg. at night, is about the right scale for the orchid-house; whilst a
+range from 50 deg. to 80 deg. would be suitable for both the stove and
+greenhouse in those months. In the other half year, February and July
+inclusive, 30 deg. to 40 deg., morning and evening, running up to 80 deg.
+in the middle of the day for the orchid-house; 40 deg. and 50 deg., and up
+to 70 deg. for the stove; and 50 deg. to 80 deg. for the greenhouse, will
+prove very suitable. The above scale is desirable, but I do not say it is
+always attainable. Ours is an uncertain climate; sometimes a dry east wind
+will almost parch us up; at other times a southerly one, with wet, will
+cause a superabundance, which will have to be corrected, possibly by a
+gentle fire, and a free admission of air. The alteration hereby effected
+in the atmosphere of the houses will soon be evidenced by the hygrometer,
+and mildew and fogging off be kept at a distance. Opposed to an excess of
+moisture in the dull months of the year, is the dryness consequent on the
+summer and autumnal sunshine. Then, during the heat of the days, the
+instrument will seem to have run wild. Throwing water on the floors of the
+houses, and every means of increasing the amount of moisture, seems but of
+little or temporary avail; Simmons will go up, spite of all, to 90 deg. or
+100 deg., and none the worse either, for it is still a faithful indicator,
+and as sure as the day declines, and the heat of the sun is withdrawn, so
+will it come back to a suitable point, when the plants are watered and the
+floors are wetted for the night. Remembering then, the variableness of our
+climate, I candidly admit that I consider any precise directions of very
+little value. None can be given that shall be implicitly followed, or on
+which success shall certainly attend. Horticultural practice should be
+made dependant upon ever-varying circumstances."
+
+Mr. Belville, of the Royal Observatory, has constructed the following
+Table, from a series of observations made with Simmons' hygrometer in
+connexion with the dew point, as obtained by a Mason's hygrometer, or a
+dry and wet thermometer.
+
+  +------------------------------------------------------------------+
+  |  Range            Mean   |                                       |
+  |of Simmons'    Humidity of|                                       |
+  |Hygrometer.       the Air.|                                       |
+  +--------------------------|                                       |
+  | 20 deg. to 30 deg. 1.00  |Extreme saturation; air precipitates   |
+  |                          | moisture at a fall of temperature.    |
+  | 30  ..  40         0.96  |                                       |
+  | 40  ..  50         0.89  |                                       |
+  | 50  ..  60         0.81  |                                       |
+  | 60  ..  70         0.77  | }                                     |
+  | 70  ..  80         0.72  | }Ordinary fine dry weather.           |
+  | 80  ..  90         0.67  | }                                     |
+  | 90  .. 100         0.59  |                                       |
+  |100  .. 120         0.50  | Air contains one half of the moisture |
+  |                          |  it is capable of holding in solution;|
+  |                          |  in England very dry weather.         |
+  +--------------------------+---------------------------------------+
+
+     Example:--Suppose hygrometer read 45 deg., the mean humidity
+     corresponding is 93. Again, if hygrometer read 90 deg., the mean
+     humidity corresponding is 59 deg.
+
+
+_Mushrooms._ (See p. 22.)
+
+Convenience for growing mushrooms may always be planned in a cucumber
+house; and as these excellent fungi are universally approved, it may be
+useful to append an epitome of the mode in which they should be
+cultivated.
+
+The best, or, at least, most convenient situation for the bed, would be
+beneath that provided for the cucumber plants (see p. 18). The front may
+be formed of two course of brick-on-edge, and if divisions are required,
+they should be formed in the same way. The bottom should be made even, and
+rendered dry. The material for forming the bed itself consists of short
+stable litter, with horse-droppings, but chiefly the latter, brought to a
+certain state of fermentation. The droppings and litter should be obtained
+daily from the stable, until enough for a bed is collected; it should,
+from day to day, be thrown up into a flattish heap, in a dry place, where
+it will ferment very slightly. As soon as enough is got together to begin
+to ferment, the heap must be turned over; and in these turnings, the outer
+and inner parts of the heap, as well as the fresh and the fermenting, must
+be well mixed up together; the heaps should be turned every second day,
+and should never be made large, or else the dung would become both too hot
+and too dry, either of which would spoil it. To avoid this, the heaps
+should be flat and shallow, with as much outside as possible; in this way
+the air, acting on a considerable portion of it, renders it rather dry,
+and checks too rapid fermentation. This preparation must be continued
+until the whole mass is brought to an uniform mild, dryish state of
+fermentation. Then the bed may be made in the following manner:--About
+three inches of the prepared dung is laid evenly over the bottom, and is
+beaten down firmly with a flat heavy wooden mallet. Another layer is then
+put on in the same way, and this is repeated until the bed is formed to a
+thickness of about six inches. The next two inches of the dung should have
+about a sixth part of light turfy loam reduced to mould, and sifted, mixed
+with it to give it body. The bed is now prepared, and is to be spawned as
+soon as it is seen that it does not heat violently. The heat ought not to
+exceed 90 degrees: if it reaches higher than this, holes must be made, a
+few inches apart, to let the heat pass off, and in a day or two these may
+be filled up again. The spawn is to be put in when the heat ranges about
+75 degrees; lumps of spawn about as large as a small egg may be used; a
+hole should be made with the fingers about two inches deep, the spawn
+inserted, and the material of the bed closed about it. Probably by this
+time there will be no danger of overheating, and if so, the soil may be
+put on; if, however, there is any inclination to overheat, wait till it
+has passed off before putting on the soil. The soil used should be
+decomposed turfy loam, moderately dry, so as to bear compression without
+running together like paste, but damp enough to become firm, close, and
+even, when beaten closely. About two inches in thickness should be put on,
+and this is to be beaten down quite firm and close. The beds are then
+finished. It is as well to cover the surface with a thin layer of short
+hay, to prevent it becoming quite dry. Mushroom beds seldom require water;
+after they have been some time in bearing, the beds sometimes get dry, and
+in such cases, if they have a moderate soaking of _tepid_ water, and the
+surface is covered as before, a new crop will spring up. The covering is
+best removed when the beds are in bearing. It is seldom advisable to apply
+water when the beds are coming into bearing. Water should never be used in
+any other than a tepid state.
+
+Mushrooms are most prized in the summer, though the atmosphere of a
+cucumber-house would not then be suitable for them, unless the space about
+them could be closed in, so as to retain a close, somewhat humid
+atmosphere. They would succeed very well without being enclosed, during
+the season for forcing cucumbers.
+
+Under the treatment which has been detailed, the beds would usually come
+into bearing in about six weeks from the time of spawning; and, under
+favourable circumstances, would continue in bearing for two or three
+months.
+
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[1] The Journal of the Horticultural Society of London, vol. I. p. 114.
+
+[2] Ib. vol. II. p. 29.
+
+[3] Gardener's Journal, 1847, p. 339.
+
+[4] Gardener's Chronicle 1847.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.
+
+The following misprints have been corrected:
+  "influenee" corrected to "influence" (page 21)
+  "circumstauces" corrected to "circumstances" (page 32)
+  "analagous" corrected to "analogous" (page 36)
+  "shonld" corrected to "should" (page 36)
+  "distributiug" corrected to "distributing" (page 40)
+  "appropaiated" corrected to "appropriated" (page 55)
+  "conditious" corrected to "conditions" (page 72)
+
+Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies in
+spelling and hyphenation usage have been retained.
+
+Punctuation has been corrected without note.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Theory and Practice, Applied to the
+Cultivation of the Cucumber in the Winter Season, by Thomas Moore
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