gradually as growth develops, but close the frames early in the afternoon and give them the protection of mats at night should the outside temperature be low.  Water must be given in moderation.  It should always be of the same temperature as the frame, and as soon as the haulm commences to turn yellow watering must be discontinued.  Little earthing up is needed, but when the foliage is about nine inches high the addition of a small quantity of warm soil along the rows will be beneficial.

==Early Potatoes== outdoors are produced in various ways, and by very simple appliances.  The Potato will not bear the slightest touch of frost.  It is a sub-tropical plant, and will endure considerable heat if at the same time it can enjoy light, air, and sufficient moisture.  In some respects it may be likened to the Lettuce, for if crowded or overheated, or subjected to sudden checks, it bolts—­in other words, it produces plenty of top and no bottom, just as Lettuces similarly treated produce flowering stems and no hearts.  We will here propose a very simple and practical procedure for obtaining a nice crop of Potatoes in the month of June.  This system fairly mastered, endless modifications will be easily effected as circumstances and judgment may suggest.

Begin by selecting an early variety of the best quality.  Some time towards the end of January the sets are packed closely in shallow boxes, one layer deep only, and these are placed in full daylight safe from frost, but are not subjected to heat in any way.  Having started the sets into growth in full daylight, proceed with the preparation of the ground.  This must be light, warm, dry and rather rich without being rank.  If a length of wall is available, and perplexity arises concerning suitable soil for the early Potatoes, seize all the sandy loam that has been turned out of pots, and having mixed it with as much leaf-mould and quite rotten manure as can be spared, lay the mixture in a ridge at the foot of the wall.  As walls do not anywhere run in such lengths as to provide for all the early Potatoes that are wanted, select a plot of ground lying warm and dry to the sun, and having spread over it a liberal allowance of decayed manure, and any light fertilising stuff, such as the red and black residue from the burning of hedge clippings, turf, and weeds, dig this in.  The ground being ready, it is lined out in neat ridges two feet apart, running north and south.  These ridges must be shallow, rising not more than six inches above the general level.  On every fourth ridge sow early Peas that are not likely to grow more than two and a half to three feet in height.  This being done in February, the land is ready for Potatoes in the first week of March.  Plant on the fine stuff laid up next the wall in the first instance, and then on the ridges, where there is room for three rows of Potatoes between every two rows of Peas.  In the process of planting, it will be advisable to rub off all the weak eyes and thin out those on the crown,